Some Winfield residents are trying to form an informal citizens’ advisory group that would present concerns to the Winfield City Commission. The idea for the group came after several events last year, including the firing of a police officer and the former city manager’s leaving his job.
Winfield residents Willie Tuttle and Merrill Gordon brought up the topic with commissioners at their Thursday work session. Interim city manager Brenda Peters said she’d also had some citizens bring up the issue with her.
Gordon said the idea is to have a loosely organized group of citizens who would discuss questions or concerns and bring them to the attention of commissioners if needed. Commissioners didn’t dismiss the idea, but they also said they want citizens to know they can come directly to them with any problems.
Mayor Greg Thompson said that while the commission always wants to hear from citizens, they can’t authorize a board.
Commissioner Phil Jarvis said that people are willing to meet with the commission individually.
“We don’t want to give the impression that they can’t approach the commission,” Jarvis said.
(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)