Mark Kinion's productive, consistent volunteer effort for Fayetteville's people and environment lauded in Northwest Arkansas Times letter

Mark Kinion is Ward 2 's best bet

I have never written a letter to the editor before, but I want to make sure and publicly voice my support for Mark Kinion for Ward 2. Mark has the commitment, experience and empirical accomplishments to demonstrate his qualifications to serve on the Fayetteville City Council. Mark Kinion has a long and verifiable history of working with different and diverse groups to promote cooperative and effective communication so citizens can reach maximum success. He brings strong leadership and excellent business planning acumen with him, as well as compassion for the health and welfare of all citizens and their pets. Mark has a love for the city of Fayetteville. Here are just a few of the accomplishments and improvements for our city, county and Benton County, as well, that Mark has been a part of: Humane Society of the Ozarks: While Mark was president and in other leadership positions, the HSO initiated In Kind News (a weekly reader-type magazine for grade-school children promoting environmental and conservation activities ) in every grade school in Washington County; hired its first full-time executive director; paid off its capital campaign; handed over what at the time was a state of the art animal control program, including buying the county an animal control vehicle; worked on numerous fundraisers, including being a part of staring the Possum Ball and the Dogwood Walk; and one of the most important programs for Fayetteville and Washington County was being part of the team who initiated the first free spay / neuter program in the region. Ozark StateWorks: Mark conducted effective workshops for board development; chaired the Financial Development committee with great success using a sound business model; and was part of the most successful seasons of productions by motivating local artistic talent and developing the support of local business leaders. Advisory Committee of Planned Parenthood: Initiated effective marketing survey and marketing plan to open the first full service bilingual health clinic, against all odds, in Benton County. Wilson Park Neighborhood Association Steering Committee: Past president; only neighborhood to work with AEP / SWEPCO to preserve tree canopy; worked with the University of Arkansas to encourage fraternity to build on-campus rather than the heart of an established historic neighborhood, and was an active proponent for effective traffic-calming measures. I can unequivocally and without hesitation recommend and endorse Mark Kinion to be our city council representative. Unlike some in this campaign season, I know Mark has accomplished all of these successes because I served with him in these organizations. Mark Kinion is not jumping on the most current and politically expedient bandwagon. He has for years demonstrated a commitment and follow through on issues which effect not only Fayetteville but the region. Mark has a history of being green and financially responsible. Vote for Mark Kinion, and know you are voting for someone who not only speaks well on issues but has a history of solving issues.
Lea Ann Van Winkle-Gisler
Fayetteville