I believe that our best days are ahead of us, but we must exhibit a sense of urgency. Now is the time to remove our most violent elements from our streets and fully commit to rebuilding trust in every community.
Reducing crime will take real leadership and a holistic approach to get there. But the Little Rock I know and love is worth fighting for. Take a moment, and read my op-ed in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, then re-post and share with your friends and family.
“As a candidate, you want to make sure you stay close to the people,” says Frank Scott, vice president at First Security Bank in Little Rock, Arkansas, who recently announced his intention to run for mayor of Arkansas’ capital.
“You want to be able to understand your constituents as you make decisions on their behalf.”
My full column in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: "The true purpose of the I-30 Crossing Project (30 Crossing) is to more safely connect central Arkansas and the people of Little Rock to each other while linking our city to the larger regional economy, improving public spaces, and bettering quality of life for our citizens."
This morning, Judge Timothy Davis Fox dismissed a lawsuit filed by the City of Little Rock, motivated by Mayor Mark Stodola, that wrongfully alleged that the exploratory committee formed by Frank Scott, Jr. – in accordance with state law – violated a City Code that prevents fundraising for office before June 1.
LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS – Today, Little Rock City Attorney Tom Carpenter filed a lawsuit in Pulaski County Circuit Court against the exploratory committees formed by Frank Scott, Jr. and Warwick Sabin. The suit alleges that the exploratory committees formed by Scott and Sabin in accordance with state law violate Little Rock’s City Code.
“I am disappointed in Mayor Stodola and his decision to proceed with costly litigation, particularly after the State Ethics Commission confirmed the validity of my exploratory committee back in October. Rather than focus on the rise in violent crime or stagnant job growth in Little Rock, Stodola seeks to obstruct the democratic process by attempting to prevent potential challengers from forming exploratory committees,” stated Frank Scott, Jr.
For months, Stodola and Carpenter have attempted to prevent the Scott exploratory committee from operating despite being validly registered with the Pulaski County Clerk’s Office. Prosecuting Attorney Larry Jegley also made it clear that he would not prosecute any exploratory committee under the provision of the City Code Stodola is seeking to enforce.
City Code and Arkansas law authorizing exploratory committees suggests that Little Rock residents considering municipal elected office can avail themselves of exploratory committees. Once formal campaigns are launched, they are then subject to the City Code’s restrictions on fundraising and the use of carryover funds from previous campaigns.
Also worth noting is that Mayor Stodola is seeking to improperly enforce one section of the City Code that would prevent the Scott exploratory committee from operating all while failing to comply with another section of the same City Code that prevents him from carrying over campaign funds from his 2014 campaign.
Scott continued, “Little Rock faces real challenges, and none of those challenges involve my exploratory committee, which has followed applicable state law. Despite Stodola’s desperate attempt, I remain encouraged by the broad-based support my exploratory committee has received across the city. We are exploring a run for mayor because Little Rock is in desperate need of bold leadership. Let’s embrace those who bring new ideas to the table rather than try to silence them in favor of the status quo. Dismissing this lawsuit and repealing the ordinance are the only way to ensure that every Little Rock voter has their voice heard as we approach another city election.”
CONTACT: Stephanie Jackson
EMAIL: Stephanie@designgroupmarketing.com
TELEPHONE: 501-492-4900