#1: by Betty on 06.04.2008 @ 04:47pm CDT
It looks great.
Betty |
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#2: by Miki W Willoughby on 06.04.2008 @ 04:51pm CDT
With a very fine walk
And eyes very blue
A Mayor you talk
And look like one too. |
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#3: by Kathy Cole on 08.26.2008 @ 05:59pm CDT
I loved the newsletter that was circulated today via e-mails. I wish you could post it on the website. |
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#4: by Alec on 09.06.2008 @ 12:42pm CDT
It's Official
I filed for the office of Mayor of Jonesboro on Monday, August 18th. I am ABSOLUTELY COMMITTED to city government that is open and accountable. I pledge to provide common-sense leadership and solutions as we face our ongoing challenges together. Challenges such as:
City Finances
Traffic Congestion
Drainage
Crime Prevention
Continued Growth and Development...
...and I vow to diligently work to make the interests of the citizens Priority ONE at City Hall. |
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#5: by Alec on 09.07.2008 @ 06:39pm CDT
Campaign Contribution Limits
So there can be no question about my resolve to eliminate the influence of special interests from city government I have chosen to limit campaign contributions to $500.00 per person or entity. This self-imposed limit is 25% of the $2,000.00 limit set by the State. Further, I will not accept any contributions from Political Action Committees (PAC's) or from Professional Lobbyists. I don't believe that a mayor should assume office owing his election to a few powerful individuals or organizations.
Cash contributions are limited to $100.
Another limiting factor in terms of campaign finance is the issue of promises. I refuse to make promises that I either can't or won't keep in order to secure campaign donations or votes. There are those who will promise everything under the sun to get elected---I AM NOT ONE OF THOSE CANDIDATES!!! My question is: Would you rather have a mayor who tells you whatever you want to hear, or a mayor who values integrity and is guided by principle?
Though these principles will severely limit my fundraising opportunities, I would rather lose this race than to lose my integrity in an attempt to win it! With your help I intend to win this race because I believe that the citizens of Jonesboro are smart enough to see through the 'politics as usual' and that they yearn for government that works with integrity, for the good of all. |
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#6: by Alec on 09.08.2008 @ 09:37am CDT
Campaign Headquarters
You have probably noticed that I haven't opened a Campaign Headquarters in a retail building. Mine is at 2705 Turtle Creek...in my Garage and Kitchen! I have chosen to be fiscally responsible in the management of campaign funds as an example of how I will manage the city's assets. There are other places where our limited campaign funds can be utilized much more efficiently than by spending $1,500 per month on some flashy retail location for a headquarters. I hope you understand. |
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#7: by Coyse Barton on 09.08.2008 @ 08:02pm CDT
As I see it:
If you want the best, forget all the rest. |
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#8: by Alec on 09.09.2008 @ 10:57am CDT
Yard Signs
We'll be getting signs up over the next few weeks. We decided not to clutter the streets of our community so far in advance of the election. You may notice that some of the signs say 'Alec Farmer for Jonesboro,' while others say 'Alec Farmer for Mayor.' Our "for Jonesboro" signs are the result of recycling my old city council signs to save money, reduce waste and emphasize my desire to work for Jonesboro. |
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#9: by Alec on 09.10.2008 @ 09:14am CDT
Yard Signs II - Please Be Considerate of Other People's Property
Please don't place any of my signs on other people's property without first obtaining their permission. One of my opponents placed a 4' X 8' sign on our property! Needless to say I'll be supporting my own candidacy, not his.
Also, please don't put our signs in the city or state road rights-of-way. Make sure they are about 30 feet from the middle of the street behind sidewalks or power poles to be safe. |
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#10: by Alec on 09.14.2008 @ 06:50pm CDT
The upcoming mayoral election is important to every citizen of Jonesboro. We have enjoyed tremendous growth over the past several years and we all want to see our city continue to have a strong economy and a quality of life that is the best anywhere. On January 1st, 2009 a new mayor will take office and that person will face many challenges to be sure. |
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#11: by Chad on 09.15.2008 @ 10:45am CDT
Mr. Farmer,
While I appreciate what you are trying to do to help the community, I disagree with your actions and letter in the newspaper. After reading what you paid to put in the paper and then the emails passed between you and Chief Yates, it is apparent to me that you are taking his words completely out of context and twisting them to say what he was not even insenuating. Chief Yates has been great for our community and thought he was speaking to you in confidence and you turn on him like this! This is dispicable! Please take your political mudslinging somewhere else and use it on someone that deserves it. Thank you for showing us how and who you are. My vote will be cast for someone else thanks to your recent bad decisions. |
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#12: by Alec on 09.15.2008 @ 03:11pm CDT
Who's Zoomin' Who?
