With early voting having started this week, we note the importance of several local races. None could be more critical than the contest to be mayor of Pine Bluff. After careful consideration of the five individuals vying for the seat, we conclude there is only one logical choice.
As we have discussed at length, Theodis “Ted” Davis, is likely a somewhat popular candidate, but his lengthy history of dubious finances, combined with an equally dubious connection to one of Pine Bluff’s most failed mayoral administrations eliminates him as a serious choice.
Then there are the candidacies of city council members, Thelma Walker and Steven Mays. From the moment incumbent Pine Bluff Mayor Debe Hollingsworth took office, Walker has participated in one cabal after the next, that appear to serve no function other than undermining the mayor. That’s certainly her prerogative. It’s also the prerogative of the voters to take a pass on someone that focused on a spite mission. For this reason and a host of questionable votes, we cannot endorse Walker.
Mays presents an interesting case. We do not doubt his earnestness or sincere affection for the city, but Mays has a demonstrable history of tilting at metaphorical windmills. The silly zip code business is the exemplar of this penchant. For this reason, voters should also look elsewhere.
Then we come to a new political face, Shirley Washington. Washington has mounted what looks to be a popular and well-run campaign. She is affable and a reasonable choice, save for her inexperience. Some might argue that a fresh outlook, with few bad political habits would be good for the city. As a council member, she would likely fit that bill. As mayor, the city needs someone with a bit more time in the types of trenches that help inform a top executive.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
For this reason, we endorse Hollingsworth. Her record of accomplishment and openness represents the best traditions of small town government. With a double digit drop in crime during her tenure, fiscally sound departmental reorganizations and other stabilizing achievements, she has a solid record on which to stand.
We would note that she has not always gotten along well with certain aforementioned members of the council, but the obstruction appears to emanate almost exclusively from the other side. We’re given to wonder what progress the city might have made if Walker, along with Glen Brown, Sr. and George Stepps had just accepted the fact of her election and moved on with the city’s business. Alas, that is not in their characters, and a prime reason the voters need a better slate of city council candidates.
Hollingsworth was elected in a landslide rebuke of old bad habits. The city is on a good course. More positive stories about our community have developed in the past three years than in the previous decade. Therefore, we urge Pine Bluff voters to enthusiastically embrace Hollingsworth’s candidacy.
We also want to reiterate the point that voters who want to vote in the mayoral race can only do so if they vote in the Democratic primary. So if you are itching to vote for Ted Cruz or Donald Trump, for instance, you won’t be able to do that and vote for Hollingsworth. During this election cycle, your vote for the future of Pine Bluff is way more important than picking one of several candidates for the Republican nomination for President. As former Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill said “All politics is local.” It doesn’t get much more local than a mayor’s race.