County mayors discuss hopes for 2010

Mayors who attended the Poinsett County Intergovernmental meeting at Marked Tree heard from State Senate candidate Barrett Harrison, who currently serves as mayor of Blytheville.

"I understand every single problem you have," Harrison said. "In my 11 years as mayor of Blytheville, I've seen everything. I have gone to Little Rock to lobby for the cities to protect us from unfunded mandates."

Harrison also discussed turn back money that is given to cities.

Members of the school boards from both Weiner and Harrisburg met to discuss the posibility of merging the two schools. Weiener is under a mandate to do so by the state. (Democrat Tribune photo/ Mirnada Remaklus)

"We can't do everything with what little turn back we get," he said. "No one will work harder for cities than I will. I know exactly what you are fighting."

The seat Harrison is running for includes Mississippi and Poinsett counties. Harrison is facing retired circuit judge David Burnett.

Also, the mayors took a little time to discuss what was happening in their cities.

Mayor Dixon Chandler said Marked Tree had a good 2009. He discussed projects at the airport and part that have been delayed due to weather.

Chandler added that he's had several companies look at the possibility of locating to the town.

"We are at a prime location," he said. "We're at an ideal location on the highway. We have rail and an airport. [They] couldn't ask for much more."

Mayor Arthur Booth of Weiner said Greenway Equipment has moved its corporate headquarters to Weiner. "That's going to be great for the city," he said. "We will have a lot of visitors to our community."

The mayor said that pending some legal matters, the grocery store is set to reopen in Weiner.

"Our school is still in limbo," Booth said. "But I think it will all work out for the good."

Donnie Faulkner of Harrisburg said the Consolidated Youth Services facility is set to expand. They are also preparing for an open house for their new senior citizens building in Harrisburg.

Sheila Walters said Trumann's Fine Arts Council will have a 50s themed concert at 7 p.m. on Feb. 6 at the recreation complex. She said the revenue office in town has changed locations and an insurance company will renovate the facility in the coming weeks.

In Tyronza, Mayor Marion Bearden said her town has been added to the Delta Bi-ways Music Trail.

"2009 was a tough year, but we survived," Bearden said. "We are hoping for a positive 2010."