Joe Smith Announces Run for North Little Rock Mayor
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: January 24, 2012
A long-time city government employee in North Little Rock has his eye on the mayor's office.
Joe Smith announced his candidacy today for the seat being vacated by Patrick Hays.
The lifelong North Little Rock resident has 20 years of experience in North Little Rock City government. Smith has served as Director of Commerce and Government Affairs, Director of Community Relations, and Director of Administration.
Smith made his campaign announcement from the steps of City Hall today, saying, "I'm proud to be a fourth generation North Little Rock resident, and a part of our great city's unique history. I also want to be a part of North Little Rock's future by creating productive partnerships with our educational, civic, and business communities to ensure that our citizens are prepared for the good jobs and new opportunities of tomorrow."
Smith has also been a successful business owner, manager, and finance director in the private sector. He says he has created new jobs, improved efficiency, and understands the realities that the economy has on North Little Rock businesses, families and government.
In his city management positions, Smith says he has worked to bring over one thousand jobs to town, including Caterpillar, Timex, Glaziers, Ben K. Keith and many other new businesses. Smith also supervised the development of Dickey-Stephens Ballpark.
"I've been proud to be a part of the team, part of the progress that has made North Little Rock the great city it is today. As mayor I will continue that progress and continue that vision, and together we'll write a new chapter," he said, adding, "I believe that government should work for the people it represents. I will demand the highest standards of accountability and responsibility throughout city government as Mayor of North Little Rock."
Smith's biographical details:
The son of a North Little Rock policeman, Smith grew up in the Baring Cross Neighborhood. His grandfather and uncle worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad, and his great-grandfather owned a restaurant and boarding house on Pike Avenue. He graduated from NLR High in 1969.
After graduating from the University of Arkansas, Smith moved back to North Little Rock and has since lived in all four city wards. He is married to Missie Smith, and today their children and grandchildren also call North Little Rock home.
Smith has been an active member of the North Little Rock community. He and his family are members at Lakewood United Methodist Church. He has worked closely with community and business leaders, neighborhood advocates, and civic organizations to help create a better quality of life for our community.
Smith is a member of the Central Arkansas Transit Authority (CATA) Board and the North Little Rock Economic Development Corporation Board. In 2000, he was inducted into the North Little Rock Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame. He is active in the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, North Little Rock Crimestoppers and has previously chaired the Arc Arkansas Board, North Little Rock Riverside Rotary, Service and Opportunity for Seniors Board, North Little Rock Wildcat Education Foundation Board and North Little Rock Jaycees.
Click here for Smith's campaign website.
Click here for Smith's campaign Facebook page.
Joe Smith announced his candidacy today for the seat being vacated by Patrick Hays.
The lifelong North Little Rock resident has 20 years of experience in North Little Rock City government. Smith has served as Director of Commerce and Government Affairs, Director of Community Relations, and Director of Administration.
Smith made his campaign announcement from the steps of City Hall today, saying, "I'm proud to be a fourth generation North Little Rock resident, and a part of our great city's unique history. I also want to be a part of North Little Rock's future by creating productive partnerships with our educational, civic, and business communities to ensure that our citizens are prepared for the good jobs and new opportunities of tomorrow."
Smith has also been a successful business owner, manager, and finance director in the private sector. He says he has created new jobs, improved efficiency, and understands the realities that the economy has on North Little Rock businesses, families and government.
In his city management positions, Smith says he has worked to bring over one thousand jobs to town, including Caterpillar, Timex, Glaziers, Ben K. Keith and many other new businesses. Smith also supervised the development of Dickey-Stephens Ballpark.
"I've been proud to be a part of the team, part of the progress that has made North Little Rock the great city it is today. As mayor I will continue that progress and continue that vision, and together we'll write a new chapter," he said, adding, "I believe that government should work for the people it represents. I will demand the highest standards of accountability and responsibility throughout city government as Mayor of North Little Rock."
Smith's biographical details:
The son of a North Little Rock policeman, Smith grew up in the Baring Cross Neighborhood. His grandfather and uncle worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad, and his great-grandfather owned a restaurant and boarding house on Pike Avenue. He graduated from NLR High in 1969.
After graduating from the University of Arkansas, Smith moved back to North Little Rock and has since lived in all four city wards. He is married to Missie Smith, and today their children and grandchildren also call North Little Rock home.
Smith has been an active member of the North Little Rock community. He and his family are members at Lakewood United Methodist Church. He has worked closely with community and business leaders, neighborhood advocates, and civic organizations to help create a better quality of life for our community.
Smith is a member of the Central Arkansas Transit Authority (CATA) Board and the North Little Rock Economic Development Corporation Board. In 2000, he was inducted into the North Little Rock Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame. He is active in the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, North Little Rock Crimestoppers and has previously chaired the Arc Arkansas Board, North Little Rock Riverside Rotary, Service and Opportunity for Seniors Board, North Little Rock Wildcat Education Foundation Board and North Little Rock Jaycees.
Click here for Smith's campaign website.
Click here for Smith's campaign Facebook page.
