LITTLE ROCK— On Monday, Oct. 10 in a widely viewed debate broadcast via YouTube by the Central Arkansas Library System, on KUAR 89.1 FM and in partnership with the League of Women Voters, Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. articulated his vision for the future of Little Rock and why voters should cast their ballots for his re-election—there’s a clear choice to either progress forward or go backward.
Mayor Scott delivered impassioned remarks and reminded voters that “despite it all, pandemic, historic snowstorms and floods…we have a growing city and not only a growing city, but we have a city that is focusing on building bridges,” Scott said. “No matter who you love, who you serve or who you look like, we are the great community, and that is the reason we have to continue to focus on how do we get better.”
Regarding one of the most important issues of the election, crime, Mayor Scott told voters his crime reduction strategy, which includes both short and long-term actions, is driving down the overall violent crime rate.
“That’s the reason why violent crime is down a negative six percent,” Mayor Scott said. “Yes, homicides are up. I get every phone call about a homicide in this city… and I’m, more than likely, the only person on this stage who’s had a homicide on their street. Most of the homicides are between 15 to 30 [year olds] and they look like me. It's not a quick fix. We’re dealing with issues today that happened 15 years ago. It’s about how to create and save the existing generation by instilling hope. Because when I was growing up we picked up our hands, and now our kids are picking up guns over social media beef… Anyone who tells you they’re gonna correct crime in the next day or so is flat out lying to you.”
Mayor Scott’s plan includes the following: 1) increased community policing presence; 2) increasing sign-on and relocation bonuses for new police officer recruits; 3) Adding four social worker positions to PD; 4) creating the Real Time Crime Center to increase eyes on the street; 5) and dedicating more than $3 million to crime prevention and intervention programs.
Monday night, Scott told voters the best strategy to deter crime is a job, and it’s why he’s placed so much importance on jobs creation and economic development, especially in areas of Little Rock that have been neglected. Since Scott took office, five times more jobs have been created over these nearly four years than the previous five years combined. And to spur on economic development in neighborhoods south of 630 and east of 30, Scott’s economic incentives have led to the City waiving more than $1 million in permit fees. The impact is quite remarkable—in 2021, more than half of all new business began in areas south of 630 and east of 30. And in 2022, the Scott administration and Little Rock Board of Directors has designated close to $5 million for targeted development in these areas.
Mayor Scott encouraged residents to visit frankscottjr.com to join his campaign and find more information about his vision. Residents can also reach the campaign via email at team@frankscottjr.com and by phone at 501.389.0920.
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