Editor, The Commercial:
I wanted to respond to the article on December 21st concerning the council meeting. Mr. Mays and the mayor evidently did not see eye to eye on the remark Mr. Mays said about the perception of people who do not live in Pine Bluff about Pine Bluff.
I have lived in Jefferson County since I arrived 34 years ago. I work and shop in Pine Bluff proper. Pine Bluff is the place I call home and proudly tell other people where I am from. Unfortunately, from the remarks make by our illustrious mayor it would seem that he has not stepped foot outside the city limits for the past decade. I cannot go anywhere in the state where they don’t laugh or say “I am so sorry” when I say I’m from here.
It is my home. Now let me tell you that yes, I will not go out after dark without carrying. If I go unescorted, I will not get out of my car without knowing exactly who is where and what they are up to. I am always aware of my surroundings. Pine Bluff is not only the worst city in the state as far as many others are concerned, it is one of the worse cities in the nation, according to certain polls.
For example http://www.cityrating.com/crime-statistics/arkansas/pine-bluff.html. I don’t know where the mayor’s head has been, but denying certain things is probably one of the reasons the city has turned out the way it has. I can’t believe the people of Pine Bluff still vote in the same council year after year. I give credit to Mr. Mays. He is a breath of fresh air. You go get’em, Mr. Mays!
Cathy Ruhl
Pine Bluff