Mayor calls for unity to move Pine Bluff forward

Washington talks about jobs, youths

The only way to rebuild Pine Bluff and serve its citizens is to bring a divided house together, Mayor Shirley Washington told a standing-room-only crowd Thursday during her State of the City address at the Pine Bluff Convention Center.

"While we may come from different schools and different backgrounds, our pride in this community and our love for Pine Bluff make us stronger together," Washington said. "Tonight and every night, we share our common purpose: to build Pine Bluff, a Pine Bluff we will all be proud to call home."

During her first 10 weeks in office, Washington has reached out to citizens, speaking at Neighborhood Watch meetings and church groups and holding a highly attended Unity Breakfast. She said she has prided herself on working together with the City Council members and other community leaders.

"And we are getting along!" Washington shouted to the cheering crowd.

Washington -- who defeated incumbent Mayor Debe Hollingsworth in November -- said the problems of the past will be overcome through a strong partnership.

"I am convinced there has never been a more important time in our community than what we have right now," Washington said. "You have seen the statistics. You've heard the news reports. And there are those who say Pine Bluff will never be what it once was. But I have news for them tonight: The people of Pine Bluff have and always will move our city, our region, our state and our nation forward."

Washington outlined her goals for her next "198 weeks as mayor." Among the priorities are affordable housing; removing blight; cleaning up the streets; increasing pay and incentives for teachers, police officers and firefighters; preparing youth for jobs in the 21st century; improving community parks and ball fields; and job creation.

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For youth to succeed, the city must expand opportunities for them to learn and play, she said. Washington talked about the proposed aquatic center and said leaders must transform vacant school properties around the city into community centers with pools, recreational facilities and tutoring centers.

Washington said she is committed to doubling the number of spaces available for the city's summer youth employment program. Last year, more than 500 youths applied for the 145 slots that were available.

"For our young people to fulfill their highest hopes and dreams, our community has a duty to support them from cradle to college," Washington said.

She called on business leaders, schools and community centers to work together to prepare citizens for trades and careers in Pine Bluff.

"For too long, Pine Bluff has had one of the highest rates of unemployment and underemployment in our state," Washington said. "I am committed to working with our employers large and small to create opportunities for all our citizens."

The crowd -- which sprang to its feet and broke out into loud cheers numerous times through Washington's presentation -- surged around her as she left the lectern, shaking her hand, offering hugs and asking Washington to pose together for photos.

"She is a class act," said Irene Holcomb, a longtime former Pine Bluff council member. "I'm looking forward to what she will do for Pine Bluff."

Alderman Steven Mays said Washington made some good points, but said that he is "totally against" Go Forward Pine Bluff, a plan aimed at improving the city's infrastructure and quality of life and increasing its tax base. Washington is a strong proponent of the plan and the proposal to levy a five-eighths percent sales tax to support it.

"Otherwise, I think she's on target," Mays said. "And the future of Pine Bluff looks good."

Lula Gray, a Pine Bluff resident, said the city is in desperate need of change and she believes Washington is the one to lead the way.

"She is superb," Gray said. "I'm excited to see the future of Pine Bluff."

State Desk on 03/17/2017

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