The Pine Bluff City Council missed an opportunity Monday night to add a nationally renowned criminologist to the city’s newly organized crime advisory commission when a vote on the issue ended in a 4-4 tie. Mayor Carl A. Redus declined to cast a decisive vote, saying the crime panel needs an opportunity to develop before being forced to undergo changes.
Alderman Bill Brumett sponsored an ordinance seeking to have Matthew Pate appointed to the commission. Brumett said his legislation was designed to also “clarify” the board’s “level of authority.”
Brumett and Aldermen Wayne Easterly, Irene Holcomb and Steven Mays supported the measure, which was opposed by Aldermen Charles Boyd, Glen Brown, George Stepps and Thelma Walker.
“Matthew Pate has credentials very few people could match,” Brumett said. “I just don’t understand this vote.”
“Any time you can find someone with Mr. Pate’s level of education and expertise and they’re willing to serve, you should take advantage of it,” Easterly said.
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Holcomb reached out to the detractors, saying she believed they were “raising legitimate questions,” but stressed her support by reminding them that the commission’s “ultimate goal is to do something about reducing crime.”
Walker was silent until learning that the measure included granting Pate voting privilege as an at-large member. She objected, saying Pate perhaps should be allowed to attend meetings and respond to questions but shouldn’t be allowed to vote on issues.
Brown based his dissent on the previous formulation of the commission, saying each alderman had been given an opportunity to name possible members, regardless of their places of residence. Brumett said he thought the aldermen were limited to suggesting only residents of their respective wards. Brumett said Pate live outside his ward, and he wasn’t then aware that Pate was willing to serve.
“We can’t change what’s already done,” Brown said of the council-approved membership. “Where did Pate’s name come from?”
Pate holds a doctoral degree in philosophy from State University of New York’s University at Albany School of Criminal Justice. He also earned four master’s degrees, including two in criminal justice.
Pate — a nationally syndicated columnist for Stephens Media Group, which includes The Commercial — said he had previously discussed his possible service on the commission with Ted Davis, Redus’ chief aide. Pate said he didn’t expect rejection.
“I find this vote to be very consistent of the level of leadership and vision that this council has demonstrated in the past,” Pate said. “The fruits of that past leadership and vision are self-evident in the spectre of crime that hangs over our city.”