Arkansas Blog

GENE FORTSON NEWS RELEASE

LITTLE ROCK, Ark   At large City Director Gene Fortson today announced his candidacy for the Little Rock City Board. Since joining the Board of Directors in 2006, Director Fortson has worked with city leaders for stronger and safer neighborhoods, protecting Little Rock’s water quality and creating economic opportunities for the city.
 
Fortson stated, “I entered this position as a citizen wanting to serve, not as a politician seeking office. It’s been an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Little Rock for the past two years. Over the next several months I look forward to discussing with people throughout the city on how we can continue to move Little Rock forward while putting our neighborhoods first.”
 
Outside his role on the Board of Directors, Director Fortson is a leader in the Little Rock business and banking community. Director Fortson’s hands-on-experience in the business world over the last three decades is a strength that he views as an asset in dealing with many of the issues facing the city. “I’ve spent most of my life working in the banking industry and small business community. I feel that my professional background balancing the books and managing budgets will be beneficial to the city’s future,” stated Fortson. “Over the past two years we have experienced some exciting new growth and economic development projects. With the recent expansion of Dassault Falcon Jet and the announcement of LM Glasfiber our city is in a great position for the future. As City Director I will continue to work hard on the efforts of attracting new business opportunities and job growth to Little Rock.”
 
Other issues Director Fortson plans on discussing over the course of the campaign:
Continuing to work with city leaders and community leaders to increase public safety for all of Little Rock’s neighborhoods.
Continuing to protect the important water supply that remains critical to Little Rock’s future.
Creating new opportunities for job growth while working to keep the businesses that are located here today.
Developing more recreational opportunities, such as parks and ball fields for our children and grandchildren in Southwest and West Little Rock.
Work to create additional fire and police services in Southwest and West Little Rock.
 
Gene and his wife, Gaylia, have three adult children and are the proud grandparents of six grandchildren, all of whom live in Little Rock.
 
In addition to announcing his bid for office, Director Fortson is honored to be supported by a wide range of community and city leaders that represent all of Little Rock.
 
Campaign Committee Members:
 
Jim Dailey, Former Mayor of Little Rock
J. J. Lacey, retired educator, community leader
Craig Williams, past president of Pleasant Forest Neighborhood Association
Rep. Elect Darrin Williams, Arkansas House of Representatives, District 36
Oley Rooker, Neighborhood Association leader
Pat Gee, Neighborhood leader
Bobby Roberts, Director of Central Arkansas Library System
Barbara Cockrell, PTA activist
Bill Walker, Civic Leader, 2006 Little Rock mayoral candidate
Ron Robinson, retired Advertising Executive and civic leader
Rep. Fred Allen, Arkansas House of Representatives, District 33
Kim Meldrum, PTA activist
Gary Smith, business and civic leader
Hon. John B. Plegge, (ret), former judge and presently practicing attorney
Gus Blass, business leader
Gus Vratsinas, contractor
Leroy Brownley, Chairman of the Post Prison Transfer Board
Jim Faulkner, retired advertising executive
Donald T. Jack, Attorney
Dickson Flake, Real Estate Executive
Mike Schaufele, CPA
Dr. Carl Johnson, physician
JonUnderhill, Neighborhood Association President
Warren Stephenson, business leader
Pastor Carl Hunter, 1st Keep It RealFellowshipChurch
Brother Thomas Hartaway, AirportChurch of Christ
Pastor Jay Barrington Minix, GainesStreetBaptistChurch