There seems to be a lot of confusion as to the responsibilities of the Mayor and the City Council. State law dictates THE MAYOR'S AND THE CITY COUNCIL'S duties, so let's set the record straight.
The MAYOR has both legislative and administrative duties.
Legislative- the Mayor:
President of the city council
Presides over the council meetings
Only votes if his vote is needed to pass an ordinance, resolution or motion
Signs all documents approved by the City Council.
The Mayor may also:
Call special meetings
Introduce ordinances and resolutions
Veto actions of the City Council.
Administration - the Mayor:
Prepares and submits the city's annual budget to the City Council
Must give a State of the City report for the previous year before March 1 each year
Hires and fires all department heads
Supervises all city departments
Determines the day-to-day activities fo the city's employees
Enforces city ordinances, resolutions, rules and regulations
Appoints members to city boards and commissions with city council approval
The City Council has legislative duties Only. The City Council:
Controls all city finances
Controls the city's real and personal property
Approves or disapproves the city's annual budget
Sets procedures for purchases not regulated by the state (purchases under $10,000)
Sets the time and place for regular city council meetings
Approves all ordinances, resolutions and city policies
May override the Mayor's veto of an ordinance or resolution by 2/3 vote
May override the Mayor's hiring or firing of a department head by 2/3 vote
Appoints a President Pro Tempore to preside over city council meetings when the Mayor is absent
The COUNCIL does not manage any city employees or city activities. |
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#13: by Becky on 09.15.2008 @ 04:01pm CDT
Alec, I am so sorry we have a Police Cheif that feels he can threaten people. War head?? I really believe maybe he should return to Georgia since he wants to use his "Georgian" GIBBERISH! As a citizen of Jonesboro I apoligize for our Police Cheif's manners. |
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#14: by Patrick Henry on 09.15.2008 @ 10:24pm CDT
Chad said: "After reading what you paid to put in the paper and then the emails passed between you and Chief Yates, it is apparent to me that you are taking his words completely out of context and twisting them to say what he was not even insenuating."
Chad,
How could you read the email and say that ANYTHING was taken out of context? What rock did you crawl out from under?
Yates CLEARLY is trying to use Perrin, Willett, and the whole Police Department to his own personal advantage. Is it "mudslinging" to let us voters in on what goes on behind the scenes? I think more information is better than treating us like mushrooms! As long as Yates is on the public payroll he has no more expectation of privacy than any other public official!
"Give me Liberty or Give me DEATH!" |
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#15: by Penny Clevenger on 09.16.2008 @ 12:50am CDT
I don't live in JBR anymore so I can't contribute my vote for you as Mayor but I want to let you know that if I was still there, I'd likely be out campaigning for you now. KUDOS to you Alec for exposing to the public the type of garbage that has been going on in JBR for wayyy too long. And KUDOS to you again for showing you're not about "good ole boy" politics nor are you for sale, both which have been part of political campaigning in JBR for as long as I can remember. Brutally honest - refreshing, I like it!! |
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#16: by James on 09.16.2008 @ 01:20am CDT
Mr. Farmer, In the past I have respected you as a professional businessman and I was really excited to see you running for mayor. This email bit with Chief Yates however is over the top. I have read the email and your exerpts on your front page try to steer the truth like the democrats steer the media. Publishing personal email and telephone numbers of the chief of police is not professional conduct and I detest the political nature of the postings. |
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#17: by Thankful Citizen on 09.16.2008 @ 08:40am CDT
In response to "Chad's" blog, I would like to thank Mr. Farmer for exposing the truth. Although it comes at no surprise. I don't believe Chief Yates words were taken out of context and twisted. They were his very "own" words, and anyone with common sense could see that they are corrupt. And on the topic of political mudslinging, the Chief has taken every opportunity to do just that. I believe he is giving the police department a bad name, and should allow the officers to think for themselves. I admire Mr. Farmer for seeking the truth and informing the community of it. He's not afraid to take on anyone, and to stand up to anyone. I believe he has the people of Jonesboro in his best interest. |
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#18: by Darla on 09.16.2008 @ 09:17am CDT
I think you did a great service to the citizens of Jonesboro for posting the email by Yates. We deserve to know what kind of person is in charge of our safety and as I see it....he is a very unprofessional and threating person and gives the JPD a black eye.
Good luck and thank you for the info! |
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#19: by Alec on 09.16.2008 @ 11:06am CDT
FACT CHECK...
