Interim Earle mayor offers ‘State of the City’

Interim Earle mayor offers ‘State of the City’

Malone urges residents to move community forward

news@theeveningtimes.com

Robert Malone’s term as interim Mayor of Earle will end next month when the city elects a new mayor, but in the meantime the city is pressing ahead with seeking grants to fix city streets and will continue to upgrade the city’s equipment.

Malone, who took over as mayor following the recall of Carolyn Jones in November after two turbulent and controversial years in office, delivered the State of the City address and urged residents to continue to work together to make the city a better place to live.

“This is a serious time for our community and for our nation,” Malone said. “We as a community need to come together as a whole.

We need to stay prideful.

We need to be more active in the community.”

Malone said the city is currently in the process of applying for state Street Aid money to fix its crumbling city streets. Earle received $250,000 from the program in 2012 and overlaid about six miles of roads.

Malone also said the city is applying for money from the General Improvement Fund through East Arkansas Planning and Development which will be used to purchase a new Kubota lawn mower.

The city’s equipment has been in poor shape and they fell behind on mowing last year.

“I’m also working to upgrade equipment for the police department,” Malone said.

Malone said he would also like to ensure that all homes in the city have numbers prominently displayed on the outside to help identify the address.

“This would help with finding your home if you have an emergency and need assistance,” Malone said.

Malone thanked the city council and residents for allowing him to serve as mayor.

“My plan is to do my best for the city,” Malone said.

“I want to thank you for the trust in me as your mayor.”

Malone’s remarks drew widespread applause and praise from the council.

“Thank you, mayor,” Councilman Donnie Cheers said.

Councilwoman Jimmie Barham also added her thanks and said she is glad to see that Malone had the foresight to apply for those grants.

“That was wonderful,” Barham said. “Especially the things you are getting started. I’m so glad that you are aware of it and are working on getting it in early so we don’t wait until almost all of it (GIF) is gone.”

The election for mayor will be held March 14.

By Mark Randall