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. Answers were edited only for clarity.
MAYOR BUTCH BERRY
• TIMES-ECHO: Was running for re-election a more difficult decision this time around? If so, what factors led to ultimately deciding to run again?
• BERRY: No, my decision to run again was not any more difficult than the first time. I’ve had numerous people ask me to “please run again.” With several large and important projects ongoing in our city, I want to see them through to the finish.
• TIMES-ECHO: How has Eureka changed over the years since you’ve been mayor?
• BERRY: Eureka is always changing. I think one of the most important changes is that we are seeing more visitors coming to town and the demographics of those people have changed. This younger segment helped create new business models that are not the same as they were 12 years ago.
• TIMES-ECHO: If re-elected, what would be your priorities during your next term?
• BERRY: Hopefully, with the bond issues passing, the water and sewer projects will become a focal point. Along with our quest for affordable housing, I’d like to see the city utilizing city-owned vacant residential lots to help qualified low-income citizens build a home. [In addition], finding the best way to pay for a parking deck, and annexation of adjacent land so we can have room for our city to grow.
• TIMES-ECHO: How would you describe Eureka Springs in just a few words?
• BERRY: The best place to live, work, and play in the USA.
• TIMES-ECHO: What are your thoughts on the importance of the proposed 1 percent sales tax on the ballot for water/wastewater improvements?
• BERRY: The upcoming ballot issue for the 1 percent sales tax is one of the most important decisions for our citizens. It will decide whether the city can supply water and sewer services to citizens without having to significantly raise the rates. All over Arkansas, cities are having to raise rates so their water and sewer departments can operate, by law, on a self-sustaining basis. We are able to have our visitors, who use the bulk of these services, also pay for water and sewer improvements by implementing this sales tax.
• TIMES-ECHO: What is the biggest challenge facing Eureka Springs headed into 2027 and why?
• BERRY: The economy, which affects everyone’s household with increased prices for gas, food and other day-to-day items. This in turn affects how we attract our visitors, since our main industry is tourism. I also feel that the growth of the Northwest Arkansas corridor will become more of a factor with additional people moving in and competing for affordable housing with our local citizens.
• TIMES-ECHO: When campaigning, what topics/ city issues do you hear from residents the most?
• BERRY: Homelessness, affordable housing, water and sewer issues.
• TIMES-ECHO: What is your personal opinion on a downtown permanent entertainment district?
• BERRY: I feel this should be decided by being placed on the ballot and our citizens making that decision.
• TIMES-ECHO: Why should residents vote for you over the other two candidates?
• BERRY: I have the experience and institutional knowledge of the city. Recently, I listened to the Planning Commission as they were discussing buses on Kingshighway. They had no idea why the city created an ordinance for the purpose of keeping motor coaches off of our narrow streets.
I have developed a good, working relationship with Congressman Womack and Senator Boozman, also with the state. I’m on the executive board of the Arkansas Municipal League. No other Eureka Springs mayor has ever served on that board. I have made useful contacts throughout our state, and even across the nation, over the last 40 years that can help Eureka Springs over the next four years.
• TIMES-ECHO: What else would you like to add to help voters be more informed about your candidacy for re-election?
• BERRY: As most everyone knows, I was born right here in our local hospital. My first job was at the Crescent Hotel working in the bowling alley, then as a bus boy in the dining room.
I grew up here and have been involved with municipal government since college. I have over 40 years of experience working with the state of Arkansas in various capacities and in local government, from being on the Planning Commission to serving as the mayor. I have managed multimillion-dollar projects and budgets. I have designed and built affordable housing. My last year in architectural school, I wrote a thesis on developing Main Street from the train station all the way to the top of Planer Hill. Finally, after decades of growth, I see it happening.
I know this town and know how to read the changes and adapt with action. We can’t afford any hesitation in progress or someone having a learning curve about the laws, municipal budgets, and how to implement multiple large projects.
Susan Harman
• 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?
• HARMAN: This has been building over the past five years, and I truly believe Eureka Springs is at a turning point, that the same leadership isn’t working and our town is at risk of losing its advantage to be financially independent.
• TIMES-ECHO: If elected, what would be your priorities for the first 90 days in office?
• HARMAN: Establishing capital expenditure plans for all city departments, conducting a city financial audit, establishing a sidewalk fund and marketing line item in the city’s budget.
• 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?
• HARMAN: Before moving to Eureka Springs, I served as Vice President of Digital Alchemy, a digital marketing company specializing in four- and five-star independent and boutique hotels in Fort Worth, Texas. I also served as Operations Manager for a Memphis-based money management firm and as Assistant Vice President at National Bank of Commerce, working within its money management division, Commerce Capital Management. Earlier in my career, I worked as a human resources assistant at the Memphis branch of the Federal Reserve Bank. Prior to Memphis, I grew up in Michigan.
Fast-forward nearly 13 years and my husband and I purchased a hospitality business in Eureka Springs that has continued to shape a practical, business-minded approach to leadership — one focused on accountability, sound financial management, strategic planning and building organizations that are prepared for the future.
• TIMES-ECHO: How would you describe Eureka Springs in just a few words?
• HARMAN: The Gem of the Ozarks. Unlike any other town in Arkansas, Missouri or Kansas.
• TIMES-ECHO: What are your thoughts on the proposed 1 percent sales tax on the ballot for water/ wastewater improvements?
• HARMAN: If it passes, it will provide much-needed funding for the estimated $60 million in deferred water and sewer fixes. If it does not, I am determined to continue fixes by creating a robust tourism economy, adding an additional $1 to $2 million via sales tax, which would then be earmarked for water and sewer improvements through ordinance.
• TIMES-ECHO: What is the biggest challenge facing Eureka Springs headed into 2027 and why?
• HARMAN: Declining tourism revenue and outstanding city lawsuits.
• TIMES-ECHO: When campaigning, what topics/ city issues do you hear from residents the most?
• HARMAN: Water and sewer issues, sidewalks, our economy and what happens if the city has to pay out on one of the active lawsuits.
• TIMES-ECHO: What is your personal opinion on a downtown permanent entertainment district?
• HARMAN: I am neutral on it, as I am awaiting the decision the citizens of Eureka Springs make at the ballot box.
• TIMES-ECHO: Why should residents vote for you over the other two candidates?
• HARMAN: I believe Eureka Springs deserves leadership that looks ahead, sets clear priorities, and turns ideas into action. I’m running because I believe we can build a stronger future for Eureka Springs through thoughtful planning, responsible management, stronger communication, and a shared vision for where we want our city to be in five, 10 and 15 years.
This election is about more than choosing a mayor. It’s about choosing a direction for our city. I’m ready to bring people together, establish clear priorities, and work toward practical solutions that benefit our residents, support our businesses, and protect the future of Eureka Springs.
• TIMES-ECHO: What else would you like to add to help voters be more informed about your candidacy?
• HARMAN: If you are uncertain and need more information about the candidate I am, please visit www. HarmanForMayor.com and view my videos under the “News” tab.
Steve Holifield
• 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.
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