Tuesday, January 10, 2012
North Little Rock North Little Rock Mayor Pat Hays to retire
Posted by Max Brantley on Tue, Jan 10, 2012 at 6:18 AM
The mayor didn't make an announcement to the Council, as had been rumored, but it turns out he did make his decision known in an exclusive given earlier in the day to Jake Sandlin of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. He cited his age. He just turned 65.
Hays is genial, but he has amassed total power over the mechanics of northside government. The city has much to show for it in projects like the ballpark, arena and riverfront trail. The downtown, thanks to significant private investment, is a model for downtown revitalization. But Hays fatigue (on the part of voters) was evident in a recent sales tax defeat, albeit a narrow one that might have been different had Hays not overreached on the size of the increase and the millions devoted to an incomplete and expensive idea for the city to get into the land speculation business.
For all that he's done, North Little Rock hasn't experienced real growth. Maumelle has captured much of the growth vitality on the city's western flank. The changing demographic face of the city — it nears majority minority — will be a factor in the race to succeed Hays. State Rep. Tracy Steele will be in the race. City official Joe Smith also is a likely candidate. Steele starts with much greater name recognition, a successful political career and, I should add, a mountain of baggage.
I have had my disagreements with Hays. But at his core he's a moderately progressive leader who really seemed to love his job and worked at it incessantly. I'd note he made a home for the homeless, without a note of demagoguery, when Little Rock failed to deliver year after year on its promise to provide a homeless facility. I honestly don't think Pat Hays would demagogue a center for veterans, as Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola is doing today. As home to an expansive VA hospital, North Little Rock is well familiar with serving those who've served the country.
Hays said he still might have some public service in him for North Little Rock or Central Arkansas. I wish that was a hint that he would jump into the race for 2nd District Congress, still lacking a Democratic candidate. He told me several weeks ago, however, that wasn't on his radar.
Comments (12)
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Is Stodala a Veteran? If he is not, how did he escape the draft during the peak of the Vietnam War? Curious!
“[Pat Hays] . . . seemed to love his job and worked at it incessantly.”
Couldn’t agree more and I suspect folks on the north shore will miss the good mayor more than they realize right now. Wish he’d run for Congress, but understand why he'd decline. For everything and everybody there is a season.
Mayor Hays certainly amassed power but I never got the sense that he used it for anything other than the betterment of North Little Rock. Downtown became a destination point and the river park trail is a big-city amenity. I wish we had his like in Little Rock. Run Kathy Webb, run!
Overall he's tops in my book. Better to leave now on a good note before this goose thing takes off.
I remember Terry Hartwick's previous administration: hydroelectric plant, allegation of payoffs by American Express for the bonds, Gina Fortenberry, etc. Pat was a breath of fresh air after all of that.
Every move he made was for the long term betterment of NLR. His legacy is immense. Go rest High Upon That Cherry Hill, Patrick Henry!
Pat hays retirement has been buzz'n around North Little Rock for some time. In fact rumors of his city council's hand picked replacement has even been discussed. Get ready for Terry Hartwick round 2!
I grew up in NLR and still live here now. I've always voted for Mayor Hays (especially in the last election, when the competition was a guy named Bubba. Seriously, who wants to have a mayor named Bubba?). And I'd vote for him again if he ran next year.
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