Some of the confusion is the result of one candidate for mayor listing his experience as Vice Mayor. There's a big problem with his claim; according to state law, there is no Vice Mayor position under Jonesboro's form of city government. The City Council appoints one member as President Pro Tempore of the City Council, not Vice Mayor. The only responsibility of the President Pro Temp is to preside over the city council meetings when the Mayor is absent. The President Pro Temp has absolutely no mayoral duties other than to run the meetings when the Mayor is absent.
Anyone who implies that there is or ever has been a Vice Mayor or that the President Pro Temp has additional duties or responsibilities is either naive or intentionally misleading. |
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#20: by DJ on 09.16.2008 @ 02:59pm CDT
I thought after reading Willetts remarks last week about how Valley View is the only school that is financially able to give a respectable education in Jonesboro, he would watch more closely what he says. But once again he has stuck his foot in his mouth with todays comments in the Jonesboro Sun. His momma always told him nobody likes a tattle tale, This must be Willetts version of don't ask and I will never tell when wrong is being done.
Evidently someone is being untruthful. Willett is quoted as saying there are no guarantees for Yates or anyone working for the City of Jonesboro, but it is plain to see in Yates email that Willett according to Yates told him his job is safe. Who is being untruthful? I am so glad Willett is going to turn the economy around in Jonesboro like he states, next he will tell everyone he is going to do it for the entire country. Willett go back to Washington where you don't ask, don't tell. |
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#21: by David Watkins on 09.16.2008 @ 07:02pm CDT
I hoped that you would run the last time,so I Sure was glad that you did this time.We need you, i know that you are not for sale to the big shots,or the people that have been running thing for a long time, The P-chief thing should help you,I did not understand why not anyone in our police force was good enough to be chief that had been on the forec for 20 or more years and knew the people and the the problemas even he was one of them[doug]one that I know told me that he hoped that he was a 1 time mayor.David WatkinsmelAmfheiAmfheiAQm |
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#22: by David on 09.16.2008 @ 07:03pm CDT
Mr. farmer you seem to be just what is needed in the Mayors office. I too agree that too many candidates have been bought by special interest.
As for the e-mail, I think you hit the nail on the head. It is apparent to anyone with just a modicum of intelligence, that it was an outright threat that if you don't promise Yates a job that he will call out the dogs. for those who think you misleading with your excerts of the e-mail undoubtably cannot think for themselves.
Personally I think we need you to run for president instead of mayor! Good luck in your quest to clean up Jonesboro's city government, It needs it! |
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#23: by David on 09.16.2008 @ 07:54pm CDT
Why isn't the news media asking why: The PBA scheduled closed-door interviews with candidates for mayor and City Council on Monday and today.
Just why was this meeting not made public, what did they have to hide. Mr. Farmer I admire for your stand against the apparent threats of this organization, It is also apparent just what their agenda is.
Keep up the good work! |
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#24: by Concerned Citizen on 09.16.2008 @ 11:40pm CDT
I tend to agree with Chad and James. Your email fiasco was a bit questionable. You showed us part of Yates side of the story and aired his laundry.....now can you share with us yours? What were some emails you might have sent him or anyone else via your personal email account you expected him to share with no one else that it might be interesting for the whole world to see? Might you have any, as they say, "corrupt" skeletons in your closet you need to confess, or will we be waiting for someone to do that for you? Remember, what goes around comes around. Do you feel that you were OPEN, HONEST, RESPONSIBLE, and ACCOUNTABLE? |
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#25: by Alec on 09.17.2008 @ 07:37am CDT
Need a Yard Sign?
We've got 'em!
We are now in the process of distributing and installing signs. If you would like one please contact me, (contact info is below) and we will get one out to you as soon as possible.
Please be patient if your yard sign does not appear overnight. The demand of yard signs by the citizens of Jonesboro is extremely high and we are working as quickly as possible to get them all up. |
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#26: by GUEST on 09.17.2008 @ 12:16pm CDT
Mr. Farmer, let me make sure I understand what you're saying...
Are you actually trying to say that Jonesboro has NEVER had a Vice Mayor? |
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#27: by Bob on 09.17.2008 @ 06:42pm CDT
Wow!! Looks like Yates likes to threaten people as to what might happen if he doesn't get his way. He looks like a bully that will do whatever necessary to get what he wants.
Also, I wonder if he has ever heard of "spellcheck"??
