The public in Centerton will have a chance to hear directly from candidates running for mayor and City Council in a forum scheduled for Monday evening. The event will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Lifepoint Baptist Church, located at 11161 Gamble Road, offering residents a valuable opportunity to engage with the people hoping to lead the city.
The forum is organized by the Benton County League of Women Voters, a group known for encouraging informed and active participation in government. Everyone interested in the future of Centerton is encouraged to attend and listen as candidates lay out their priorities and answer questions.
Four seats are up for grabs in the Nov. 3 election: the mayor’s office and three City Council positions. The mayoral race features Cliff Thompson and Wendy Henson, each seeking to guide Centerton through the challenges and opportunities that come with rapid growth in Northwest Arkansas.
In addition to the mayoral contest, the City Council races bring multiple contenders vying for the chance to shape the direction of their respective wards. In Ward 1, Position 2, voters will choose between Christopher Mooney and Mark Popejoy. Ward 2, Position 2 candidates include Parker Touchton and Josie Reed. Finally, Ward 3, Position 2 is a three-way race with Allie Verdery, Katie Koscheski, and Justin Cowgur all in the running.
All candidates have been invited to participate, and the forum promises to be a comprehensive way for voters to assess the platforms and visions of each contender in one setting. These forums are a rarity in city races this size, especially in NWA’s smaller cities, so this event stands out as an important moment to hear detailed candidate perspectives without the noise of broader media campaigns.
Attendees will also have the chance to grab some food during the event, as Senora Fuerza taco stand will be on hand selling meals. It’s a nice touch—the kind of community-friendly approach that makes local politics feel accessible and alive.
The timing of the forum offers a last good look before ballots drop and early voting begins, giving Centerton residents a clear snapshot of who is running and what each candidate stands for. With the city’s population growing steadily, leadership decisions made this year could impact how well Centerton manages increased demand on services, infrastructure, and community resources.
Centerton has been among NWA’s faster-growing cities, pushing city leaders to balance new development with the desire to maintain the small-town feel that many residents value. Whoever wins these races will be taking on the task of managing that growth in real ways—this isn’t just about city government in name only.
For folks who’ve lived in major metropolitan areas, the scale of these races might seem small, but that local leadership has outsized influence on daily life—from roads and schools to business licensing and public safety. The candidates’ views on managing growth, supporting local businesses, and improving quality of life will directly affect the community’s direction for years to come.
This forum is a chance to see what these candidates bring to the table. It’s also a reminder to get out and vote on Nov. 3, a date that often slips past voters in smaller cities but is crucial for steering Centerton’s future. Taking an hour out of your evening to listen, ask questions, and engage is a solid investment in your community’s well-being.
If you’re interested in local governance or want to meet the people who will represent you, Monday’s event is the place to be. It’s one of the best opportunities to hold candidates accountable before casting your ballot, and honestly, it’s encouraging to see this level of candidate interaction in our part of Northwest Arkansas.
Keep an eye on details from the Benton County League of Women Voters and Lifepoint Baptist Church as Monday approaches, and bring friends or neighbors who might want to hear the candidates in person. Civic participation, especially in city elections, often doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves—this event is a chance to change that.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette