Candidates and Community: WHAT DOES DUMAS/DESHA NEED? WHO WILL LEAD?

DUMAS/DESHA — 4 YEARS LATER: PEOPLE • PROGRESS • POSSIBILITIES

 

The format should accommodate eight candidates and ten audience respondents, with the moderator controlling time, ensuring equitable participation, and introducing the community survey and four-year timeline.

 

The three governing questions:

• Are we better four years later?
• What does Dumas/Desha need?
• Who will lead?

The agenda below is a proposed production format, not yet a confirmed candidate roster. We should assign the eight candidate positions only after

Pine Bluff Commercial community brief confirms the October 15 forum, moderator, reception, survey invitation, and planned October 19 www.joynetradio.com  rebroadcast. That gives us a useful public reference for the moderator's opening remarks.

 

90-minute forum agenda

THURSDAY • OCTOBER 15, 2026

DUMAS/DESHA — 4 YEARS LATER

Candidates & Community Town Hall Forum

Dumas Community Center • 18 Belmont Drive

5:00–6:30 PM • Reception 6:30–7:00 PM

 

5:00–5:05	Welcome, forum purpose, livestream notice and ground rules
5:05–5:09	Presenting sponsors — brief acknowledgments
5:09–5:15	Moderator's opening — Rev. Dr. Clarence “JC Loves” Thornton
5:15–5:23	Four Years Later — community timeline and survey overview
5:23–5:39	Eight candidates — opening statements, 2 minutes each
5:39–5:59	Ten community respondents — 2 minutes each
5:59–6:15	Eight candidates — responses and priorities, 2 minutes each
6:15–6:23	Eight candidates — closing commitments, 1 minute each
6:23–6:30	Moderator's final questions, survey next steps, broadcast and reception announcements
6:30–7:00	Community reception and media interviews

Enter confirmed candidate names below. These positions are placeholders, not a verified candidate roster.

 

Candidate 1

Candidate 2

Candidate 3

Candidate 4

Candidate 5

Candidate 6

Candidate 7

Candidate 8

 

The goal is to cover distinct issues without giving any individual respondent preferential treatment.

 

Proposed speaking themes — two minutes per respondent.

1.

Jobs and local economic opportunity

2.

City services and infrastructure

3.

Youth, schools and education

4.

Housing and neighborhood conditions

5.

Public safety

6.

Healthcare and senior services

7.

Small businesses and downtown

8.

City finances and accountability

9.

Arts, technology and workforce development

10.

Community priorities for the next four years

Copy respondent roster

The moderator's major segment: Four Years Later

This should be the intellectual center of the forum. Rather than relying only on speeches, give

 

Rev. Dr. Thornton a one-page moderator briefing that combines the 2022–2026 timeline with the community survey coming October 31. These are top areas of discussion.

 

2022	Community conditions, election commitments and the starting point for comparison
2023–2024	Major developments, projects, challenges and documented outcomes
2025–2026	Current conditions, community concerns, accomplishments and unfinished priorities
Survey	Responses to “Are we better four years later?” and “What does Dumas/Desha need?”
2027–2030	What candidates propose, how progress could be measured, and when residents can expect updates

The survey will be presented with the response count, collection dates and a clear statement that it is a voluntary community survey—not necessarily representative of all residents. We should avoid reporting percentages or drawing conclusions until the actual submissions are reviewed.

 

Three questions from Rev. Thornton

1. What measurable change would you prioritize in your first year, and how would residents know it happened?
2. What is the most important unmet community need, and what specific action would you take to address it?
3. What commitment can residents revisit four years from now to evaluate your work?

With only two minutes per candidate in the main response round, the moderator should select a common question appropriate to the offices represented, rather than asking every candidate all three.

 

Production and broadcast instructions

The forum will a designated timekeeper. The moderator should have authority to enforce the same time limits for every candidate and respondent.

 

The Survey and constant 

TAKE THE SURVEY 

A Community Leadership, Accountability & Vision Forum

Thursday, October 15, 2026 | 5:00 PM
Dumas Community Center
18 Belmont Drive | Dumas, Arkansas

THE CENTRAL QUESTION

ARE WE BETTER FOUR YEARS LATER?

Not simply:

Who wants the position?

But:

Who has demonstrated the vision, strategy, leadership and ability to move Dumas and Desha County forward?

