Scott, Kurrus advance to runoff in Little Rock mayor's race

Baker Kurrus and Frank Scott Jr. will advance to a runoff in the Little Rock mayor’s race after none of the five candidates reached 40 percent of the vote.

Scott had the most votes in Tuesday’s election with 25,075 votes, or about 37 percent, according to unofficial results with all precincts reporting in Pulaski County. Kurrus came in second place with 19,619 votes, or about 29 percent.

Statement on Washington Post article on Little Rock "no-knock" raids

I shared this article from the Washington Post because as a black man and lifelong resident of Southwest Little Rock, I can tell you that there's nothing new about "no knock" raids and what's described in that article."

"A number of residents and some local writers asked why we needed a Community Review Board like the one in my public safety agenda that is solely responsible for citizen oversight and accountability of our law enforcement when there's an Internal Affairs division within LRPD and the Civil Service Commission. 

"This article should make my reason why clear: there simply isn't a truly independent voice solely committed to serving as a venue for mediating citizen complaints of police misconduct. These are real issues that require citizen oversight and accountability and a change in policy from LRPD."

"We have to not only make residents who have been raided whole for property damage and other damages they suffer as a result of this kind of activity, but there also has to be a place where citizens can go for filing complaints that can lead to changes in policy from LRPD regarding these kinds raids and "no knock” warrants. 

"These raids violate our residents' Fourth Amendment right and federal law, and I will strongly support a full investigation into this matter."

Frank Scott, Jr.

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AMP: Little Rock Mayor Candidate Spotlight on Frank Scott, Jr.

“I was born and raised in Little Rock, and believe wholeheartedly that the fundamentals are there for Little Rock to thrive – we just need the right leadership in City Hall. Little Rock needs fresh perspective and new strategies that are a clean break from business and politics as usual. We need leadership that is focused on uniting Little Rock and maximizing the ingenuity of our residents to reach its full potential.”

Frank Scott, Jr.: "Our children hold the future of Little Rock
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I don’t have to tell anyone in Little Rock that our schools are at a crossroads. Our schools are still under state control. Far too many parents have decided to either raise their families outside of Little Rock, send their children to charter schools, or pursue other costly private options because they have lost faith in Little Rock School District (LRSD). That’s why I’m releasing my Opportunity Agenda for the next generation of Little Rock.

Frank's Letter to the Editor: "Move the city forward"

Over the last few months, I've had the honor of engaging with voters across the city. The message was clear: the next mayor must have a plan to unify and move Little Rock forward.

As a product of Little Rock public schools, I empathize with parents who want their schools back. These parents deserve a mayor who will fight to place their child's future back in the hands of communities that know them best.

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 Kurrus Announcement

I welcome former Superintendent Kurrus to the Little Rock mayor's race of my hometown. I remain focused on our vision of Little Rock reaching its potential that centers on uniting our city and jobs growth. It's time for a new generation of leadership that honors our past and charts a new course for our future.

Frank Scott, Jr. Reacts to Panhandling Report in LR

 I envision Little Rock as a city of opportunity for all, and one where its leaders invest and commit to providing that opportunity to everyone. I spoke with KARK about the latest report on panhandlers in our community, and how we address this complicated issue impacting our community, and why criminalizing poverty is not our solution

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/