DECATUR -- In order to provide an opportunity to the Decatur mayoral candidates and assist Decatur voters in choosing their mayor, Decatur's two mayor candidates -- incumbent Charles Linam and challenger Robert Tharp -- were sent a questionnaire from the Eagle Observer. Their responses are reprinted below unedited:
Robert Tharp
- Why are you running for the mayoral position for the city of Decatur, Arkansas?
I am a candidate for Mayor of Decatur because I want to continue to be a part of city leadership. I have lived in Decatur for 28 years and have been serving as councilman for 2 years. I love being connected to the community and want to see it grow.
- What qualifications would you bring to the post?
I am qualified based on my experience as Decatur City Councilman. I have also served as JP Benton County Quorum Court, Decatur School Board, Mayor and City Council Strafford, Mo. Member of Decatur Chamber of Commerce. Studied Political Science in College. 42 years Industrial Management. Church leadership.
- What do you hope to accomplish if elected to represent the people of Decatur?
I would like to see Decatur have more industries, bring jobs to Decatur, affordable housing, shopping businesses, maintain our city streets with regular maintenance, develop tourism, establish a historical group, support our local volunteer Fire Department, and manage our finances with no new taxes.
- What do you think should be the central focus of the city?
Future Planning. There are grants available for this. We need a 5- year, 10-year and 20-year plan. Decatur now has over 1,600 jobs. We need affordable housing for those people so they will be enticed to live in our community.
- What changes would you like to see the City of Decatur address and consider?
Grow employment base. Beautify our parks and cemetery with improved driveways, leveling of new graves, guidelines for flowers, monuments and benches. Provide support to our city employees in wages and benefits. Build cooperation between Volunteer Fire Department and the City. Restart the dream of an aquatic park.
- Under what circumstances would you consider requesting an increase in taxes?
I am not for increased taxes. As Mayor I would request an increase in taxes only if the quality of life for the citizens and businesses were in jeopardy. Such as police/fire protection, ambulance service, or public utilities.
- What do you view as the most important issue facing the city of Decatur?
Attracting businesses to our town. Optometrist, hardware, entertainment, etc. Affordable shopping without leaving Decatur, and a face-lift to the town. State and Federal Grants for renovations are available. I would support establishing a person to research and request such grants.
Charles Linam
(incumbent)
- Why are you running for the mayoral position for the city of Decatur, Arkansas?
I have considered it an honor and a privilege to serve the last four years as your mayor. I am very proud of the things we have accomplished in this time, especially in improving city finances, expanding our park systems (including playgrounds at Veteran's and Royce Johnson Parks), and providing more room and amenities at our fire station (bathroom, showers, kitchenette, meeting room). I want to continue to try to make this the most livable city in this area.
- What qualifications would you bring to the post?
My background in bookkeeping has been vital in reducing the city's pay to Benton County Municipal Court West (a savings of over $27,000.00 yearly). This, and true time to spend each day at City Hall helps me to keep the financial condition of the city in very good shape.
- What do you hope to accomplish if elected to represent the people of Decatur?
I want to continue to save money where possible, and to spend wisely for the things to improve quality of living for all residents.
- What do you think should be the central focus of the city?
We need to continue to improve shopping in Decatur. The new Wal-Mart will help tremendously with groceries available here. Hardware available locally would be great. Fast-food outlets would be a great help for the people of Decatur and especially for the people who work in Decatur and live elsewhere.
- Of what recent Mayoral actions do you most approve?
We have been able to resurface many of our city streets and have the program in place to continue to improve and maintain all of our streets.
- What changes would you like to see the City of Decatur address and consider?
I would like to see improvements in sidewalks and bike trails all over our city. We are presently exploring grants available to make this possible.
- Under what circumstances would you consider requesting an increase in taxes?
I can not foresee any reason for tax increases at this time.
- What do you view as the most important issue facing the city of Decatur?
Our Wastewater Treatment Plant will in the coming years become a true regional plant. We need to make sure the Centerton project is successfully completed and be ready to accept additional growth.
Editorial on 10/29/2014