Frank Scott, Jr.'s Statement for One City

 "As mayor of Little Rock, I want to serve and lead all people. Regardless of their cultures and identities, everyone adds value - individually and collectively - to our city.

I want to help unify a Little Rock where everyone is welcome, affirmed, and free to show up fully in every aspect of their experience - black, brown, and white, and across all gender identities and sexual orientations. Because that’s what it takes to build a better city together.

More importantly, that is what it means to be human. 

Everyone has value, and I will be a strong advocate for not just equality, but equity.”

Frank Scott, Jr. Formally Announces Run for Little Rock Mayor

Dialogue with Residents during Frank Discussions Compelled Scott to Seek Office

Little Rock, AR (June 2, 2018)–  On Saturday, June 2, 2018 in the heart of midtown Little Rock at Better Community Development, Inc. (BCD), Frank Scott, Jr. formally announced his candidacy for mayor of Little Rock. A large crowd of Little Rock residents and community leaders celebrated the occasion with Scott, a native of Little Rock and former state highway commissioner, at a barbeque lunch following the announcement.

Scott released the following statement:

"I met with countless families over the course of my exploratory committee process through the Frank Discussion series and engaged residents in honest dialogue on issues impacting the progress of Little Rock. I listened to heartfelt stories from families that don’t feel safe in their community and witnessed the unease of local business owners who wonder if Little Rock could continue to support their ambition given our stagnant economic growth.

“Thank you to all of those I have spoken to and others whom I have met throughout my exploratory journey – I heard you loud and clear. And after much prayer and consideration, it was the accounts of Little Rock residents that compelled me to officially announce my candidacy for Mayor.

 “I believe that Little Rock’s best days are ahead of us, and reaching them will require homegrown leadership. Fortunately, I was made in Little Rock. I am a proud product of our public schools and a longstanding member of our devoted faith community. And, I can promise that my campaign will reflect the values and steadfast drive of the residents that make me – a true son of Little Rock – proud to call this place home.

“The complexity of our problems will require a holistic approach to generate solutions and to unify our city. As a former Arkansas State Highway Commissioner, I know what can be achieved when City Hall makes smart infrastructure investments in an effort to reach our true potential. As a local banker, I know what can be achieved when City Hall and small businesses work together to grow the local economy. And as an associate pastor, I know what can be achieved when City Hall, public schools, and the faith community work in coordination to save our youth before losing them to the streets.

“I am inspired by the energy and momentum our journey has generated thus far, and I look forward to continuing to spread our vision for a prosperous, united Little Rock.”

Visit frankscottjr.com to learn more about Scott and his vision for moving Little Rock forward.

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Statement on Mark Stodola Declining To Run For Re-election

Frank Scott, Jr. 

“I have the utmost respect for Mayor Mark Stodola and am in solemn prayer for his family. His 12 years in the Mayor’s office embodied honor and decency, and Little Rock is thankful for his service. By declining to run for re-election, Mayor Stodola has opened the door for a new mayoral leadership in Little Rock.

I look forward to continuing my exploratory committee journey, listening to the concerns of families, and charting a course that builds on Little Rock’s wonderful assets, while working to unify our city to reach her fullest potential.”

Statement on Rep. Theater Suspending Operations

I’m saddened to hear this news about the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. Our community thrives when our creative and artistic minds come together to perform, reflect, and share with Little Rock. I hope you’ll consider supporting them as they work to restructure.

As Mayor, I would lead with the understanding that for Little Rock to be a thriving, growing and prosperous city, we must have a sustainable and culturally diverse arts and entertainment scene. The Rep has given that to us for decades — and I’m hopeful, for decades to come.

Read their story: http://www.therep.org/news/posts/2018/april-2018/arkansas-repertory-theatre-suspends-operation/

Scott Statement on City Lawsuit Regarding Exploratory Committees

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