This community forum creates an opportunity for citizens, current officeholders and candidates to have a serious public conversation about where we are, where we are going and what leadership will be required to get there.

THE PREMISE

Elections should be about more than personalities, promises, politics and talk.

They should also be about:

VISION. STRATEGY. PERFORMANCE. ACCOUNTABILITY. RESULTS.

Some candidates are asking voters for their first opportunity to lead.

Others have already served one, two or more terms.

That creates two different—but equally important—questions:

For challengers:
What will you do?

For incumbents:
What have you done—and what will you do next?

The purpose of this forum is not to tell citizens how to vote.

The purpose is to give citizens the information they need to ask better questions, examine records, compare plans and make their own decisions.

THE COMMUNITY SCORECARD

For officials who have already served, citizens should have an opportunity to examine the public record.

What was promised?

What was accomplished?

What remains unfinished?

What measurable progress occurred during the term?

What happened with population, jobs, economic development, neighborhoods, infrastructure, public safety, education, youth opportunity and quality of life?

And the fundamental question:

ARE WE BETTER FOUR YEARS LATER?

If yes:

How? Show us the results.

If not:

Why not? What prevented progress, and what would be different during another term?

THE CHALLENGER QUESTION

Being new is not itself a qualification.

Every challenger should also be prepared to answer:

Why you?

What have you led?

What have you accomplished?

What is your vision?

What is your plan?

What would you do during your first 100 days?

How will you pay for your proposals?

How will citizens measure whether you succeeded?

THE DUMAS/DESHA COMMUNITY SURVEY

Before the forum, residents will be invited to participate in a public community survey.

QUESTION 1

Are Dumas and Desha County better positioned today than they were four years ago?

□ Yes
□ No
□ Somewhat
□ Unsure

QUESTION 2

What are the three greatest needs facing our community?

□ Jobs and economic development
□ Poverty reduction and wealth creation
□ Education and workforce development
□ Youth opportunities
□ Public safety
□ Housing and neighborhoods
□ Streets and infrastructure
□ Healthcare
□ Senior services
□ Small-business development
□ Government transparency/accountability
□ Population loss
□ Arts, culture and recreation
□ Other: ____________

QUESTION 3

When considering an incumbent, what should matter most?

□ Record of accomplishments
□ Progress on previous promises
□ Accessibility to citizens
□ Fiscal responsibility
□ Ability to attract investment
□ Vision for the next four years
□ Ability to work with others
□ Other: ____________

QUESTION 4

When considering a new candidate, what should matter most?

□ Leadership experience
□ Proven accomplishments outside elected office
□ Specific plan for the community
□ Knowledge of government
□ Ability to build partnerships
□ New ideas
□ Community involvement
□ Other: ____________

QUESTION 5

What ONE question would you most like every candidate to answer on October 15?

---

THE OCTOBER 15 FORUM

Every participating candidate receives an opportunity to:

SHOW UP. SPEAK. ANSWER. LISTEN.

Candidates should be invited to address the same major community priorities so citizens can compare answers fairly.

Suggested forum questions:

1. Where should Dumas/Desha be four years from now?

2. What are the three most important things you will accomplish during your term?

3. What specific economic-development strategy will you pursue?

4. How will your leadership create opportunities for young people and families?

5. What can local government realistically do to reduce poverty and expand wealth creation?

6. What will you do differently from the current approach?

7. What should citizens use to measure your performance?

8. What will you accomplish during your first 100 days?

For incumbents, one additional question:

What measurable accomplishments from your present term demonstrate why voters should consider returning you to office?

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

EVERY CITIZEN WHO CARES ABOUT THE FUTURE OF DUMAS AND DESHA COUNTY.

Young people.

Parents.

Seniors.

Business owners.

Educators.

Faith leaders.

Farmers.

Entrepreneurs.

Neighborhood leaders.

Nonprofit organizations.

Current elected officials.

Candidates.

And citizens who have never attended a political or government meeting before.

You don't have to make a speech.

You don't have to support a candidate.

You don't have to belong to a political party.

You simply need to care about what happens next.

WHAT CAN EVERY CITIZEN DO?

ATTEND.

And if you cannot attend:

SEND A QUESTION.

Ask about jobs.

Ask about spending.

Ask about streets.

Ask about young people.

Ask about economic development.

Ask about promises.

Ask about results.

