Wayne Smith Comments

When I decided to place my name on the November 2, 2010 ballot for Texarkana, Arkansas Mayor; I did what I have done my entire life.  I evaluated what was necessary to be a winner / successful candidate for the position I wanted.  As I have said before, I have been successful at every position I have held during my adult life.  This success can be attributed to developing a plan of action and doing whatever is necessary to accomplish the goal established This trend began with my Military Service in which I was selected to attend Leadership Preparation School immediately following “Boot Camp” to being an Honor Graduate of 7^th Army NCO Academy, and finally being a decorated Vietnam Veteran.  I began at the entry level of a Correctional Officer-Guard-in the Federal Prison Service and retired as a Warden.  That career has carried me to thirteen assignments and seven different positions.   I knew I would not be successful as a Mayoral Candidate without building a coalition of supporters throughout Texarkana, Arkansas. 

At every opportunity I have shared my vision for Texarkana, Arkansas with diverse constituents.  During each encounter I articulate my qualifications, experience, and desire to do “What’s Best For Texarkana, Arkansas”.  I have been successful assuring those I come in contact with that I have the Ability, Courage, and Determination to fight for Texarkana, Arkansas.  I have begun to build the coalition to become Texarkana, Arkansas Mayor elect on November 2, 2010 and be sworn in on January 1, 2011.  This coalition of supporters consists of Democrats, Republican, and the elusive Independents.  The Miller County Patriots have endorsed me as their choice for Texarkana, Arkansas Mayor. Leaders from the Minority-Black and Hispanic-Community have endorsed me as the best qualified candidate for Texarkana, Arkansas Mayor.  Religious congregations have voiced support for my candidacy.  Prominent Business Owners/Leaders, Attorneys. Medical Professionals have supported my pursuit to become Texarkana, Arkansas Mayor.  Law Enforcement-Federal, State, County, and Local-have provided encouragement and support for my desire to become Mayor.  IAFF Local 502-Texarkana Arkansas Firefighters-have endorsed me as their candidate for Texarkana, Arkansas Mayor.  State, County, and Local Elected Officials-Current and Prior-have provided advise, support, and/or assistance in my campaign.  Cooper Tire United Steel Workers Local 1752 has voted to support and endorse me as the best candidate for Texarkana, Arkansas Mayor.  I have received encouragement and support from a majority of current Board of Directors.  Neighborhood Organizations have placed their voice of approval in my desire to become Mayor.  As Brenda and I walk in the communities and meet my constituents I receive the most encouraging support from the Citizens of Texarkana, Arkansas-their promise to vote for me.  I will continue to build on this coalition as the days pass before the November 2^nd Election.  The larger the coalition the more effective I will be as your Mayor. 

As the Mayor I will build another coalition with County Official, School Board Members, and Board of Directors to ensure an Agenda which advances Texarkana, Arkansas is implemented.  I will always do what’s best for Texarkana, Arkansas.  As Mayor I can not and will not be influenced or intimidated by Texarkana, Texas officials.  I will always be willing to discuss any topic with Texarkana, Texas officials; however, it must be contingent on Mutual Respect and Equality. I have absolutely no allegiance or ties with Texarkana, Texas. I will never have to abstain or remove myself from a vote involving Texarkana, Arkansas’ business because of a conflict of interest.  I want only what’s best for Texarkana, Arkansas. 

There have been some recent distortions in my belief and opinion concerning Texarkana, Arkansas growth and development.  We have a great opportunity to advance our job and business growth.  We cannot target one area.  Texarkana, Arkansas has the potential for growth in South Texarkana area-College Hill, Highway 82 East, Jefferson Avenue-North of I 30, North and South side of I 30 corridor between Jefferson Avenue and State Line, and our Business Park.  Downtown Texarkana has potential for specific targeted businesses, leisure/recreational areas, and cultural pursuits.  Each area must be developed to provide a multi-use concept.  Without adequate housing units-rooftops-available Texarkana, Arkansas will not grow or attract businesses willing to locate within our city limits.  When we are making decisions pertaining to an owner’s property, the owner’s interest must be a priority.  We must seize the opportunity for housing, business, and/or office growth in areas suitable for construction.

I am asking each citizen in Texarkana, Arkansas for something which is very precious-your Vote.  A Vote for Wayne Smith is an investment in Texarkana, Arkansas and the growth of our city.  When elected and sworn in as your Mayor on January 1, 2011 the citizens of Texarkana, Arkansas will begin to see the dividends of that investment.  I am asking for your vote for Mayor of Texarkana, Arkansas.