City clerk treasurer candidate: Michael Carey

Michael Carey

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Eureka Springs Times-Echo sent a series of questions to the two candidates running for city clerk treasurer in the Nov. 3 election. The race is between Aaron Borey, a member of the parks and recreation commission, and Michael Carey. Answers were edited only for clarity.

• TIMES-ECHO: What led to your decision to run for city clerk treasurer?

• CAREY: It was suggested to me that I would be good at it, and when I read up about what it entails, I knew I would be a good fit for the position.

• TIMES-ECHO: What qualifications do you have that you feel will make you effective in that role?

• CAREY: Before moving to Eureka Springs, I had many clerical jobs working in accounting offices as a clerk, assistant accountant, and worked my way up to payroll accountant. I am also organized and efficient at record keeping. All the qualities a good city clerk treasurer should possess.

• TIMES-ECHO: If elected, what changes do you feel are needed to make the city clerk treasurer office more efficient?

• CAREY: For the last several months, the assistant city clerk has taken over the duties of the city clerk treasurer, so most importantly I want to work with them to take some of the responsibilities off of their plate, including the agenda and keeping minutes for the council meetings for future reference. Since this position has had its duties split, I would like to work out the parameters of both positions so they both serve the city in the best way possible.

• TIMES-ECHO: How long have you lived in Eureka Springs? Please share a little about your background.

• CAREY: After I got my bachelor’s degree, I traveled a lot in my 20s living in cities like Albuquerque, New Orleans and Las Vegas, working my way up in the accounting department for the film industry. Then, I moved here 12 years ago after having lived in Los Angeles. Eureka Springs was always a place I would vacation and dreamed about living. Eventually, I packed my bags and moved here.

• TIMES-ECHO: How would you describe Eureka Springs in just a few words?

• CAREY: Friendly is the word that I hear most often from tourists. It’s what attracted me to Eureka in the first place. I believe a lot of us take a lot of pride in how we present ourselves to visitors — to be a warm, welcoming place with a lot of art and whimsy.

• TIMES-ECHO: How would you describe the importance of the city clerk treasurer position?

• CAREY: The most important thing is the trust in the ability to complete the work involved, which I take very seriously. The pressure of being voted in essentially means I have been hired by the people of Eureka Springs. That is not lost on me and I feel confident in being able to do the job.

• TIMES-ECHO: Why should residents vote for you over the other candidate?

• CAREY: I have been in Eureka for over a decade and people know I’m hard-working and dedicated to doing the best job I possibly can.

• TIMES-ECHO: What else would you like to add to help voters be more informed about your candidacy?

• CAREY: I like to think I’m setting an example for younger people in town to step up and get involved with city government. It’s our city, and we can make a long-lasting positive impact if we get involved.