Ask about the future.

WHAT CAN EVERY CANDIDATE DO?

Three things:

SHOW UP.

SPEAK.

DEBATE THE ISSUES.

Every candidate should have the opportunity to present a vision and answer questions before the citizens they seek to represent.

THE MESSAGE

This is bigger than an election.

It is about determining what kind of community we intend to become.

Politics can identify problems.

Talk can describe problems.

Leadership must solve problems.

STRATEGY AND VISION MUST BECOME PERFORMANCE.

WHAT DOES DUMAS/DESHA NEED?

WHO WILL LEAD?

ARE WE BETTER FOUR YEARS LATER?

October 15, 2026 | 5:00 PM
Dumas Community Center
18 Belmont Drive | Dumas, Arkansas

The community asks the questions.
The candidates present their records and plans.
The people make the decision.

 

 

February is Leadership Accountability Month: Call it Shawshank Redemption

  

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | February 5, 2025 | A Historic Black History Month Special

 

Contact: Rev. Arthur L. Hunt, Jr., The College of Aspiring Artists | 870.623.8179

 

February is Leadership Accountability Month –

City of Dumas and Desha Elected Officials Must Respond Regarding Rejection and Disrespect: ‘WE’VE COME TOO FAR TO GO BACK — WHO’S REDI?”

(I pause to give tribute to the memory of the late Dumas Clarion Publisher, Rev. Rick Wright who has gone on to be with the Lord. Mr. Wright covered the work of the REDI grant award and was great strength in uplifting coverage of the work. We shall never forget our Dear Brother and Friend, Rev. Rick Wright)

February 5, 2025, Dumas Arkansas— Tonight the first strategy session begins as Black History Month opens and it is also being coined as the ‘Month for Leadership Accountability’. The first session is from 5pm to 6:30pm at the Dumas Public Library. Seating is limited. Anyone who feels that their program, business or enterprise has been unfairly rejected by the City of Dumas or Desha County is welcome to bring their concerns to these sessions. A major forum with statewide media is being scheduled for the end of the month. The objective is to stop the city and its lead operatives from continuing such hostile, abusive tactics, and actions. It has been happening for well over 10 years. We began with the strategic and productive work from REDI, (Rural Economic Development Innovation). Anyone can join the conversation on Facebook at: DumasOneCityOneTeamRedi.

On June 6, 2019—THE LEGACY CENTER in West Dumas, Arkansas was awarded the USDA REDI Grant.     The award was for the entire state of Arkansas. The College of Aspiring Artists and Backbone Partners are overseeing it. This statewide grant awarded funding to conduct a survey and then follow up with a 15-month strategic planning period. This would be followed with a Strategic Plan for Dumas and Arkansas. It happened, thousands of persons from Dumas and across the Delta were provided with great services, programs and products. REDI continues advancing amid the City of Dumas’ efforts to ignore and disregard.

This release comes to oppose and reject the City of Dumas for bringing in a very similar plan that aims to cancel the proven work of REDI as outlined in this article. A statement at the end will address the plans to reject these offensive works and to advance the REDI program. The record reflects one specific new program known as DRIVE. This article documents the proven REDI record in Dumas while the city of Dumas aims to bring in DRIVE, which is on record of being unwilling to collaborate and has been very misleading, disrespectful, and discriminating. DRIVE has no record of performance in Dumas or Desha.

Most troubling is a statement in a handout from the city that states in its Header: ‘Economic Development Strategic Planning Grant Project Summary’; “The City of Dumas currently lacks the expertise and resources to complete a plan of this magnitude.” The falsehood here is overridden by the fact that all of this has been achieved through the REDI grant program. It’s rude and badgering and not a good depiction for a city that genuinely wants progress for all and not for a select few.

At a Press Conference on July 2, 2019, leaders from across the nation including elected officials, multiple counties, and communities gathered at the Dumas Community Center and heard the official announcement on the vision for REDI. Over 75 newspaper articles are on record in the Dumas Clarion documenting the REDI performances in Dumas and communities across the state of Arkansas. Where is one record of DRIVE with such performances?

The vision and plans focus on a new campus for Digital Arts Technology from The College of Aspiring Artists and other member colleges and statewide departments including the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services and the Department of Education along with other partners. The College of Aspiring Artists was the institution of record for the new edutainment college in the 2006—2009 Arkansas Creative Economy Study. All reports are online under this same name.

