Editor, The Commercial:
Pine Bluff Clergy stands with and supports the leadership ability of Mayor Shirley M. Washington to lead Pine Bluff. We stand with the mayor and the citizens who voter for her last year because we believe in her. Now is not the time to abandon Mayor Washington based on speculations, untrue statements mixed with racism.
We strongly support her vision of a stronger Pine Bluff working together however, today her vision is being tested and her leadership skills are called into question and challenged by many who put forth zero ideas or plans on the table to advance our city only they have only created an environment of distrust slamming GFPB.
Why We Can’t Wait, 1. Our city population was 56,636 in 1980; 57,140 in 1990; 49,083 in 2010; 44,772 in 2015; and the ESRI Business Forecast for 2021 is 44,082. 2. Our First Responders have not had an increase in their salary in five years, and they are paid at about 75% of those in Little Rock. 3.
Until recently, all three school districts had at least one school on academic probation, and they had low proficiency level on standardized tests. Mayor Washington recognized these problems and has put her credibility on the line through her endorsement of the GFPB plan which will move this city off center and in a direction of progress. The voters who trusted and believe her should give the mayor a chance to work with all plans available and make the best God given decision for the people.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
After all no plan can be advanced without funding and this city doesn’t have time to wait another day. Therefore, as members of clergy we have given our full endorsement to Mayor Washington as our leader and the GFPB plan as an initial start to improve a city that’s in fast decline.
Therefore we encourage all citizens to stand with us. Don’t allow the naysayers to turn out the lights on Pine Bluff! Join with us as we stand with Mayor Washington to vote FOR Go Forward Pine Bluff. Early voting ends June 12th at 5:00 PM, election day is Tuesday, June 13th starting at 7:30 AM until 7:30 PM.
The Rev. Jesse Turner,
Pine Bluff Clergy