Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Smith To Seek Reelection To Gurdon Mayor's Office

Gurdon Mayor Rick Smith announces his intentions to seek reelection in the May 19, Preferential Party Primary.

Smith said he is proud of the accomplishments the city has made during his tenure as mayor and hopes the people of Gurdon feel the same.

"If reelected," he said, "I will continue to work diligently for the people of Gurdon to see our city gets her share of grant funding, so we can continue to progress at a rate our budget does not allow.

"I will be committed to carrying out the promises that have been made, concerning the installation of a tornado warning system and an animal control department."

During his tenure as mayor, Gurdon became the smallest city in Arkansas to obtain the prestigious "Arkansas Community of Excellence" award, and has maintained the designation.

According to Smith, a few of the accomplishments that have taken place under his tenure as mayor since 1994 have been: numerous streets being rebuilt; gravel roads being hard surfaced; street name signs installed on all city streets; extensive city park improvements; improved communications system and additional equipment for police and fire departments; establishment of an emergency rescue unit; widening and resurfacing of airport runways; construction of a pre-school childcare facility and improved record keeping and financial reporting at city hall.

Smith said most of these improvements have been made with the assistance of grant funds, and if reelected he will use the knowledge he has gained to be aggressive in obtaining more grant funding.

Smith is married to the former Tambra Cornelius of Hope. They have four sons. Jason and Jarod are sophomores in college, while Justin and Hunter are still in the Gurdon Public School System.

"Gurdon is our home too," he said, "and I, with your help, will continue to work to improve upon the quality of life in Gurdon. I want to thank those who have supported me and ask for your continued support in the May 19 election. Your vote is needed and will be much appreciated."

TELLING TALES Members of the Hilltop 4-H Club told the Gurdon Rotary Club of the experiences they've had in the organization. Vicky Lynn, club sponsor, said 4-H offers more than just livestock programs for the members these days. In fact, she said, 4-H offers so many different programs its members must be selective in their choices because they can't do everything. Members of the 4-H Club shared experiences they've had with the club and how much they've enjoyed being involved in the 4-H program. 4- H offers a ROPES course, sewing, public speaking, beef ambassadors and outdoor adventure to name a few. There are also plenty of contests for the members to compete in as well, including the 4-H O-Rama.