So you want to be a Fayetteville city council member … here’s how you do it.

Four city council seats are up for grabs this November in Fayetteville.

In two of those races, the incumbents indicated they’re not seeking reelection.

Alderwoman Shirley Lucas of Ward 4, Position 1 and Alderman Kyle Cook of Ward 2, Position 1 are stepping aside at the end of the year. It’s uncertain yet whether Adella Gray of Ward 1, Position 1 and Robert K. Rhoads of Ward 3, Position 1 are still in the game.

We will know exactly who is running next month as filing for city council begins Aug. 4 and runs till noon on Aug. 24.

Mark Kinion has announced his intention to run for Cook’s seat  - he lost to Alderman Matthew Petty in 2008 – and Justin Tennant wants Rhoads’ position.

Rhonda Adams. assistant law school dean at the University of Arkansas, threw her hat in the ring for Lucas’ seat just last month.

Now it’s your turn.

If you’re interested in running for the city council, go see city clerk Sondra Smith on the third floor of city hall. Her number is 479.575.8323.

She has a packet of papers for anyone interested. It contains everything you need to get started.

We also have that package available here if you want to download it.

Here are the basic steps to getting on the ballot in November:

1. Get 30 folks to sign your nominating petition.
2. Sign the Political Practices Pledge that states you understand the rules.
3. Sign the Affidavit of Eligibility to ensure you meet the requirements to run.
4. Fill out a Statement of Financial Interest to tell the public, in broad terms, where your money comes from.
5. If you raise more than $500, you must file a Campaign Expenditure and Expenditure report by Oct. 10. If not, then you have to file it within 30 days after the Nov. 16 election.

Bam. Simple as that.

Well, you also have to win the election which means tirelessly knocking on doors throughout your neighborhood and meeting folks and hearing their concerns.

You’ve got till Aug. 24. to get in the race.

Christopher Spencer

Christopher Spencer, 36, is the publisher and owner of Ozarks Unbound and the food news site, The Fayetteville Food File. He is the chair of the Fayetteville Creative Economy Action Group and the social media chair of the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. He's also the founder of WordCamp Fayetteville. You can always contact him at cspencer@ozarksunbound.com

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See our ongoing coverage: City of Fayetteville, Election, General Election 2010

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