In 2020, the nation was hit by the pandemic. The REDI program was paused. But Dumas pivoted and REDI was permitted to shift and apply for grants to bring food distribution and was awarded $750,000 in food distribution to cover a 150-mile radius with weekly distribution from Desha to Crittendon County. Under the Farm to Family program with GoFresh Food Distribution, in addition to food distribution, REDI brought in medical professionals, testing units for COVID-19 and educational workshops under the oversight of The College of Aspiring Artists and backbone partners.

Outcomes by Dumas REDI  2019, 2020, and 2021, included 1-3 Monthly Food Distributions for 18 months. This averaged $41,600/month. In addition, over $100,000 in operations was incurred which included, transportation cost to travel to different cities for meetings to get companies and programs informed and interested in Dumas in hope of gaining support and resources. Costs included salaries/stipends for workers and volunteers. Additional costs included supplies for PPE and materials to work indoors and outdoors for workers. Many requests were made to the City of Dumas and Desha County for support, but the REDI program have received zero dollars to date.  

The 2025 REDI—Rural Economic Development Innovation Report Reveals: From Dumas to DC…                    A Federal Grant Award, A Strategic Plan and Proven Works Which Can No Longer Be Denied.

“We are the ones who are determined and who will settle for nothing short of the expanded college campus destination for Dumas. A higher education model with digital, arts, bi-vocational career pathways with innovation at the top is vital,” stated Rev. Arthur L. Hunt, Jr., CEO of The College of Aspiring Artists.

Dumas is set to have the state’s only creative, digital, arts, technology and arts, and edutainment college campus for traditional and innovative careers, retail, housing, and much more. This report provides historical insights and progressive results on how this work is advancing.

For 10 years (2007—2018) the City of Dumas, Arkansas was out front with Delta Technology Education Center, more commonly known as DTEC. Millions of dollars went into the program operations and strategies to bring hope and demonstrative outcomes for a new education model. The model worked in some measures and benefits came forth. But like other technology programs, the work and innovation required to remain relevant and productive is no easy work. DTEC closed its doors in 2018. But this was not to be the end of innovation and creative advancement for Dumas, Desha, and the Delta.

Ahead of, and especially during the time of the closing, leaders from Dumas and other industry strategists who were seeking to place programs in DTEC were delayed and denied, time after time. And when the program was closed by the DTEC directors, The College of Aspiring Artists determined not to let the vision die but rather look positively at how to upgrade the model with new innovations and strategies. ‘Intro’ to what many refer to as ‘new franchise models’ in many industry settings. Meetings beyond the closure with founding members of the DTEC board and the city officials to discuss new development opportunities were unsuccessful or not granted. But the need to bring the campus and amenities was too great to deflate the work. The arrival of REDI brought hope and new development opportunities. To see the City of Dumas dismiss the work and refuse to collaborate is a true sign that this misguided leadership must go and now is the time.

Hunt went on to say, “Currently, Dumas has money (millions in the Peterson Trust). The elected officials and leaders (who for multiple years) campaigned and when questioned on how proposals would be requested, they talk about how the money would be used for ‘rainy days,’ etc. Well, we’ve seen the rain/flood and the pandemic. We’ve already brought to Dumas a credible program, a proposal and a contract. Why the new requests for more proposals and strategic reviews/advancements? We know the answers and we are not deterred or dismayed. No need to get ready. REDI has arrived and has a new statewide development program coming in March. And when we see one another be sure you have watched Shawshank Redemption.”

Hello Dumas: Where Are We Now? We Are REDI-- Rural Economic Development Innovation

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VISION UNFOLD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Rev. Arthur L. Hunt, Jr. | 870.623.8179

 REDI Resumes with a Close Look at CULTURICITY: City of Dumas… State of Arkansas… Where Are We Now?

REDI, (Rural Economic Development Innovation) along with Backbone Partner, The College of Aspiring Artists, (TCAA) continue to advance the work to place the Digital Arts Technology College Network, (DAT—C) in Dumas, Arkansas to take on the opportunities and challenges in rural areas of the south with a ‘no tease’ transformation model. From THE LEGACY CENTER in West Dumas, Arkansas to cities across the Arkansas, Mississippi, the Louisiana Delta and beyond, we see what’s real, we see the problems; but most important, we see what’s Resolvable.