You got my vote for sure (but you already knew that)!! |
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#28: by aaron on 09.18.2008 @ 03:46pm CDT
Great job Mr.Farmer. Maybe Cheif Yates can devote more time to city problems like he did in finding his gps system. |
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#29: by Ron on 09.18.2008 @ 09:57pm CDT
I watched coverage of the email controversy on KAIT this morning and then went back and read the actual emails. The story on KAIT was written in such a way that made you look like a petty, attention seeking politician. Their portrayal was far from reality. I appreciate your making this public. We always "know" that back room deals are made to get in and stay in public office, but now we REALLY know it. I'm still left to wonder why the coverage on KAIT was so watered down. Perhaps they have a horse in this race? Anyhow, I didn't know who I was voting for before. It's you now. |
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#30: by Alec on 09.19.2008 @ 09:58am CDT
On 09.17.2008 @ 12:16pm CDT GUEST wrote:
"Mr. Farmer, let me make sure I understand what you're saying... Are you actually trying to say that Jonesboro has NEVER had a Vice Mayor?"
Alec's Reply:
Yes, the State of Arkansas does not and has never authorized the position of
Vice Mayor under the mayor/council form of government which is the form of
government in Jonesboro. Many people don't understand that city's are
limited in their authority, including their organization, by the State of
Arkansas. Title 14 of the Arkansas Code Annotated (our state code book)
deals with Local Government. Chapter 43 of Title 14 deals with Government
of Cities of First Class (Jonesboro falls under this). Section 14-43-501
deals with the Organization of the City Council. Section 14-43-501(b)(1)
(A) states the mayor shall be the ex officio president of the city council
and shall preside at its meeting's and (B) states his duties as the
president of the city council. Section 14-43-501(b)(2) states "In the
absence of the mayor, the city council shall elect a president pro tempore."
President Pro Tempore is only mentioned under Organization of the City
Council. The president pro tempore of the city council has no other duty
than to preside at council's meetings in the mayor's absence. Vice Mayor is
not mentioned in Arkansas law regarding cities of Jonesboro's
classification.
Previous Jonesboro city council's may have called someone a vice mayor, I
think in 2002 they even adopted an ordinance mistakenly calling the
president pro tempore position as vice mayor, but the fact is that under
state law, no such position is authorized and has not been authorized in the
past and therefore can't be created by a local city council.
In 2003, we corrected the mistake of the previous year and named the
position president pro tempore as state law requires. Also, the only
responsibility of the president pro tempore is to preside over city council
meetings when the mayor is absent; there is no and has never been any
authorization for the pro temp position to have administrative duties in the
mayor's absence.
Jonesboro has never legally had a vice mayor under the controlling laws of
the state of Arkansas. I hope this clears up the question for you. Please
contact me anytime if I can help.
Best Regards,
Alec |
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#31: by Alec on 09.19.2008 @ 10:02am CDT
Reality Check...
I am running for Mayor of Jonesboro. I am NOT running for Superintendent of Schools.
My training and experience are well suited for the position of mayor. I would never presume to value my mayoral qualifications over the judgment of certified, experienced educators and administrators when it comes to educating our children.
Another mayoral candidate recently published his education plan in a newspaper ad. His vague plan demonstrates a clear difference in our understanding of the office of Mayor. The only "meat" in his proposal must, by law, be decided by school districts, the state board of education, the state board of higher education, the governor, or the Arkansas legislature-NOT the Mayor. It makes for a slick newspaper ad, but in reality, the mayor has neither the authority nor any business trying to dictate most of the things in his plan.
As mayor, I would never be presumptuous enough to attempt to usurp the legitimate authority of a duly elected school board of education; rather, I would seek their counsel concerning issues where city government can assist them in doing their jobs.
The mayor does have authority over many things that can make a real difference in the quality of education in our city.
The NUMBER ONE ISSUE city government must continually improve is school safety. This challenge begins and ends in our neighborhoods.
City government can and must affect the safety of our children at every level:
Children must pass through the doors of their homes into a neighborhood that is free of predators that would victimize them:
My proactive approach to law enforcement will make this a reality in every neighborhood in the city.
My administration will usher in a new era of close partnership between school officials and city government in identifying potential problems before they occur.
I support sexual offender notification in our neighborhoods to help all of us look out for our children's well being.
ALL Children deserve a safe environment as they walk to our schools or board our school buses:
I will push for a sidewalk plan that improves safety around our schools and parks.
As a councilman I supported additional sidewalks around our schools: Fisher Street, James Street, Frierson Street, and Wilkins. I also supported the Christian Valley Drive project to improve safety for the Valley View school campus and recommended Race Street and Patrick Street improvements to improve safety for children walking and riding our school buses
I will direct strict enforcement of traffic laws in school zones.
I will push to continue application for grants under the Arkansas Safe Routes to School Program to fund solar powered School Zone flashers.
Quality Education must include a safe and secure learning environment:
I challenge all citizens to join me in supporting D.A.R.E. and other programs that support youth safety. I will support our school administrations in the deployment of SRO's.
