Perry bows out of Ward 2 council race
By Greg Rayburn \ Editor \ grayburn@sherwoodvoice.com
Friday, August 15, 2008 1:27 PM CDT
Sherwood may have one less contested ward race in November.
Steve Perry, who was seeking David Henry’s Ward 2 slot, has announced he is stepping out of the race.
A spokeswoman for the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office said write-in candidates can file for municipal aldermanic seats between Aug. 9-26.
If no one files as a write-in, candidate Keith Lilly — the lone candidate left in the race for Henry’s spot — would be Henry’s replacement on the City Council after his swearing in on Jan. 1, 2009.
Perry said his decision to step out is because of an increase in time demands of his business.
“Due to a sudden and unexpected time demand in one of my businesses, it would be imprudent of me and unfair to my constituents at this time for me to continue seeking the office of alderman in the 2008 election,” Perry said in a written, prepared statement. “I must therefore announce my intention to withdraw my candidacy.”
Perry has owned and operated APS Payroll Services on Brookswood Drive for 25 years. APS also provides insurance services.
Originally from Jacksonville, Perry has been a part of the Sherwood community for about 25 years. During his announcement in the summer, he said he wanted to bring a business-minded perspective to the decisions made by the council.
Perry said he still wants to serve the community by remaining active in the Sherwood Chamber of Commerce.
Perry is vice president of the chamber and formerly served as its treasurer. He has been a member of the chamber for three years.
Perry said he discussed his decision with Lilly before making his announcement public.
“I went over to his house and told him,” Perry said. “He lives in my neighborhood. It was a very positive conversation.”
Lilly is a project manager for AT&T Mobility of Little Rock. Lilly serves on the Sherwood Sewer Committee.
Lilly said he is happy that Perry is leaving the race because he won’t have to spend as much money getting his name before voters. However, he said potentially being the lone candidate won’t make him spend less time getting out to meet voters and getting to know Ward 2 residents.
“I have got to let them know who I am,” Lilly said.
If the Ward 2 race becomes uncontested, only two November aldermanic races will be contested — Wards 3 and 4. where incumbents Marina Brooks and Steve Fender, respectively, face challengers.
Brooks faces Bill Montgomery, who lives at the Pavilion Apartments on East Maryland Avenue.
Fender faces two opponents. This year’s race will bring a rematch as challenger Norman Cartwright, who ran for Fender’s spot six years ago but was defeated, seeks the seat. Also in the race is newcomer Justin Smith, who lives on Claremont Avenue.
Ward 1 incumbent Charles Harmon remains unopposed in the November election.
Perry said he hopes the next council will think with a business mindset when it makes decisions that affect the community.
Perry said he would have loved to have served the community as an alderman.
“I am thankful for the support that I have received and must apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused,” he said.
