Baker Kurrus says he’ll have a statement shortly on whether he’ll enter the race for Little Rock mayor, currently being sought by Warwick Sabin and Frank Scott. UPDATE: He’s in.

Kurrus confirmed an interest in the race after Mayor Mark Stodola announced he wouldn’t seek re-election. Kurrus, a long-time Little Rock School Board member, won attention (and appreciation in many quarters) for a year spent as superintendent of the School District after state takeover. He was fired by Education Commissioner Johnny Key for speaking forcefully against the proliferation of charter schools in the district.

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UPDATE: Kurrus’ statement:

I have decided to seek the office of Mayor of Little Rock, my hometown. I will be announcing my plans for the campaign and my ideas for our city on or shortly after June 1, 2018. I look forward to an exciting five months ahead.

Baker Kurrus

I caught Kurrus for a few minutes on the phone as he headed to vote. He’s 63 and  an attorney and a business consultant, plus he grows soybeans, rice, trees and other crops on a farm between Hazen and Des Arc. He worked for a number of years managing automotive dealerships of the Rockefeller family and was a close adviser to the late Lt. Go.v. Win Rockefeller.

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Kurrus, a Pine Bluff native who moved to Little Rock in 1980, said he’d received encouragement from friends to run and “I just finally decided it is time to step up if you want to help out. This is a chance to serve. I’d just love to see what we could be if we work together.”

He’ll talk more about specifics later. He said his first step today would be to pick up the city budget. “It’s a great place to start.” Yes, he’ll talk about schools — the Little Rock District, UAMS and UA-Little Rock, all of which face challenges.  “It’s important for them to survive and thrive and  I think the mayor has a role to play on this.”

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Kurrus spoke of an interest in the “problem-solving process” of government. But he said that wasn’t in the context of form of government. Some have talked recently of an interest in changing the current blended city manager/mayor government form. “I’m running for the job that’s out there.  I think I can be effective in the form of government we have.”

Three dynamic candidates with strong personalities now seem committed to a race for mayor. That is not a bad thing. I’m seeking comments from Sabin and Scott.

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Sabin’s statement:

“Since I began my exploratory efforts more than ten months ago, I have heard from people in every part of Little Rock who want new ideas, new energy, and a fresh approach. We have built a broad and diverse coalition of support that is representative of our entire city, and we have raised over $250,000 in the process. I look forward to continuing the dialogue with a focus on bringing positive leadership to create a bold new future for Little Rock.”

Scott’s statement:

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“I welcome former Superintendent Kurrus to the Little Rock mayor’s race of my hometown. I remain focused on our vision of Little Rock reaching its potential that centers on uniting our city and jobs growth. It’s time for a new generation of leadership that honors our past and charts a new course for our future.”

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