I will Increase police presence and patrols in neighborhoods around schools.
These are examples of how a mayor can make a difference in support of our schools. City government that does its proper job will assist the duly elected school boards and experienced school administrators in producing the educated workforce Jonesboro needs to continue drawing good jobs and growing our economy. |
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#32: by Old High School Classmate on 09.19.2008 @ 10:34am CDT
Alec, maybe you should give Yates the fight he thinks he can win. Surely there are ethics state or city laws in place to prevent abuse of power. I am confident there is a local attorney that would like to do the right thing and expose this for what it really is, YOU THINK. I am sure your opponents would love to explain there part of this arrangement. Good Luck and keep fighting the good fight for those of us who are faceless and voiceless. |
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#33: by withheld for privacy on 09.19.2008 @ 03:07pm CDT
I find this whole thing a bit humorous.
First, my mom always said do not write anything you don't want the whole world to know. My mother is a great and smart woman and she proves her point right here. If he didn't want the things he wrote just thrown out there one would think he could have been a bit more smart about this whole situation.
Second, This is politics, I don't know why all you people are getting so bent out of shape over what he posted. This is politics and this is how it HAS been and how it WILL be in a campaign, even though most wish it weren't.
Third, all to many times we do NOT know what goes on behind closed doors. If this man wants to put stuff out there so be it. It is his own right.
Last, I am not saying I do not like the police chief. I could care less. However, I do want to say, I do not know many people that do like him. So if this is a way to get votes have at it. In fact, I know quite a few people I have talked to and all are for this man. Just for the mere fact he has beef with the police chief.
I think some people are taking this whole thing a little bit hard, it is similar to highschool. Emailing back and forth and so on. Picking on one another. This is where I find the humor. I think quite a few people in this town need to grow up. And why are you people so upset at this? Did you know everyday there are many people that are harrassed via email? From Junior High all the way to adulthood (obviously). From personal experience, this goes on more often than most of you know. Kuddos to Farmer for having some balls and throwing this whole thing to the wind! At least someone has a set going into office! |
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#34: by Until Recently Undecided Voter on 09.21.2008 @ 11:16am CDT
In an nutshell:
First, I applaud Mr. Farmer for running his campaign in the light of day as opposed to trying to garner political favor and broker votes in "behind closed doors" sessions (thinly disguised as interviews) with self serving political interest groups. It's about time that Jonesboro had a candidate who refuses to play along with the good ole boy political shananigans and isn't afraid to call the bluff of those who would rely on strong arm tactics to see their own interests served. It appears to me that Mr. Farmer instead wants to focus on the issues which can easily be summed up as "do what's best for Jonesboro", do so without selling out his character or personal beliefs, and do it in the public eye for all to see. Jonesboro deserves a Mayor with these qualities... it's been far too long.
Second, the best way for the police chief to assure that he keeps his job is not to threaten nuclear warheads against political candidates or broker back room deals but to do his job in such a manner that he is indispensible to the City. My first suggestion to him would be that he focus a little less on who's legally doing what according to his confidential informants on Main Street and perhaps focus a little more on illegal activity occurring within the City. Does it bother anyone else that our police chief has openly admitted to having informants in our City's private clubs and restaurants and that these informants are reporting to him on the activities of our political candidates? It certainly concerns me.
So, in a nutshell Mr. Farmer, where do I get my Farmer For Jonesboro yard sign? You certainly have my vote. |
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#35: by Alec on 09.22.2008 @ 01:10pm CDT
SIGN PROBLEMS
We are starting to experience some tearing-down, and even outright theft of our signs. If you see anyone tampering with or stealing our signs, please contact the police or me. Thanks. |
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#36: by Alec on 09.23.2008 @ 05:37pm CDT
JETS
I support the continuation of the JETS service. Most of us recognize that there is a very real need for public transit for a segment of our community such as our economically disadvantaged, our disabled, and our home-bound senior citizens.
The skyrocketing price of gasoline has also resulted in a larger number of citizens having to find more economic ways to move about, and JETS is a piece of that puzzle.
I think most citizens agree that we need public transportation even if it is not currently running as efficiently as we’d like; however, there is disagreement over the level of subsidy that should come from city tax revenues.
Those who support public transit point out that no government service pays for itself whether fire, sanitation or parks and that public transit is no different.
Those who oppose subsidizing public transit with city funds put a different emphasis on this as compared to police, fire, and sanitation, which protects and enhances the general health and safety of every citizen of Jonesboro.
The $130,000.00 subsidy that is in question is only a part of the ‘local funding’ necessary for JETS to qualify for the State and Federal matching grant money that makes up the majority of its budget.
