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City Council hopefuls stress community

City Council hopefuls stress community
Colton Edwards (left) and William Fells III, the two candidates for the Ward 3 position on the Pine Bluff City Council in the November 2024 election, are shown in these undated courtesy photos.

The race for Pine Bluff City Council has two candidates, Colton Edwards and William Fells III announcing their bids for the Ward 3 position. Both candidates bring unique backgrounds and a shared passion for community development to the table, promising an engaging election season.

While Edwards and Fells come from different backgrounds, they share a common goal: to make Pine Bluff a better place for all residents. Both candidates are passionate about community development and are committed to working collaboratively to achieve their goals.

Colton Edwards

Colton Edwards is a lifelong resident of Pine Bluff and a fifth-generation small business owner. Edwards, a proud graduate of Watson Chapel High School and owner of Natural State Landscaping & Design, has a deep understanding of the local business landscape and the challenges facing the community.

Edwards’ campaign is centered around three key pillars: economic development, education and public safety. He plans to implement a comprehensive economic development strategy that focuses on attracting new businesses, supporting local entrepreneurs and creating job opportunities. Edwards believes that small businesses are the backbone of a thriving community and is committed to fostering a business-friendly environment in Pine Bluff.

Besides economic development, Edwards is also passionate about education and public safety. He proposes the development of innovative educational programs to prepare students for the future and plans to work closely with the Pine Bluff Police Department to enhance public safety measures.

William Fells III

William Fells III is a Pine Bluff native and graduate of Ridgway Christian High School and American University. Fells has a strong background in public service, having worked in the U.S. Senate, interned at the U.S. Department of Justice, and served as Special Projects Coordinator in the office of Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington.

Fells’ experience in the mayor’s office provided him with valuable insights into the needs of the community and the challenges facing Pine Bluff. He was instrumental in coordinating various projects, including community cleanups, the 2020 Census initiative, and the Second Chance Program, which offered educational and workforce opportunities to youth in the juvenile justice system.

As project director for the Advancing Health Literacy Program, Fells demonstrated his ability to lead and implement successful initiatives. He is committed to working with the community to address their concerns and promote progress.