Don't be too down in the dumps, Gentle Voter. The election will be over in less than two weeks. Sure, it appears as though The Donald will win Arkansas, and The Hillary the presidential election, but in other races this year your vote might make a big difference. And should. For only one but maybe the best example, take the Little Rock Board of Directors.
There are two--well, maybe two and a half--races for the board this year. Longtime director Joan Adcock, who can always be counted on to work for the least among us in helpful and hopeful ways, drew an opponent this year. But the opponent withdrew after the ballots were printed. Here's hoping Mrs. Adcock coasts to easy re-election and voters don't confuse matters.
In the other two contested races, one incumbent, Gene Fortson, deserves re-election.
Looking at the résumés of his opponents, one could be forgiven for thinking: Why are they running for board of directors? They're needed where they are! One is a science teacher at a charter school in Little Rock with a number of degrees, the other a pastor with a list of community accomplishments and multiple degrees of his own. Bless them both. And may their tribe increase. (Imagine an election with multiple candidates to be proud of. What a concept!)
But Gene Fortson, an incumbent at-large member of the board, has his own accomplishments, and they are considerable. He's been on the board since 2006, was a member of the airport commission and is continuing to oversee changes at the Robinson Center as head of the Advertising and Promotion Commission's finance committee.
Director Fortson says he wants more police on the streets, but that might not be enough: "We need to try to take a different approach. I think doing what we can working with the school system and others to see if we can't do some things to head off what's happening in the 12 to 16- 17-year-old age groups where we had higher instances of crime."
Yes, that would be a good place to start. Too many of the crime stories in this paper mention certain Little Rock streets and neighborhoods. Here's hoping that Youth Master Plan for Little Rock is more than just more boardroom talk. ("Devise a Strategic Plan and action steps for achievement of the Strategic Plan." "Facilitate appropriate partnership opportunities and key stakeholder collaboration efforts." Wha-?)
Capi Peck, owner of Trio's restaurant, is the chairman of the aforementioned Ad & Promo Commission, and she's also running for city board. She's been the president of the Arkansas Restaurant Association and a small business owner for 30 years--just the type we need on city boards. She's also been active in restoring the Robinson Center and other volunteer projects for the city.
She says if elected she wants to focus on jobs and safety so Little Rock "can attract new families, businesses and young professionals who'll call this great city home." That'd be swell. Without law and order--and a decent school system--young families with means are going to stay away from any city in droves.
There are good candidates in these city board races--candidates to vote for, not just against. We recommend Joan Adcock, Gene Fortson and Capi Peck. Gentle Voter, it's your turn.
Editorial on 10/28/2016