In November, the citizens of Jonesboro will make their will known. As Mayor, I will follow the wishes of the people. In the event the voters reject continuation of city funding, I pledge to work with the private sector to raise the $130,000.00 so that JETS can continue serving the citizens of Jonesboro. |
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#37: by Alec on 09.24.2008 @ 11:07am CDT
Eating at the Gratitude Café
The hundreds of calls, emails, and conversations during this past week overwhelm me, and my cup runneth over with gratitude.
Your outpouring of support encouraged me during the criticism and name-calling. I have been called ‘trouble maker,’ ‘betrayer,’ ‘tattle-tale’… and those are just the ones I can publish! When I think about it, reformers have paid this price throughout history, and it’s a small price to pay for standing against heavy-handed, closed-door manipulation of government policy and spending.
I shined the light of TRUTH into the dark places of shady deals…and some still prefer the darkness. I’ll trust the citizens to decide how long they will tolerate such activities. The truth is out concerning this issue and it is time for me to move on to other important issues. I’ll leave this issue to the “spin doctors” who doth protest too much.
Let’s Dig In! |
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#38: by unknown on 09.26.2008 @ 10:38am CDT
that was chicken crap with the police chief if elected leave the police and fire alone u have more to worry about |
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#39: by Alec on 09.26.2008 @ 05:07pm CDT
NO TREES, NO CHEMICALS, NO GASOLINE…
As a registered voter, you will most certainly receive numerous “snail-mail” pieces from many candidates for public office between now and Election Day.
My weekly communication with you requires no cutting of trees, no production of chemical inks, no consumption of gasoline for delivery, and no overstuffing of the trash dumpster. Do you think I should continue email delivery or switch to “snail-mail" of printed material?
I’d love to hear your comments. |
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#40: by Alec on 09.29.2008 @ 03:04pm CDT
Election of City Council Members:
By Ward or at Large?
I absolutely believe that each and every citizen should have his or her voice heard by our city government. Under the current “at large” system, every citizen votes for all 12 city council members, so all 12 council members must consider the wishes of all citizens across the city.
Under the “by ward” system, each citizen would only vote for the two council members in his or her own ward.
A potential problem that I see with changing to “by ward” voting is that when controversial issues, such as unwanted developments or zoning changes, are proposed in one part of the city, only 2 of the 12 council members would be accountable to the citizens of that ward. The other 10 council members would be able to vote as they wish without being concerned about the citizens from that ward. “By ward” voting could have the complete opposite effect that people wanted by making the city council as a whole less accountable to our citizens, not more.
There is a third option that would require that one-half of our city council be elected “by ward” and one-half elected “at large.” This half and half system would ensure that each individual ward would have a voice on the council AND ensure that over one-half of the city council is still accountable to each and every citizen. If this half “by ward” and half “at large” system were proposed, I would support it and recommend that it go into effect in the 2012 election to coincide with the redrawing of city ward lines after the next U.S. Census in 2010. |
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#41: by Alec on 09.30.2008 @ 10:16am CDT
SIGN UPDATE
Sign Wars...
in FULL SWING!!
Sign Wars has reached a fever pitch in this race. I parked my truck the other night only to come back and find signs of two opponents placed next to it!!! It seems that ‘tit-for-tat’ is the order of the day for these two candidates. I have decided that our energy and resources are better spent publicizing the issues, so I will not participate in this kind of sign battle.
Ike damaged many of our signs. We have repaired most of them but I ask that if you have one of my signs on your property that is damaged, please contact me so that we can get it repaired. If one of my signs is missing from your property I need to know that as well.
Unfortunately, more of our signs continue to disappear. Ike didn’t do that!
If you see anyone tampering with or stealing our signs, please contact the police or me. Thanks.
If you would like a yard sign please email me and we will get one to you as soon as possible. |
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#42: by Alec on 10.03.2008 @ 10:57am CDT
HARD FACTS ABOUT THE FINANCIAL SOFTWARE
First Things First!
My FIRST DAY in office, I will give the software company 60 days notice to have the software working properly. I will also begin the state requirements to hire additional professional services to start 2009 with a fully functioning financial management staff capable of providing the mayor and city council with current and accurate information.
If the software is not fully functioning or significantly functioning with an established short-term deadline at the end of the 60-day period, we will terminate our relationship with the current software company, begin a new software search and review our legal options to recoup our original investment.
How we got here…
Based on written statement by Alan Young, former Info Sys Director, on Oct. 4, 2004
In March 2004, the city staff began the process to replace our 20-year-old financial software by sending out “Request for Qualifications” (RFQ). In April 2004, the city received 8 responses. In May 2004, city staff led by Information Systems Director Alan Young and Finance Director Larry Flowers ranked the 8 companies and recommended on-site review for the top 4.
