Texarkana, Ark., City Board of Directors — Ward 1
LINDA TEETERS Incumbent
1. What are your top priority or priorities specific to your ward, and how do you plan to address them?
The citizens of Ward 1 need more access to retail businesses, restaurants, and grocery options. Many of the residents must shop outside our ward, so I would like to see more incentives and economic opportunities for growth and development. I believe wholeheartedly that citizens will become more involved and back their communities and neighborhoods when they feel a sense of ownership and responsibility. Citizens who own businesses and/or homes are of vital importance to the growth and prosperity of a region, so I feel that property tax paying citizens are the backbone to a thriving area, and it is imperative that we invest and insure that the tax base for our ward and our entire city is solid, especially when those citizens may be involved in determining budgetary and financial decisions in the city of Texarkana.
2. How can the city promote economic development and new job creation?
As your Director, I will continue to support and push for businesses and manufacturing to create more jobs and economic development for our city. Improvements and expansions at FedEx, Cooper Tire, Old Dominion, UPS, and Texarkana Regional Airport are examples of this economic development, and I will continue to strive to enhance existing businesses and to bring more development/industry to our city.
3. What is the next large-scale project the city should tackle, and how do you propose funding it?
The Board voted …to adopt a resolution for the city to participate in financing the purchase of a large industrial site for the purpose of securing and developing much needed industry. In cooperation with the Public Facilities Board and with the support of state officials including Governor Asa Hutchinson, the future for economic development is looking exceptional. The project will be funded through the issuance of revenue bonds, and the board has granted the city manager and mayor authority to negotiate with interlocal agencies in a cooperative agreement with other public entities for the financing of this project, and working closely with the non-profit ArTx REDI will greatly enhance our exposure.
4. What are your thoughts concerning the city’s civic culture, that is, issues such as political polarization, social and economic justice, and policing reform?
As a graduate of the Texarkana Arkansas Citizens’ Police Academy, I saw firsthand how our police department is overworked and often misunderstood and not appreciated. Both our police and fire departments work tirelessly to serve and protect the citizens. So to help bridge the political divide our country is experiencing right now between police reform and social justice and safety for all - additional training, equipment, and support services funded through federal/state grants are essential to enhance both the effectiveness and cooperation for our city to thrive and promote civility and trust.
5. What are your priorities concerning urban planning, land use and/or housing as city development expands?
Facing a national housing affordability crises along with declining federal resources, we must address this issue and deal with new and innovative ways to support affordable housing and adopt policies to protect our residents from payment increases and evictions at this critical time. Also, many zoning restrictions and outdated land-use regulations can lead to housing shortages, drive up costs, and further widen economic inequalities. By cutting red tape and increasing affordability to more citizens, our local governments can work together with state/federal programs to improve the opportunities for more of our citizens.