In Mayflower, a New Mayor Steps In as a Community Seeks Clarity

The City of Mayflower in Faulkner County drew widespread attention in late October and early November following a series of resignations that included several key officials, including the mayor. All of the departures occurred amid ongoing disputes with the city council.

The exits left several critical city offices without leadership, creating an unusual period of uncertainty for the small Arkansas community. That uncertainty ended on Tuesday night, November 25, nearly four weeks after Mayor Danny Hester submitted his resignation letter, when city leaders voted to appoint Councilman Zach Jeffery as the new mayor.

Jeffery will serve the remainder of Hester’s term, which runs through December 2026. He assumes office at a moment when residents are calling for stronger oversight and clearer communication from City Hall, and he faces the broader challenge of rebuilding trust between the community and the city council.

Residents Declined to Nominate Anyone, So the Council Did

The council faced two options for filling the vacant mayor’s seat: hold a special election or appoint someone directly. Mayflower City Attorney Dustin Chapman advised that appointing a mayor would be the better choice, noting that a special election would not occur until February, leaving the city without steady leadership for several months. The council agreed and opened the floor for public nominations, but no one stepped forward. With no names from residents, the council proceeded with the appointment. Councilman Mark Hickman nominated Zach Jeffery, highlighting his knowledge of the city budget and ability to guide Mayflower through the remainder of the term. Councilman James Snider nominated Mayflower resident Wendy Moore, citing her strong leadership and long-standing service to the community.

The council entered a private discussion and later returned with a decision. Members voted to appoint Jeffery, who was sworn in immediately and presided over the rest of the meeting.

Attention then shifted to other vacancies. When asked about the police chief opening, Jeffery said the city is now accepting applications. He added that leaders also hope to fill the Fire Department Chief position soon.

Jeffery resigned from his council seat, which is required before taking office as mayor, creating an additional vacancy for the council to fill.

Wave of Resignations in Late October

A string of high profile resignations has shaken the City of Mayflower. The departures began with the October 21 retirement of a Ward 2 council member, announced on the city’s official Facebook page, and soon continued with the mayor, the police chief, and two animal control officers, all stepping down within days.

Mayor Danny Hester announced his resignation in a letter dated October 30, effective November 4. In the letter, Hester said he could not support what he described as “the direction and changes the city council is wanting to implement,” including what he called a “lack of support and plans of reduction in police, fire, and animal control services.” His resignation came shortly after the police chief stepped down, following the departure of the city’s animal control officers. Each of the officials cited conflicts with the council as the reason for leaving.

Hester, who served three years as mayor, described his time in office as “one of the greatest honors” of his life and thanked city staff and residents for their support.

Police Chief Douglas Hunter also shared his resignation online, writing, “It is with a heavy heart that I submit my resignation as Chief of Police for the City of Mayflower.” Hunter said that changes and demands from the council made it impossible for him to lead the department “in the direction [he] believe[s] best serves” residents and officers.

Soon after, Animal Control Officer Lisa Kossman resigned, calling it “one of the hardest posts” she had ever held. She said the animal shelter lacked city support and explained that she had worked six years “without a single vacation,” relying on community donations and rescues to care for the animals.

Another shelter employee, Machenzie Mikes, also resigned, citing opposition to “the City Council’s recent decision to move forward with euthanasia for the animals in our care.” She said she could not “in good conscience” participate in a policy that went against her values of compassion and humane care.

Residents Voice Growing Frustration

The wave of resignations has left many residents feeling unsettled. Community members described the moment as deeply disconcerting and said that with so many department heads gone, people were unsure about the city’s direction and concerned about safety and leadership.

Concerns about transparency in city government have intensified, and residents say the new mayor will face the same scrutiny. Many were not surprised by the departures, particularly after questions arose about how the city council handled issues involving the animal shelter.

People in the community stress that with a population of about two thousand, information should be shared openly and should not require formal public records requests. Residents want the city council to communicate more clearly and offer better explanations about how tax dollars are being used. They argue that even modest sums have significant importance in a small community with limited resources.

The Weight Ahead for Jeffery

Zach Jeffery has signaled that he understands what residents expect from their new mayor. He has emphasized the need for oversight and accountability, and he will have to demonstrate that commitment quickly. Without clear action and stronger communication, public frustration may continue and could shape the challenges he faces in the months ahead.