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City of Forrest City
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Ladies and Gentlemen, The city of Forrest City is financially stable with approximately 4 million in reserves and each department is currently in the black as we, as well as others, try to offset the unexpected high cost of fuel and its affects on the overall economy. Needless to say, we are at a crossroads in our history. The question is, “Where do we go from here?” Do we aggressively sale Forrest City, telling about its assets;
such as, its location and proximity to Memphis, Little Rock,
and Jonesboro with I-40, Hwy I, and the Union Pacific Railroad
that travels North, South, East, and West? Do we tell about Crowley’s Ridge Vo-Tech and its great hands on programs; such as welding, industrial electric, drafting, nursing and many other classes, or Do we tell about the educational values that exist in our high school: from choir to basketball, from band to math, from business to science, from football to vo-tech, and from special education to A.P. classes, Forrest City High School serves a diverse clientele? What do we do? Do we tell about our businesses and how they work to have the best products and customer service in our area? And lastly, Do we toot our own horn about our city government which has over the last 30 years never raised your taxes – without your permission, but yet has expanded services throughout the city? Yes, Forrest City and its citizens have much GOOD news to spread. Then the question becomes, 1) why don’t we and 2) Can we start anew today, selling our city as the hub of commerce and business for Eastern Arkansas, and letting everyone know we are open and ready for business. Ladies and gentlemen, yes we, the citizens of Forrest City, can propel ourselves to new levels IF we work together, all of us – the city, the schools, the business community, and government. Now, I’m not advocating that we put our heads in the sand and ignore that we have our problems. Yes, we have our share, we have a few warts, but every city has them; they are crime, negativism, and joblessness. I am however advocating that we stand together. Let’s attack and fight each and every day to rid our community of the negatives and I, as mayor, will also work towards ridding our community of these unsightly bumps. At the very least, let’s promote our positives a whole lot more than our negatives. Think about it, when was the last time you said something positive about your city, our city? What positive news stories have you heard or read? As I thought about these questions, a popular song by Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers came to mind. The song simply says, “Sometimes you have to encourage yourself." Another thing that came to mind was a line from the Baptist Covenant that I often heard while growing up. It mentions, “Not needlessly exposing the infirmities of others.” I think we, as Forrest Citians would do good to heed to those
words. Let us lift rather than tear down our city. Council members our city is ready to move forward, I’m ready to move forward, and I know you are ready to move forward; therefore, I ask that you raise the amount the mayor can spend in line with current Arkansas law, so that I can be more flexible and judicious with making purchases for the city. I would also ask that the council help me, as we move forward by continuing to be good stewards for our city, and leading in a pro active manner. As you listened, nothing was negative; everything should be positive, and we must believe in our city, and do all we can to remain financially stable while improving the quality of life for our citizens, and patrons who visit. I want to lead the charge in promoting our city in a positive light when doing business for the people of Forrest City. Thanks and God Bless Forrest City. |
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