Economic Growth

This one issue is the most important issue in the campaign, it is the reason I decided to run for State Representative. We need jobs in District 80. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics there is an 8.8% unemployment rate in District 80. I believe that number is slightly high. I know that there are people out there that want to work, I know that there are people out there who would love nothing more than to have a job, but the leaders in this area have not done enough to bring jobs to you, the people. If we don't do something soon to change the unemployment rate, our communities will not be as good as they are now, because people will start leaving and move to other places...it's already happening now.

There is talk that tourism is the best way to bring jobs to the area. I for one think that tourism will MAYBE only help a few people, like hotel owners; but it will certainly not help the majority of the population make enough money to pay the bills and take care of their families...unless everyone wants to try and open their own resturant.

My idea is so simple and such a common sense approach that it just might work. All the local leaders will have to work together. I know, you don't see much of that any more among the local leaders, but maybe we can start the trend up again. On the state level: I, as your State Representative will work to get bills passed that make Arkansas more appealing to potential businesses, such as tax breaks ect,. I will also become an ambassador for the people to bring jobs to the area, I will aggressively seek out businesses looking to offer new jobs opportunities and tell them of the qualifications of this area. On the local level: the Mayor and City Council, County Judge and Quorum Court, and the Chamber of Commerce can each offer incentives for businesses. For example, the City Council and Quorum Court can offer lower taxes for them, or reduced prices for trash pickup thus saving the business money which is always a good selling point. As I said, for this to work the local leaders will have to work together and to be on the same page. I would propose that the State Rep, the City Council, and Quorum Court, and Chamber of Commerce establish a task force that will plan the best strategy and incentives to get businesses interested in our district. But to get this idea rolling I will need your help, I will need your support and your vote or we will never see this idea become reality.