For the next 2 months, the city’s Information Systems Director and Finance Director conducted the on-site reviews. During the on-site reviews, price proposals were also submitted.
In August 2004, the top two companies were recommended, Continental Utility Solutions (CUSI) of Jonesboro, AR and Springbrook of Portland, OR. Both companies made second demonstrations to city staff and price negotiations were started with both companies.
On Sept. 16, 2004, Mr. Flowers and Mr. Young made their recommendation of Springbrook to the Finance Committee.
Over the next two weeks, several council members questioned purchasing software from an out-of-town firm over a local firm. I personally met with a representative of CUSI, an independent computer software developer, and city staff.
The city council’s obvious preference was to go with the local firm, but city staff insisted that Springbrook was better based on functionality and integration compatibility of other software features. Mr. Young stated that Springbrook was fully developed in all products except code enforcement and fleet maintenance. So the council was lead to believe that the Finance & Purchasing software was fully operational.
On October 4, 2004, four city department heads (Young, Flowers, Ron Shipley & Suzanne Hackney) recommended to the full city council to purchase Springbrook over CUSI. The council’s fear was that if the employees felt that strongly about Springbrook that they would not buy-in to the CUSI software and problems would result. So the City purchased the Springbrook software after a 6 month review process.
As it turned out problems resulted anyway; but the severity of the problems did not come to the council’s attention until mid-December 2006 when the council received the 2005 Legislative Audit Report with a laundry list of findings.
What was troubling was that as recently as May 12, 2006, Mr. Young had given a report to the Finance Committee that “the Springbrook software is continuing to function properly with no significant problems.” The city council was in the dark about the problems almost 18 full months after the software was implemented.
Finally…
As Mayor, I do not care what the specific software problems are, that is for the computer techs to figure out, I just care that there is a problem and apparently has been for over three years. The software problem is a 3-month or 6-month excuse, not a three-year excuse. This is unacceptable and resolution of this problem is long overdue. |
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#43: by TOM BURTON on 10.03.2008 @ 08:03pm CDT
over a year ago I sent a letter to the editorstating that you were tuned to the "silent majority"you were not a rubber stamp alderman and demonstrated integrity and courage by speaking honestly on topics before the council .many public officals are "perpetual victims"always looking for people to blame for their oversights. I ask ,in the letter if you had considered running for mayor,. you may put a sign in my yard at 2008 indian trails and I will be there for you on election day.the choice is obvious and I am happy you finally entered the race as I suggested many,many months ago...welcome back to public service...we need your courage and leadership. |
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#44: by Dave Steinquist on 10.04.2008 @ 04:26pm CDT
I moved to Jonesboro frome elsewhere in
Arkansas last year, thus this will be my first mayoral election here. I haven't seen your position on recycling in any of the information that I've read. I personally believe in it strongly and I think the blue bag pickup is great---but they don't pick up newspapers, cardboard, or office paper. I'd be glad to take these articles to an easily accessible location myself, but shortly after moving here I tried to take them to Hummelstein's, and I was told that I needed to have a large quantity to drop off.
FYI, many other communities in Arkansas have either permanent or temporary monthly drop-of points for these type of recyclables. I would like see Jonesboro to have this, as well (if there isn't some way that the blue bag pickup could be expanded to include these above items).
This will influence my vote.
Thanks,
Dave |
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#45: by Alec on 10.09.2008 @ 10:03am CDT
THE BUILDING OF AN AQUATIC CENTER:
A question that seems to get asked a lot is whether or not I would support the building of an Aquatic Center. Here is my answer:
I would like to see the city have an aquatic center, a convention center, a new municipal building, a new police headquarters and many other things. The BIG issue however, is how do we prioritize and pay for these things, and what is an acceptable timetable?
The city cannot impose a sales tax without a vote of the people—as it should be. Given the current economic unrest, I believe that a vote to raise taxes to fund an aquatic center or any other project has a near zero chance of passing right now. So if you are an avid supporter of an aquatic center, how many chances do you get with the voters?
It is also important to consider that once built an aquatic center must be operated and maintained, which could result in additional $1.5 million annual expense from our operating budget.
I would support efforts to court the building, ownership, and ongoing management of an aquatic center, or water park from the private sector. |
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#46: by Debbi on 10.20.2008 @ 10:35am CDT
what is your stand on the restaurants
uptown having liquor permits? where can I find this email info to read, that I'm hearing about? |
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#47: by Alec Farmer on 10.20.2008 @ 01:42pm CDT
ALCOHOL SALES IN JONESBORO
I am AGAINST liquor stores, corner bars or alcohol sales in convenience stores in Jonesboro. As your Mayor, I pledge to work as hard as anyone to never let that happen -- PERIOD.
