We have known Fourth Ward Alderman George Stepps for years, and in that time — while we haven’t always agreed with the decisions he has made on the City Council — we have appreciated his steady hand and wisdom, which we feel makes the council a stronger legislative body.
Stepps has been an alderman for the past 12 years and holds a master’s degree. He served in the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration for 37 years and was a long-time member of the Dollarway School Board. His opponent, Bruce Lockett, serves as a justice of the peace on the Jefferson County Quorum Court.
We met with Lockett recently and enjoyed our conversation with him. He is a fine fellow and has many solid ideas for the future of Pine Bluff. We feel like he genuinely loves the city. However, the experience that Stepps brings to the table is something this city needs right now.
We have a new mayor taking office on Jan. 1. We have a downtown that is derelict — and that’s putting it mildly.
There are many changes taking place across our city, some good, some bad. We feel comfortable supporting Stepps and welcome his continued presence at City Hall. We feel like his mature judgment will be needed in the coming years. Pine Bluff’s City Council will benefit from it, and we believe residents will, too.