Mayoral candidate: Steve Holifield

Steve Holifield

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Eureka Springs Times-Echo sent a series of questions to the three candidates running for mayor in the Nov. 3 election. The race is between Mayor Butch Berry, City Council member Steve Holifield and Susan Harman, a former council member who is currently a member of the city’s Planning Commission. Following are Holifield's responses. Answers were edited only for clarity.

• TIMES-ECHO: At what point did you make the decision to run for mayor and why? Was there a particular situation or event that happened that led to the decision, or just something you decided over time?

• HOLIFIELD: Last December I set myself a deadline to make up my mind to run for city council or as mayor, and after experiencing the role of alderman I decided I wanted to be in a position to make real changes and that was to be mayor.

• TIMES-ECHO: If elected, what would be your priorities for the first 90 days in office?

• HOLIFIELD: I would meet with all the department heads and lay out the department and city priorities, and establish a good, honest, open working relationship with each director. I want their feedback on what they think the priorities should be. I’m not a micromanager, but the responsibility ultimately is the mayor’s.

• TIMES-ECHO: Can you give a synopsis of your background? Where you grew up? Where all you’ve lived? How long have you lived in Eureka, and what brought you here? Own/run any businesses currently?

• HOLIFIELD: I was born and grew up in Arkansas east of Eureka Springs. I went into the Army right out of high school. After the military, I went to college at Missouri State and received a Bachelor’s in Political Science and another in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. I also served in the Active Navy Reserves at that time. I went to graduate school at Texas State University and stayed in Austin (Texas) for 28 years until I retired with over 30 years’ experience in mental health. The last job I had was as a crisis counselor for the Austin Police Department as a Crisis Counselor Supervisor for Victim Services. I retired and moved to Eureka Springs.

• TIMES-ECHO: How would you describe Eureka Springs in just a few words?

• HOLIFIELD: Eureka Springs is a great place to live due to the wonderful, friendly people who live here.

• TIMES-ECHO: What are your thoughts on the proposed 1 percent sales tax on the ballot for water/wastewater improvements?

• HOLIFIELD: I support the 1 percent sales tax and think it is well overdue to address our ancient infrastructure.

• TIMES-ECHO: What is the biggest challenge facing Eureka Springs headed into 2027 and why?

• HOLIFIELD: I think everyone would agree that our water and wastewater system needs to be fixed.

• TIMES-ECHO: When campaigning, what topics/ city issues do you hear from residents the most?

• HOLIFIELD: I have heard mostly about sidewalks, and a mayor that will listen to the citizens.

• TIMES-ECHO: What is your personal opinion on a downtown permanent entertainment district?

• HOLIFIELD:I  personally have no opinion either way, but I believe it is the responsibility of each alderman to listen to everyone, including business owners, and weigh out the evidence presented for or against. But, when an issue looks this closely divided, I would want it put on the ballot for voters to decide, and I voted three times to make that happen and was defeated each time. I still believe the citizens should decide, not the city council.

• TIMES-ECHO: Why should residents vote for you over the other two candidates?

• HOLIFIELD: I believe in term limits because it brings in fresh eyes and fresh ideas to keep our city improving. I believe I bring unique qualities to this position that will benefit the city and its residents. I have demonstrated my commitment to this great city.

• TIMES-ECHO: What else would you like to add to help voters be more informed about your candidacy?

• HOLIFIELD: I moved here without owning a business or needing a job. I moved here because I think it is a great place to live, and I want to keep it a great place to live.