Applications opened Wednesday to replace Bentonville Council Member Gayatri Richardson, who announced earlier this week she will no longer represent Ward 1, Position 2, a seat she’s held for the past five years.
Richardson’s resignation came after the recent death of her mother.
"At this moment, I need to take time to grieve, to heal and to focus on my family," Richardson wrote Monday in a Facebook post.
Replacement Process
Bentonville City Council could decide to appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of the term, which ends in 2028, or call a special election to let voters decide.
Residents of Ward 1 — located on the northeast side of town — interested in replacing Richardson have until May 11 to declare their interest using an online application. To be eligible, applicants must be a registered voter in Bentonville, live in Ward 1, be at least 18 years old and be otherwise eligible to hold public office under state law.
The City Council is expected to discuss filling the seat at its May 12 meeting.
Council Member Reflects on Tenure
Richardson cited several accomplishments during her time on council, including:
Serving as chair of the Finance Committee, working with the mayor's office and budget director on the annual budget and financial oversight,
Accepting $239 million in financing from the Alice L. Walton Foundation to expand Bentonville's sewer capacity,
Helping re-establish bus service in Bentonville, launching the first Ozark Regional Transit regional connector route with Rogers and the downtown bus route, and
Prioritizing sidewalk infill and safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists.
Richardson, who grew up in public housing and was raised by her mother, a teacher and single parent, said her background drove her focus on housing and underserved residents — including people with disabilities and working families.
She said much of her recent time has been spent with her mother, whose health declined in recent months from Alzheimer's disease.
