FC Housing Authority picks Weaver to replace Bean as commissioner

Members of the Forrest City Housing Authority on Thursday selected Earnestine Weaver to replace current commission chairman Arthur Bean, whose term is expiring.

During the meeting, members also discussed possible replacements for commissioner Emily Holley following the end of her term.

All board member appointments must be approved by the Forrest City City Council before being finalized.

During the meeting, Bean said the city does not control the Housing Authority and that no politicians are supposed to control the Housing Authority.

Members of the board are required to live within the Forrest City City limits, and Bean no longer lives in the city.

"I have served on this board for close to 20 years and the mayor has found a way to get me off of it," said Bean. "I do find that when you dig a ditch with somebody, you fall down into it.”

He continued, “I will have to serve on this board at least until Ms. (Denise) Grady (executive director) gets back because, if not, then these people will not get paid. If they don't get paid, you will have problems. My name is on the checks. The credit card is also in my name, and for it to be changed, we have to get together with another person from Little Rock to make the changes. There is a password that has to be used to make these changes so when she gets back we will do that."

Bean told the board that he believes Weaver would be the best person to replace him on the board.

"I started to fight this, but I decided that I wouldn't," said Bean. "I know that the forces that come against me will not prosper and that every tongue will be defeated. I want the mayor to know that this is not over. Anyway, I'm going to be alright. Tonight, I brought Earnestine Weaver, and I would like to recommend that she replace me as a commissioner after my term ends. Most of us know her. She is a highly capable and Christian woman to be a member of this board."

Board members approved Bean’s recommendation, which will now be presented to the council.

Holley said board members were asked to present names of replacement members during the meeting on Thursday.

She suggested Rev. Martin Brown and Tamara Johnson as candidates to fill that position.

(Continued from Page 1) "Ms. Grady requested that I remain on the board. I will stay until my position has been filled," said Holley. “I have brought two recommendations to the board tonight – Rev. Martin Brown and Tamara Johnson. I know Rev. Brown, and I know he is a good person, although I have not asked him about serving on the board yet. Tamara told me she would love to serve on the board."

The board agreed to postpone a decision until after meeting with the potential replacements.