Wayne Smith: Running for Mayor of Texarkana, Arkansas

If you have not heard the news, then you might not be on Facebook.  Wayne Smith of Texarkana announced briefly today that he, after much consideration with his wife and in prayer, has decided to run for the office of Mayor for Texarkana, Arkansas.  Wayne said:

“After discussion with family and friends and many hours of prayer I have decided to initiate the process of placing my name on the November Ballot for Mayor Texarkana, Arkansas.

I am asking for each of you to remember Brenda and I in your prayers as we embark on another adventure/avenue in our journey through this life.”

 

Having known Wayne and his outstanding character, I immediately contacted him through a direct message and fired off some basic questions.  The man who has spent his life being prepared, serving his community, and in too many leadership roles to count, responded quickly.

 

Wayne immediately pointed out that he has already set an agenda in place for being the new Mayor of Texarkana, Arkansas.  He stated that he wants to see our “economic interest first and foremost in the region.”  This is good news for plants such as Cooper Tire.  He further noted that he feels strongly that outside interest groups have impeded Texarkana’s growth for too long.  He assures me that Texarkana, Arkansas will come first in all his dealings in and out of the area.

 

As for recent events in the news, Wayne feels strongly that the Texarkana Water Utilities must continue as a joint operation, managed by Texarkana, Arkansas and Texarkana, Texas.  During his discussion about the water company, Wayne used such words as “insist” and “demand”.  He feels strongly that both cities have a stake in the water utilities and that both cities must equally administer and regulate those interests.

 

Wayne is already formulating ideas for economic growth and strengthening Texarkana, Arkansas’ position for future industry.  As Mayor Shipp prepares to leave his post, Texarkana, Arkansas would be best served by a man prepared to take the leadership of the city to new levels and elevate Texarkana, Arkansas into a position of economic prosperity that has been unseen in our past.