Texarkana, Ark., City Board of Directors — Ward 6
TERRI PEAVY Incumbent
1. What are your top priority or priorities specific to your ward, and how do you plan to address them?
Streets! The deteriorating conditions of our streets in my ward is a very real concern. Simply and Realistically put — we need more money for our public works department so they can continue making progress toward street repair. Our public works department has begun making a priority list of the worst of our city streets and addressing them. Also, people may not be aware, but, Issue 1 will be on the ballot and if that is voted down, we, as a city, will lose even more money.
2. How can the city promote economic development and new job creation?
To help get the word out about our unique location, we have partnered with the local REDI group who is made up of successful, hardworking community leaders, who also know the value of bringing in more job growth to our area! We, meaning the city, can’t create jobs, but, we can give Incentives to help attract new or expanding businesses — such as the new Fed EX and UPS expansion. I am also aware of our city working with REDI on a project to further entice more industry to locate here with us. The covid pandemic has slowed us down but we need to continue to be looking toward our future.
3. What is the next large-scale project the city should tackle, and how do you propose funding it?
Nix Creek! After the most recent flooding many people have expressed concern. Securing enough funding at our upcoming budget workshop will allow the proper dredging and maintenance of the creek next year that will hopefully help reduce our flooding problems. We should be able to tackle this now that we have tackled and found funding for a new animal shelter, and updating and remodeling the old Boy’s & Girl’s Club. I would be remiss if I left out the funding that has been secured from our federal government to help us build a New Airport Terminal. A more efficient and handicapped accessible terminal will further promote our community!
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?
I crave unity and equal justice for all in our community and nation. Being willing to listen respectfully to all sides goes a long way for setting a cooperative tone. As citizens speak before our board we need to continue trying to address each concern and continue giving people a way to air their grievances or bring attention to their issue. If reelected, I would like the board to have a workshop at some point in the future to go over our policing policies with our new interim chief of police.
5. What are your priorities concerning urban planning, land use and/or housing as city development expands?
The ordinances and regulations we pass in the future — just as we have been doing these last few years — need to reflect the values and standards our city places on protecting our neighborhoods — while still promoting new development. I strongly feel We need to keep striving to achieve fair and commonsense regulations. need to improve our infrastructure! This not only includes street improvement but an emphasis on beautification of our city. The city needs to work to insure we are a business friendly community to work with.
3. What is the next large-scale project the city should tackle, and how do you propose funding it?
Again, street maintenance and drainage. One major project is the Nix Creek improvement. Funding should be explored in any potential grants and tightened city budgets.
4. What are your thoughts concerning the city’s civic culture, that is, issues such as political polarization, social and economic justice, and polic
ing reform?
The first step is we need to define any potential issues so that we can develop a quantitative plan for resolution. We need to make sure our police department is well trained and transparent in action.
5. What are your priorities concerning urban planning, land use and/or housing as city development expands?
We have a good infrastructure in place as far as I49, I30, railways, and a new future airport for traffic to sell and expand city development. We also have attractive land (cross roads/industrial park) for growth. Land is also available for use on south 71 for potential industrial/ commercial expansion. This should be a strength in selling our city for economic development.