Wayne Croom announces WM Mayoral bid

Wayne Croom announces WM Mayoral bid

Spirit of service highlights candidate’s credentials

City councilman, community leader and longtime West Memphis resident Wayne Croom has announced his candidacy for the office of Mayor of West Memphis.

“The reason I'm running for mayor is simple, but important,” said Croom. “I want to improve the 'quality of life' of the citizens of West Memphis throughout our great city.”

Croom outlined his definition of “quality of life.”

“Each of our citizens deserve to live in a safe environment, receive excellent educational opportunities, medical support, continual improvement of intra-city transportation, and other city amenities,” he said. “I will work to enhance these aspects of our community. I offer a fresh vision and outlook as to what our community can become, rather than the stagnated ‘same old, same old’ politics to which our citizens have become accustomed. Our city is made up of families — in some cases, second or third-generation — schools, churches businesses large and small, and many other organizations. I want to create a safe environment that allows those families to flourish by establishing opportunities that will allow them to thrive in West Memphis.”

Croom has long been invested in the West Memphis community. For 40 years, he was a part of the city’s business and industry, working at Langston Companies, Inc., including serving as Plant Manager from 1990 to 2015. He has also dedicated time and energy to a number of civic groups and organizations, and is a veteran. Croom has been a member of the West Memphis Rotary since 1992, including a term as president in 2009. He has presided over the Mid-South Business and Industry Board since 2006, and served on the West Memphis Chamber of Commerce, including a term as president in 2008. He now works at Razorbox, a competitive company with offices in Crittenden, Cross, Lee, Mississippi, Phillips Poinsett, St. Francis and Woodruff counties.

His other community service roles include: The Northeastern Workforce Board, President of the DeltaARTS of Crittenden County Board, the Steudlein Board of Directors, Families in Transition, the Fallen Officers Memorial and co-chair of the Crittenden County Single Parent Scholarship Board.

Croom said he wants to be available and accountable to the people of West Memphis.

“One of my favorite quotes comes from General Colin Powell which I keep on my desk. It reads ‘All work is honorable, so always do your best because someone is always watching,’” he said. “I serve no special interests. I’m not beholding to anyone except the people of this community.”

Croom added, “I would be remiss if I didn't thank Bob Langston and his family for allowing me the opportunity to manage the West Memphis Langston facility for 40 years. Bob introduced me to the local Rotary Club which I've been a member since 1992. I have served as the club Secretary and President. I also had the opportunity to serve as the Assistant District Governor for three years.”

Community and family are at the core of his values.

“I'm a father, a grandfather and great-grandfather,” said Croom. “My daughter Jessica taught at Riceland Elementary for a number of years and my son Derek works in Heber Springs. I have three grandchildren Maggie, Manning, and Mason who I spend as much time as possible with them and my great-grandson Cooper as I can. I graduated from Marion High School where my claim to fame is that my graduation class was the first ‘Patriot’ class.”

Croom said he believes there are four components to a prosperous community: A low crime rate, a Class A Fire Department and first responders, an excellent medical community, and a first-rate educational system.

“Our crime rate is one of the highest per capita in the state,” said Croom. “Hiring, training and retaining qualified candidates is a challenge within itself.

West Memphis is short on officers. To address this concern, we must review our past practices and determine what works and what doesn’t in today’s environment, we must involve our citizens in deterring crime in their neighborhoods, and engage our youth, whether it’s through a community setting, after-school program, youth organization or other method.

Croom has cast his vision for moving West Memphis forward. Some of those goals include:

• Encouraging development on East Broadway between Ingram Boulevard and Martin Luther King Drive.

• Creating a “Community Development Board” of stake-holders, citizens and others to formalize plans for our city.

• Loosening business requirements, especially small business mandates that strangle economic growth.

• Improving the IT capabilities of city government for easier access by citizens of our city, prospective businesses and visitors.

• Establishing a more transparent city government.

• Evaluating our city taxes for a possible reduction.

• Setting up quarterly public meetings to improve communication with our citizens.

• Upgrading the Mid-America Industrial Park from a Class 9 Fire Rating to a Class 1, and pre-certifying parcels for development in order to attract business opportunities.

Croom said he wants to work with other community leaders and city officials to build a safe, prosperous community for everyone.

“Government should work for the people and not against the people. If we work together, we can make it happen,” he said.

“And I’d appreciate your vote and your support.”

You can contact me by phone at (870) 636-1827 (call or text) or by e-mail at waynecroom@yahoo.com.