Eight Benton citizens interview for vacant City Council seat April 21st

Above, a boundary map of City of Benton Ward 3, courtesy of https://experience.arcgis.com.

Eight residents have applied to fill a vacant seat on the Benton City Council following the February passing of Council Member Bill Donnor, who represented Ward 3, Position 1.

The applicants are Bret Stracener, Chad Slaughter, Kevin Simmons, John Mark Pierce, Jerry Ponder, Cindy Bowden, Gary Garner, and Mary Grace Daughtrey. The Benton City Council will review these candidates as part of the appointment process to fill the remainder of Donnor’s term.

Donnor served as the Ward 3, Position 1 council member and was chair of the Personnel, Health & Safety Committee. His passing created the vacancy, prompting the city to open an application period for interested residents.

The City of Benton accepted applications through April 3rd. Applicants were required to reside within Ward 3 (see map) and submit information including their background, civic involvement, length of residency, availability for meetings, and a statement outlining their interest in serving and their understanding of the role.

Current city council members will interview the candidates during a special meeting on April 21, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at Benton City Hall, located at 410 River Street.

Officials plan to appoint and swear in the selected individual during the regular council meeting on April 27.

The person appointed will serve through December 31, 2026. The seat will also appear on the ballot in the November 2026 election, when voters will select a council member for a full four-year term.

The appointment ensures continued representation for Ward 3 residents until the upcoming election.

The following is the agenda for the Special Called meeting of Benton City Council:

APRIL 21, 2026, 5:55 P.M.

BENTON CITY HALL, 410 RIVER ST. BENTON, AR 72015

I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Tom Farmer

II. INVOCATION Mayor Tom Farmer

III. PLEDGE Council Member Hart

IV. ROLL CALL City Clerk

V. STATEMENT OF FOIA City Clerk
COMPLIANCE & ROLL CALL

VI. INTERVIEW CANDIDATES FOR WARD 3 POSITION 1

1. Bret Stracener 6:00 p.m.

2. Chad Slaughter 6:20 p.m.