Candidates entering mayoral runoff share vision for Pine Bluff
PINE BLUFF, Ark. – Tuesday’s primary elections across the state resulted in some close finishes.
In Pine Bluff, the race for mayor will be resolved in a runoff. Current Mayor Shirley Washington will take on District 65 State Representative Vivian Flowers for the position.
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Just 27 votes separated the two top positions. Washington had 1940 votes which was 34.9% of the count. Flowers received 34.4% of the vote, but it was a six-person race, and more than 1700 people didn’t vote for either candidate they’ll have to choose between on the April 2 runoff.
Everyone has their idea of what Pine Bluff needs to stop being the fastest shrinking city in population and start trending in the other direction.
Tyla Cannon, who grew up in Pine Bluff and left the city to raise her children, said education and more things to do is what she would like to see.
“As a parent, you want to give them something, and you want to raise them somewhere worth it, and there is nothing here to keep them here,” Cannon said.
Jimmy Cannon said there are important physical needs to consider but also moral ones like honesty and integrity.
“I want the leaders to be strong, fair, trustworthy with all citizens,” he said.
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KARK 4 News asked both candidates what they hope to accomplish if given the next four years as the city’s top official.
“My vision for this city definitely hinges on investment in our infrastructure,” Flowers said.
The state representative for Pine Bluff said the city can be a hub for distribution and therefore jobs if investments are made in the railroad, airport and interstate.
Washington also mentioned economic development and pointed to projects underway such as a new hotel, 120 units of housing, and a new high school.
“So much work has been started. We would like to be reelected so that we can finish strong,” Washington said.
Both candidates touched on Go Forward Pine Bluff, a redevelopment tax initiative that failed twice for renewal when put before voters.
“I don’t think people saw the tangible progress that they wanted to see for Go Forward Pine Bluff, so that tells us that people want to see those houses going up, those businesses going in,” Washington said.
Washington admitted much of the tax dollars went to retain and recruit teachers and first responders or tear down blighted buildings, but added the COVID pandemic prevented much else from materializing in her second term.
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Flowers said if she had millions in taxes, it would go toward growing jobs first.
“How we have prioritized the kinds of projects, many of which have not been completed, is kind of akin to putting on your cologne or makeup before you take your bath,” Flowers expressed.
More information on Shirley Washington and her platform can be found at ShirleyWashington.com.
More information on Vivian Flowers and her platform can be found at VoteVivianFlowers.com.
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