REDI, a 2019 USDA Federal Grant Award to The Legacy Center in Dumas (representing all of Arkansas) is known for outstanding work during the Pandemic to the tune of over $1,000,000 in food distribution along with health and wellness, digital media and marketing services and more. With the support of Backbone Partner ASC Property Management great things happened and now continue to happen.  In the coming months we will roll out the fourth quarter strategic plan with other community and stakeholder partners. CULTURICITY will be a guiding theme. It does a full analysis on the culture of the city, community, county, region, etc. 

 Dumas, Arkansas Over the Last 25 Years

A Mini-Placement Summary

October 2, 2024 | DUMAS, ARKANSAS: Where are We Now?

 Do the RIP…

Reflecting the Past… Inspecting the Present… Projecting the Future.

 When you wake in Dumas every day, what do you see? When you analyze a program, product, population, etc., you look at what’s present, and yes, But you also must look at what’s missing. Here’s a checklist to start with. 

• Ø  Health
• Ø  Homes
• Ø  Values: Faith- Family- Community
• Ø  Workplace
• Ø  Recreation
• Ø  Entertainment

 Most important in a progressive mind must be…

What is and what are the things missing for the people, product, or program to thrive?

 If this is different from the supreme focus, there is a Vision. And where there is no vision, (we all know what happens) the people perish.

 How do we through vision and innovation deliver the vision to complete, revitalize, and transform lives not only in and from Dumas but from Dumas, Desha, and the Delta to DC?

 We are REDI— Rural Economic Development Innovation.

 Let’s reflect on the 25-year history. What’s missing in Dumas?

 1999—2005

The West Dumas Community Family Life Center engaged a new CEO, Rev. Arthur Hunt, Jr., during the transition and death of his father, the late Dr. A.L. Hunt, Sr. in 2001.  Hunt returns to Dumas before the death from a 25-year career in the media, music, marketing and entertainment area with work at radio and television networks along with record and film companies.  He starts The College of Aspiring Artists.  From the center, (now The Legacy Center in West Dumas) Hunt created multiple programs and expanded programs that were pre-existing. One program, Phoenix Youth Opportunity from the US Department of Labor collaborated with the center and enrolled over 75 youth from across the multiple counties in SEARK.  The group was the choir ‘Believe’.  The choir toured the state and also Washington, DC and Tampa, Florida motivating youth to believe in their dreams as creative talents.  The producers were invited to perform on the national stage at The Stellar Awards.

2006–2009

The Arkansas Three-year Creative Economy Study: Dumas has Key Role with The College of Aspiring Artists Listed as Edutainment College in Developing and Implementing the Outcomes. Arkansas Creative Economy Project (arkansasheritage.com)

2007 Tornado: Act of God puts Dumas in high visibility for rural town in Arkansas

2008–2018

DTEC: Delta Technology Education Center Opens and Closes

WHY? HOW? In a time where digital technology and education is urgently needed in Rural Arkansas and America, how does this happen?

2019– Current

REDI Application and Award to Arkansas in Dumas

2020 COVID 19 Pandemic: What Did We Do?  Was it Impactful?  What Lives were Revitalized?

 2022 Mass Shooting: Cultural Dysfunction is on Display and Under Review Community leaders call for change after Dumas shooting injures 27, kills one (katv.com)

 

2024…

REDI Continues as New Administrations and Programs are Introduced.

How Does this Work?  What are the Best Ways to Collaborate in Rural Arkansas with Programs that Should be Compatible?

  How we do it—

A. Examine and Correct the Culture

1. CULTURICITY

2. BRING INNOVATION & RESOURCES

3.  IMPLEMENTATION

 

New Route for GoFresh USA Food Distribution—THE LEGACY CENTER in West Dumas

                                     

THE LEGACY CENTER Starts New Fall/Winter Drive-Thru Service This Thursday   

Now that the weather has changed, the Dumas REDI GoFresh Food Distribution takes on a new route back  to the main location at THE LEGACY CENTER in West Dumas at 501 West Bowles Street. The distribution is set for Thursday, October 29, 2020 at the regular time of 1pm. The new route allows residents in Dumas and those who have been coming to Dumas from Watson, Star City, Gould, Mitchellville, Winchester, Tillar, Reed, McGehee, Dermott, etc., to continue to be served. The center has a pavilion/court that allows the 18-wheeler access to the back of the campus to load-in the food and for the residents to drive-through and have the food loaded in as done at our other location at ASC Property Management located behind Mad Butcher. During inclement weather, ‘the crew workers’ will not have to be in direct contact with precipitation/weather as they load in the food items. This route will direct cars coming from east on Bowles to come from south on Main from the industries. Thus, traffic will flow across the tracks with assistance from traffic officers helping to keep the track open for safe crossing. Once vehicles are loaded, they will continue west on Bowles and turn right on Cherry.

