Press Release:

FORMER PROSECUTING ATTORNEY MARK STODOLA ENTERS THE RACE FOR LITTLE ROCK MAYOR

A candidate with proven leadership in dealing with crime

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 13, 2006        

Contact: Robert McLarty
501-374-6000

Please join me on Thursday July 13, 2006 as I announce my candidacy for Mayor of Little Rock.  The event will be held at the Little Rock Neighborhood Resource Center located at 3805 East 12th Street, between Oak and Pine Streets, at 11:00 a.m. 

I am running for Mayor because I believe I have the leadership skills necessary to continue moving Little Rock forward and help make it the next great American city in the South.  Like Austin, Atlanta and Raleigh-Durham, the combined leadership efforts of government and the private sector will allow Little Rock to prosper in our future.  As your next Mayor, I am totally committed to this goal.

Economic development and entrepreneurial activity in Little Rock cannot be separated from “quality of life” issues.  As your former Prosecuting Attorney, I can say with complete confidence that real economic growth will occur only after we conquer our overall crime rate problem - including the City’s skyrocketing homicide rate.  This “quality of life” issue is one of the first things new businesses consider when looking to relocate.  People rightfully expect government to keep them safe in their homes, in their schools, and on their streets.  As a parent of two young boys and as your next Mayor, making Little Rock safe and prosperous are my top priorities. 

Great strides have been made in certain areas of the City.  The River Market neighborhood downtown is a great example of our progress, as is the vibrant retail and neighborhood communities in West Little Rock.  However, other neighborhoods in the City, particularly in Mid-Town and Southwest Little Rock, face continuing challenges, including vacant and abandoned houses that become havens for illegal drug deals and other criminal activities.  All regions of Little Rock deserve to share in the progress we will pursue.  I am committed to taking back these overlooked neighborhoods so that the good and decent citizens who live there can work and play without fear. 

The City faces many other challenges and as the campaign progresses I will be outlining my plans to:

  • Rebuild our Mid-Town neighborhoods with in-fill housing which will increase property values thus reducing the pressure to raise taxes

  • Develop more recreational venues, such as parks and ball fields for our children in Southwest and West Little Rock

  • Place a police substation in Mid-Town and make the Little Rock Police Department’s “Quiet Nights” operation permanent

  • Redevelop War Memorial Park and the University Avenue corridor

  • Provide more public safety services to Southwest and West Little Rock

  • Enhance code enforcement to rid our city of abandoned and burned out houses

  • Explore ways to make our entire City accessible to wireless Internet services

  • Partner directly with our schools and UALR to develop programs that advance greater opportunities for job creation

As a voter, you have the opportunity to elect new leadership.  To do the things I have outlined, I need your help and support, and most importantly, I need your vote on November 8.  Please join me in this campaign by completing and returning the enclosed envelope.  If you can invite me to a neighborhood gathering, take a yard sign, volunteer, or make a financial contribution, I would be most grateful.  I would be honored to have you join me on July 13th for our campaign announcement.  Together we can make Little Rock a truly great city to call home. 

Sincerely,

Mark Stodola