No second term for Fort Smith Director Hutchings

Fort Smith City Director Don Hutchings has decided to not seek a second four-year term on the board, saying he has to focus 100% on an $8 million expansion of Evangel Temple.

Hutchings, pastor of Evangel Temple, said raising the money and working with architects, contractors and others to build a new facility that includes a 1,500-seat sanctuary will “consume” all of his time. He said he called the other Directors before notifying the media.

“This decision, it has nothing to do with the negative things. It has everything to do with building this 1,500-seat sanctuary,” Hutchings said during a brief Friday (Jan. 27) interview.

Hutchings said the best part of the job has been direct interaction with citizens.

“It’s been an honor to serve in this position, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it,” he explained. “(The) highlight has been serving people, not just one gigantic event. It’s been going to people’s homes and helping them with their city issues. I’ve loved that.”

He did not want to talk about “the negative things.”

“I want this to stay positive,” Hutchings said of his decision to not seek re-election.

Hutchings will not completely pull out of the election cycle. He did not rule out making an endorsement in the Ward 3 race.

“Once I hear the names I may consider endorsing someone,” Hutchings explained.

Hutchings was elected in 2008, defeating Director Rick Parrish by a wide margin.

Hutchings is the Ward 3 director. Elections will be held for Fort Smith’s four wards (Wards 1-4) in 2012. Directors serve four-year terms. The three at-large Director positions are up for election in 2014. The city filing period is May 16 through June 5. If needed, a municipal primary will be held Aug. 14.

Ken Pevehouse, a former City Director, has announced he will seek a return to the Ward 1 seat. Ward 1 Director Steve Tyler, now in his first term, has not announced a decision.

Ward 4 City Director George Catsavis has said he will run again. Catsavis survived a municipal primary and general election in 2010 to complete the two years of a four-year term (Position 4) vacated by former City Director Bill Maddox.

Ward 2 City Director Andre Good, also in his first term, has not announced a decision.