“I'm running for mayor to put my experience, relationships, and commitment to work FOR the people of Pine Bluff and AGAINST
our challenges. TOGETHER, we will achieve measurable and
accountable progress so that Pine Bluff WINS!!!
We are all affected by the persistent problems of crime and neglect. Specifically, (1) homicide and public safety, (2) educational and youth neglect, and (3) economic divestment and decline. We have a three-alarm fire on our hands. There is no time to focus on anything else other than putting out this fire. Before clean-up and before rebuilding, it's all hands on deck. Our response has to be unified; we ALL have to address Pine Bluff's most emergent challenges in order for development and growth to happen. There is no development, rebuilding or tax revenue that will grow our city without putting out the fire first.”
1
YOUTH
If we don’t invest and pour into our youth, there will be no future for Pine Bluff, period.
City departmental initiatives and partnerships focused on education and youth
Lead and support a Pine Bluff Promise scholarship initiative
Establish substantive partnerships with Pine Bluff school districts as well as UAPB and SEARK centered around campus safety and mentoring/internship programs
Anchor every city ward with community center
2
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Since the 2010 census to today, we have lost over 10,000 residents, 25% PBSD student enrollment, and 10,000 jobs, with no slowing in the decline even in the last several years of publicly and privately funded investment. We have to stop this bleeding.
Economic Development plan that prioritizes city infrastructure (airport, port, broadband) and heritage tourism development/ promotion
City government efficiency and accountability
Residential and business recruitment campaigns to locate/relocate to Pine Bluff
Professional branding and communication campaign
3
SAFETY
Violence cripples families, the community and our economy. At the beginning and end of the day, the first and primary role of government is to protect the people.
Comprehensive, data and accountability-driven strategic public safety plan
Significantly improve and expand lighting throughout the city
Tools and systems to prevent crime and assist law enforcement
Expand community policing beats and programs
Crime Prevention programs/partnerships
Compensate and reward our first responders
Proven Experience,
Pine Bluff proud
5th Generation Arkansan, Pine Bluff native, home-owner, entrepreneur, and elected leader
Over three decades of policy, politics and public service experience:
27-years legislative and public policy experience (w/ 9-years as AR state representative)
Intern, volunteer and professional experience in national and Arkansas politics since 1992
Past appointee to the Pine Bluff Historic Downtown District Commissio
Legislative accomplishments
Sponsored and cosponsored 72 bills into law
Served as primary sponsor for acts that have
strengthened family reunification
expanded heritage tourism by establishing the Delta Rhythm & Bayous Highway as well as Pine Bluff as the official home of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame
ended child marriage
expanded minority-owned business contract opportunities with the state
expanded gov’t transparency by requiring audio recording and storage of public meetings
established the Arkansas Delta Music Trails Act
Recognized and awarded for distinguished legislative service:
NBCSL – Legislator of the Year Award - 2020 and 2023
Jefferson County Association of Realtors – Legislator of the Year Award – 2021
Arkansas Municipal League – Distinguished Legislative Award – 2021
Arkansas Pharmacist Association – Percy Malone Award - 2021
Educated and trained in public service, political science and public policy:
Bachelor’s degrees in political science and professional technical writing from UALR
Master’s degree in Public Service (MPS) from the Clinton School of Public Service
Decade of service as Chief Operating Officer (COO) & Director of Recruitment for Diversity – UAMS Center for Diversity Affairs
Decade of service as Arkansas Minority Health Commission, Chair for two terms
Executive Director and Staffer for the Arkansas Legislative Black Caucus 1997-2004
Committee Secretary, Arkansas Bureau of Legislative Research 1996-2000
Life Member of the NAACP, Pine Bluff Branch
Active member and Steward at St. John AME
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