Arkansas Municipal League leader elected

Mulberry Mayor Gary Baxter was elected president of the Arkansas Municipal League on Friday during the group’s 86th annual convention, which was held virtually this year because of the covid-19 crisis.

Baxter served as the Municipal League’s first vice president this year, and succeeds Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin as president.

The Arkansas Municipal League is a service and advocacy organization that offers programs and services to the 500 cities and towns in Arkansas. It was created in 1934 to assist cities with information and representation in the public affairs of the state and nation.

Baxter said during his acceptance speech Friday that his focus will be to encourage all member cities and towns to participate in the Municipal League’s benefit programs.

“Our league offers multiple programs that are extremely valuable to the success and stability of Arkansas’ municipalities,” Baxter said.

Other officers elected for 2020-21 include Berryville Mayor Tim McKinney, first vice president; Cave City Mayor Jonas Anderson, District 1 vice president; Sherwood Council Member Beverly Williams, District 2 vice president; Gentry Mayor Kevin Johnston, District 3 vice president; and Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington, District 4 vice president.

Municipal League Executive Director Mark Hayes commended the state’s municipal officials for providing leadership during the pandemic, protests for justice and equality, economic uncertainty and the other challenges this year.

“You have managed to make your cities and towns better,” he said. “You have managed to embrace social change that we all agree is necessary, to embrace racial equality, and to embrace your day-to-day work. As mundane as some of it may be, you come to work every day. You put your heart and soul into it.”

More information about the Arkansas Municipal League is available online at arml.org.