Resident wraps up 32 years of service

CENTERTON — A. J. Stroud will end 32 years as a public servant at tonight’s Planning Commission meeting.

Stroud’s resignation will be effective Wednesday, and he’ll soon move to Wylie, Texas. Stroud’s term was set to end June 30, 2018.

“I’ve seen a lot of changes made in Centerton since I moved here in 1983,” Stroud said Monday.

Stroud, 92, started serving on the City Council in 1984 not long after he was appointed to the Planning Commission. He served on both bodies concurrently for several years.

Mayor Bill Edwards said Stroud has done a “great job” for the city.

“He’s been part of the commission for a long time, and he’s watched the city prosper from a few hundred people in the ’ 80s to where we are now, which is 15,000 people,” Edwards said.

Planning Director Lorene Burns said she appreciated Stroud’s work on the commission.

“He’s given a huge contribution to the city with his

time and expertise,” she said.

Stroud said he’s proud of how far Centerton has come.

“We’re moving in the right direction. We grow faster than our infrastructure, but we’re getting that together, and in time will bring everything up to a point where we can mostly handle the traffic,” Stroud said.

The city will take applications for Stroud’s replacement until March 24, Edwards said.

“We’re looking for someone who has a background in building, construction, maybe reading site plans, but anybody can apply if they think they have some qualifications,” he said.

Applicants will be interviewed by the Planning Commission, who will then make an appointment recommendation to Edwards.

The Planning Commission meets at 6 p.m.