Council candidates file final accounting of campaign funds

Springdale winners spent most, least

SPRINGDALE — The two candidates who spent the most and the least, Kevin Flores and Jeff Watson, respectively, won their seats on the City Council during the Nov. 3 general election.

Candidates were required to file a final accounting of their campaign contributions and expenditures by Dec. 30.

Kevin Flores, the new alderman for Ward 2, representing the southeastern part of the city, raised and spent more money than any other candidate. He raised $38,585 and spent $38,006, according to financial disclosure reports filed with the Washington County Clerk’s office.

Incumbent Jeff Watson, Ward 3 in the southwestern quadrant, spent no money to get reelected. He did receive $ 1,000 from the Arkansas PAC but returned it, his filed report shows.

Watson’s opponent, Travis Smalling, didn’t file a report with the Washington County Clerk’s office. Smalling did not return a phone call Wednesday seeking comment.

Flores said his raising and spending campaign funds was driven by his inexperience in the political world.

“I don’t think it was necessary,” he admitted. “But I didn’t know any better. And I’m more comfortable with spending more and winning the race than not spending enough and losing the election.”

His opponent, incumbent Rick Evans, reported income of $6,650, including a $5,000 personal loan, and expenditures of $10,184 for his campaign.

Mark Fougerousse, the new council member for Ward 3 in the northeast part of the city, reported $11,185 in contributions and $15,581 expenditures. He also relied on a $4,100 personal loan.

Kathy Jaycox, the incumbent who had held the seat for 22 years, filed for reelection in August. She decided to move out of the ward and withdrew from the race in September.

But the ballots already were printed with her name included, and she placed second in the race, qualifying for a runoff with Fougerousse.

A third candidate, Derek Van Voast, failed to make the runoff. Van Voast had not submitted a final accounting as of Friday, according to Becky Lewallen, Washington County clerk. Email messages sent to Van Voast weren’t returned.

Jaycox said Thursday she did not file a disclosure report because she raised no money and spent no money and was unaware of the requirement. She said she will contact the county clerk’s office to rectify the situation.