Townzen seeks re-election to Rogers City Council

ROGERS — Alderman Gary Townzen has filed for re-election for Position 1 in Ward 2 on the Rogers City Council.

He is the owner of Townzen Barber Shop and the founder of an annual free haircut day called Cut Out Hunger. The event offers free haircuts to people with a suggested donation in any amount to the Samaritan Community Center. Townzen has been hosting this event for more than 30 years, he said.

Townzen is seeking his fourth term on the council. He was appointed Feb. 26, 2008, to replace Jim Clark, who stepped down from the council to accept the deputy city attorney’s position. Townzen was elected to the seat in 2008. Since then, he has served Ward 2, which represents the northwest area of Rogers.

Townzen said he is passionate about the city and thinks care and common sense makes him a good representative for what Rogers needs.

“I was born and raised here, and I always want to be able to give back to the community I care so much about,” he said. “I want to keep things going the same way they are, which is making the city better all the time.”

If re-elected, Townzen said issues of infrastructure and growth will remain a priority for him. He has seen Rogers grow from a population of 4,000 to more than 65,000.

He had no announced opposition as of this morning.

“The west area of Rogers is exploding,” Townzen said. “We have to continue preparing for the future to ensure we are ready for growth.”

Building additional parks and trails throughout the city is also an important issue, he said.

Townzen said he is proud of the council and the city, and the time he has served.

“I take each vote I make seriously, and I am here to serve the public,” he said. “I deeply care about Rogers, and I am very proud of the where the city is. Things are just getting better all the time.”

Council terms last for four years and pay an annual salary of $9,511.

Aug. 17 is the last day to file for municipal office, and the nonpartisan election is Nov. 6.