Nearly everyone I talk to shares this position, but good, honest citizens have a difference of opinion when it comes to the best way to accomplish it…
…some citizens believe the best answer is a total prohibition of any alcohol sales within the city, while other citizens believe total prohibition in Jonesboro would backfire, and bring about the very thing we all want to prevent most.
Most people I’ve talked with who support limited sale of alcohol for economic development purposes are now satisfied and would stand against a movement to vote us completely wet.
I believe that limited sale of alcohol as it now exists—restricted to restaurants with private permits—decreases the likelihood of any serious movement to vote Jonesboro completely wet. My fear is that if Jonesboro ever implemented total prohibition, then a successful wet vote is far more likely. If this occurred, it would bring with it all of the problems that a clear majority of our citizens are united against.
As with any controversial issue, we can argue over our differences or choose to find the common ground that unites us. With the recent changes to state law, the trade-off of having several more restaurants with private club permits is a small price to pay to protect our community from possibly having to deal with liquor stores and corner bars and all the problems they pose in the future. |
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#48: by John Lawrence on 10.21.2008 @ 12:47pm CDT
Alderman Farmer,
Just wanted to ask the questions I asked by email - on the blog as well.
I'm concerned that in previous administrations steps were not taken to strengthen our zoning laws so that adult-oriented businesses (involving pornography, drug periphinalia, and strip clubs - which thank God we have none at present) would have a very difficult time locating in our city. Where do you stand on putting these kind of zoning laws into our current code?
Where do you stand on additional alcohol permits in Jonesboro? Would you oppose or support them?
Where do you stnad on individual land rights? If the city wanted to encourage a development - yet a private citizen did not want to sell their home - would you support the city using the current interpretation of law to force the sale of the home?
Thank you for your time and answers to these questions. |
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#49: by Alec on 10.24.2008 @ 12:02pm CDT
In response to your question about adult oriented businesses, I am against the establishment of any adult-oriented businesses in Jonesboro.
I will do whatever possible to protect our families from being exposed to this type of environment.
Because of federal court rulings based on First Amendment Free Speech grounds, local governments are prevented from completely prohibiting such businesses. Cities that have attempted to “zone” them out have suffered because when the courts have overturned these local zoning laws, the businesses could then locate ANYWHERE in the city.
When I served on Jonesboro’s Development Code Committee in the late 1990’s, we provided a zone for these businesses because of this potential problem with the federal court rulings. While a zone is provided, it is very limited and ensures that no adult-oriented establishment will be anywhere near our churches, schools or families.
Concerning your question about alcohol, please see my blog post #47 just above.
You asked about my stand on the rights of landowners. That has been a point of strong contention between Jason Willett and me recently. Mr. Willett has said throughout this campaign that he will use eminent domain laws to “clean-up” parts of Jonesboro and seize private property to encourage development. After I challenged him on it, he changed his line to say that he would only do this in North Jonesboro.
Eminent Domain laws are the ones that allow government to take your property whether you want them to or not. This is sometimes necessary for street, drainage, and utility rights of way, and for other 'public good' reasons, but for development? I say NO.
We have all heard the news stories where city governments in other parts of the country have seized the property of homeowners because a mall or golf course development would mean more tax base for the city. Do you really want that here? I know I don’t.
I agree that there are properties in some parts of town that need to be cleaned up and there are ways to make that happen without seizing private property. Eminent Domain should be used very carefully by government. Once the city government starts using Eminent Domain laws to grab one citizens' property yours could be next.
I will stand on the side of the citizens and your property rights. When we have to use eminent domain laws for their intended PUBLIC WELFARE purposes, we will use a formula that assures the affected property owners are fairly compensated. |
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#50: by Alec on 10.26.2008 @ 05:36pm CDT
It is my understanding that the City of Jonesboro’s blue bag trucks & trailers will pick up flattened cardboard and newspapers if they are placed under the blue bags set out for recycling, AND if they are dry. I don’t believe they will pick up the white paper.
Other municipalities do offer drop-off sites for recyclables. A potential problem is that if left unattended, people will use the sites for regular trash disposal. This would need to be looked into further.
As a service to the residents, it is my understanding that citizens are welcome to bring recyclables to Legacy Landfill (the Craighead County Solid Waste facility) on Highway 1 South. They have not collected cardboard or white paper because there has not been a demand, but apparently could start collecting it.
I am so glad there are residents interested in recycling and would love to help in any way possible. |
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