Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Howard Taylor Sets Goals For Community

Howard Taylor is seeking reelection as Mayor of Prescott.

His goal is to improve the economic base of the community. "I think we've laid the groundwork for this and want to continue along these lines," he said. "There is a lot of potential and possibilities."

He said in the past three years his efforts have been geared toward enhancing growth. This has happened, with hard work, he said.

"I enjoy working with people and helping them. Trying to improve the living standards for the overall community," he said. This includes healthwise, environmentally and economically.

The most pressing issues of the mayoral race, he said, are the development of the city's industrial park and the rural water project.

Qualifications needed to be a mayor, he said, include being a gentle and hospitable person, who is able to see the needs of the people who come to visit daily and make difficult choices.

The duties of the office, he said, are to provide police protection, fire protection and maintain the city's infrastructure along with providing the services residents pay for. These services include sewer, water and electricity.

At this time, he said, the city needs to continue working to keep the momentum is has in the area of economic growth and the further development of the city's infrastructure.

He said the city needs to continue using the one-cent sales tax wisely and in a manner so the people can see the results of its use. The sales tax was originally passed to help keep the now defunct Nevada County Hospital afloat.

Taylor was the city clerk for 21 years, working with six different mayors. "I'm familiar with the workings of municipal government," he said. "In the past, one of the weaknesses of the mayor's office was failing to work with the Arkansas Municipal League to get recognition statewide and be involved with the National League of Cities."

Through these leagues, he said, the city is known statewide, and kept apprized of any legislation which may affect cities.

At this time, he said, Prescott employs about 52 workers. "I work closely with them. I have daily meetings with the electric, street, sewer and garbage departments. We go over their plans for the day and I always know what they're working on.

Taylor and his wife, Jeanie, have three grown children and four grandchildren. Two grandsons and two granddaughters.

He is an elder in the Prescott Church of Christ and enjoys working in his yard and garden.

He also likes to hunt and camp with his grandsons, but this is primarily done during deer season.

"From my sincere and dedicated heart," he said, "I am grateful to the people of Prescott for their encouragement and support in the various projects of the last four years.

"All projects, beautification, sidewalk, park improvement, getting St. Michael's Clinic and assisting other businesses in growth, have been positive moves for the community. I will endeavor to continue with the concept of helping local merchants and seeking new industries."

Taylor is seeking reelection in the preferential party primary on Tuesday, May 19. He is opposed by Ricky Ragsdale.