RUN-OFFS
From page A1
family and that he is a “good kid.”
Smith, who is running on a platform of public safety and is currently working on an Education degree at ASU, was quick to mention that he is also already working with West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon to find a way to tie in the coming MATA bus services so that residents of Earle might also be included in some way.
When asked if he considers his age to be an advantage or disadvantage Jaylen said that he considers it to be an advantage as he is “young, energetic, and plans to get things done” and that he hopes to write a “new chapter” for the City of Earle. If elected, Smith will be the youngest mayor in the nation.
Marion City Council, Position 3-2
In a tightly contested race on Election Night, retired educator Dr. Ray Nassar outpolled incumbent Sherry Holliman in the Marion City Council Position 3-2 race, with Nassar’s 1,209 votes to Holliman’s 1,059, necessitating a runoff next Tuesday that will exclude third-place finisher Leandra Schwartz (978 votes).
Holliman shared some of her credentials ahead of the start of Early Voting, which began yesterday. Holliman says she has always taken serving the public seriously. She takes holding an elected position personally. She cares about all people in her city, state, and nation. She can emphasize with the underserved and working- class population. She is always seeking ways to improve systems to provide the best quality of life for humans. Some of her recent work includes:
■ ■ Working with the state legislatures to seek funding for Crittenden County’s mentally-ill population to stop misplacing individuals in jail and provide long term treatment to prevent releasing them back into society creating a cycle in the system.
■ ■ Collaborating with the West Memphis and Marion police department, Baptist CEO, local attorneys, local and state mental healthcare providers and local judges to implement a better process to address ways to handle the mentally ill population.
■ ■ Facilitating a community prayer to show Marion residence with prayer and support of the police department this being paid attention too. Local men and women Pastors offered prayer and encouraging words to the crowd.
■ ■ Working closely with shelters and East Arkansas Youth Services to offer resources that they need.
■ ■ Championing a “Stop the Violence” campaign throughout the city.
■ ■ Introducing the 211 Resource Program to Crittenden County, which is a program that offers connections for 211 callers, at no cost, and provides critical health and human services in their community.
Dr. Nassar is a former teacher, coach, principal and superintendent at schools across Eastern Arkansas. He is a lifelong resident of Marion and a Marion High School graduate. He holds a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. He has a platform that he says he hopes will “move Marion forward.” Some of his campaign pledges include:
■ ■ Donating his councilman’s salary to the Marion Animal Shelter.
■ ■ Using his experience in the education field to write multimillion-dollar grants for the city.
■ ■ Putting an emphasis on improving city streets.
■ ■ Expanding support for the city’s fire and police departments.
■ ■ Making it “easier to do business in Marion.
Early voting is underway. In Crittenden County, there will be two two polling locations for early voting: Marion Patriot Arena, 801 Carter Dr., in Marion; and West Memphis First Baptist Church, 200 N Missouri St., West Memphis. Early voting will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Voters may vote at either polling site. The runoff will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Polls will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
