Elliott withdraws from city council race

By Staff
Jonathan Willis
Russellville City Councilman Arthur Elliott confirmed Tuesday that he had withdrawn from next week's municipal election.
Elliott, who was seeking a second term representing District 4, notified city officials Monday that he had withdrawn his candidacy.
According to a written statement Elliott issued to the city, he decided to withdraw due to health reasons.
"Within the past three weeks I have visited a number of doctors and my health is a top priority in my life," the statement said.
"Unfortunately, due to these circumstances I have decided to forego my campaign to be re-elected as District 4 city council (member)."
City officials said new ballots were being printed without Elliott's name on them for the Aug. 26 election.
The letter submitted to the city is dated Aug. 18, two days after Elliott was arrested and charged with domestic violence harassment by Sheffield police.
Police reports indicate Elliott was arrested after officers were called to a parking lot on South Montgomery Avenue where he and a former girlfriend were outside of their cars arguing.
Elliott's attorney, Jeff Bowling of Russellville, said he did not believe the misdemeanor charge would stand.
"He was trying to retrieve his own personal items," Bowling said. "It doesn't rise to the level of a domestic violence case."
Investigators do not allege that a physical altercation took place.
According to police, a resident called police to report a heated argument between a man and woman, who were in the parking lot of the Quad-Cities Knock on South Montgomery Avenue.
Reports indicate the woman saw Elliott leaving her home with items that both claim to own. The two met in the parking lot to talk where the argument began.
Elliott was released from the Sheffield City Jail on bail of $500 late Saturday night.
Bowling said Elliott is set to be in court today on the charges and he will plead not guilty.
Elliott was charged with third-degree domestic violence in 2006, but those
charges were later dismissed.
Elliott maintained Tuesday that he was innocent and he was not withdrawing from the council race because of his arrest.
"I really appreciate the love and support for me through these trying times," he said.
"My journey has been long and very difficult at times but I feel as though I made a difference in our city and shown the love and admiration it takes to do this job as a city council member."