Alderman Spivey to step down from Ward 3 seat

After nearly four years, Alderman Kensel Spivey is stepping down from the El Dorado City Council, and an alderman-elect who previously held Spivey’s Ward 3, Position 2, seat is the likely successor to fill the unexpired term.

Spivey is expected to tender a verbal resignation during an El Dorado City Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. today.

During the last regular council meeting on May 24, Spivey said today would be her last meeting as representative of Ward 3.

She previously discussed her intent to resign the post she has held since 2015, explaining that she is getting married this month and moving to another ward before her term expires on Dec. 31.

Spivey also previously said she may make another run as alderman of her new ward, 4, in the future.

On May 24, City Attorney Henry Kinslow said Spivey could formally announce her resignation today, and the council could appoint Henry to the council seat she is vacating.

Henry was elected to the post during the May 22 preferential primary.

He previously served

in the position, having initially been elected to fill the unexpired term of late Alderman Jimmy Reed, who died in January 2009 while in office.

Henry beat out two opponents to win a special election.

He was re-elected in 2010 and 2012 before vacating the seat to pursue a mayoral bid in 2014, where he lost to Mayor Frank Hash.

Late last year, Henry announced his intention

for another bid as mayor, but upon hearing of Spivey’s pending resignation, he withdrew from the mayoral race.

Henry opted to challenge Andre Rucks to try and regain the Ward 3, Position 2, council seat.

The pair squared off in

the Democratic primary on May 22.

A runoff election for Republican mayoral candidates Bill Luther and Chris Lutman is scheduled for June 19.

Early voting begins Tuesday.

Aldermen are expected to appoint Henry to

the the Ward 3, Position 2, council seat, and Hash said City Clerk Heather McVay is authorized to swear Henry into office.

Henry’s elected term will begin on Jan. 1.

Also on the council’s agenda for today are proposed resolutions regarding condemnations

and leased equipment for the city.

Aldermen are also expected to hear a presentation about AIDS. equipment, water features and concessions, is located on 2.5 acres and is adjacent to First United Methodist Church.

Tarren said the playscape peak attendance has been 2,000, and the facility has drawn many people from out of town.

“We’re hoping they had a good time, and they’ll tell people that El Dorado is a great place to go,” he said.

Admission is free for the playscape.

The A&P Commission financially supports Main Street and MAD events.

For more information about MAD or Main Street events, visit their respective Facebook pages, visit eldomad.com or call the Main Street office at 870862-4747.