Law instructor seeks spot on council

FAYETTEVILLE — A law instructor who survived a horrific bicycle crash three years ago wants to run for City Council.

Lucas Regnier, 44, intends to seek one of the Ward 3 seats. Justin Tennant, who holds the seat now, isn’t seeking re-election.

Ward 3 encompasses the northeast part of town. It includes College Avenue north of Township Street, Crossover Road north and southwest of Mission Boulevard, Root School, Butterfield Elementary, Gulley Park and Lake Fayetteville.

Regnier grew up alternatively in Waldron and Springdale. He received a bachelor of arts degree in history from the University of Arkansas in 1997. He graduated from Tulane Law School in 2001, and practiced law in New Orleans until returning to Fayetteville in 2010. He lives in the Huntington subdivision.

Regnier’s private practice in corporate and business law ended in 2015, when he suffered a major spinal cord injury and peripheral nerve damage from a bicycle accident in the city. Now walking with a cane, Regnier said his physical rehabilitation is a way of life.

“I think every circumstance presents its own unique scenario and all I can promise is I’ll do my homework,” he said.

Regnier spoke frequently at public meetings covering a rezoning and proposed street plan for Rolling Hills Drive at Old Missouri Road. The City Council approved both plans in May against the wishes of many neighbors, but Regnier said he isn’t a grievance candidate. He described himself as a pragmatist.

“There are a variety of issues that come into play when you’re making a land use decision,” Regnier said. “One of them is, ‘does this comply with our goals of preserving or expanding our tree canopy?’ To the extent that we can do that, great. I would be in favor of that.”

Regnier helped found the nonprofit Friends of Fayetteville Forests, which aims to buy the wooded acreage in question.

Regnier emphasized the importance of expanding the city’s trail system, and said he would like to see an aquatics facility come to the city. Regnier was an avid cyclist. A swimming pool would be beneficial to youth teams, older residents and those undergoing therapy, he said.

Regnier is a visiting instructor at the University of Arkansas School of Law, teaching upper- level contract drafting and a course on representing startups.

City Council members earn $ 12,504 annually for their service. The nonpartisan election will be held Nov. 6.

Regnier is married with four children, and has participated in several School District committees and parent-teacher organizations.

Regnier