Thousands of families in Dumas and SEARK have been served fresh foods on a weekly basis during the past several months by Dumas leaders with the REDI, Rural Economic Development Innovation initiative.  This move will make it more comfortable to the crews that load-in the food.  They will be out of the elements.  Currently, resources to make improvements to include outdoor heaters and other necessities are appreciated. 

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the leaders have not been paid, ‘but have paid out monies’ to keep the program moving. Going out in harm’s way to be sure that the distribution of $500,000 in food would not be turned away, the team has prevailed. As of October 15, over $325,000 (of the $500,000 total allocation) in food service has already been distributed by THE LEGACY CENTER in West Dumas.

The West Dumas Community Family Life Center (WDCFLC, now THE LEGACY CENTER) was one of  47 rural recipients that will receive technical assistance from 2020—2021 to help create and implement long-term economic development plans. The College of Aspiring Artists and ASC Property Management are the Backbone Partners who are working to get funding beyond the submission of a Strategic Plan by the end of December. Donations are needed to help with operations until funding is approved.

“This program has been awarded to us based on our favor from God to go and meet with leaders across the state and the country and we’ve invested over $100,000 from our personal accounts to pay for operations to keep it going. We have brought the distribution to Dermott, McGehee and Earle.  Everyone always says, we do not have any money. I say, neither do we. The only difference is most often we are the only ones telling the truth. But, by the grace of God, He has allowed us to see the need and not say no because we do not have the resources. We are grateful to in kind donations, but we need funding.  We’ve had to spend money that should be going to our personal accounts and in addition, borrow money to pay for expenses and stipends in hopes that resources from the city, state, etc., would be available from some source to help us continue this meaningful outreach in Dumas and SEARK just as it is going forth across the nation, stated Rev. Hunt on behalf of the center and the Dumas REDI.  

Last Thursday, October 22, 2020 McGehee, Arkansas was the newest site to serve over 1200 families with over $35,000 of food to include, produce, protein and dairy and partner with THE LEGACY CENTER in West Dumas and GoFresh USA. Mr. Bob Ware, Vice-Chancellor for the UAM College of Technology was the leader designated for the McGehee community.

For more on THE LEGACY CENTER in West Dumas and how you can donate/volunteer, etc., please contact Rev. Arthur L. Hunt, Jr., D.D., 870.623.8179, Annette Cowen at 870.382.5141, Linda Hunt Rogers at 870.501.0356 or visit www.thelegacycenterinwestdumas.org

October 28, 2020 Letter to Editor of Dumas Clarion {Full Letter}

 Dear Editor:

Election 2020 Reveals Cold-hearted Truth About Current State of Cultural and Racial Inequities— “Smack Dab in the Middle of a Pandemic”

Two years ago, Dumas elected its first black mayor. The council within the first year had a 5-3 white/black ratio. I saw hope, but trouble at the same time. How?  Hope: When we can see a black mayor with greater representation for all of Dumas.  Trouble: When I went before the council the next year to ask why the administration called the police on me when I had been approved to have a community meeting to discuss new options regarding the closing of DTEC. With millions of dollars poured into DTEC and its closing, I wanted to know what were ‘next-step options’ and to host a community forum on this subject and more. We have done Town Hall Forums for 12 years and this one was necessary. I received a call from the Governor’s office with directives to find out more about the closing and report back.   Sadly, even with a police report confirming no need for the police to have been called, the City Clerk, Erma Coburn and the Councilmember, Roy Dalton were not directed by the Mayor to state their reasons.

Now, two years later in the middle of a pandemic, we have the first opportunity to elect one more black person to put the council in a 50/50 balance of Black/White representation. It gives hope to what has not changed in the history of this city. 

In January of this year, our new grant program from USDA, Rural Economic Development Innovation requested $75,000 at the council meeting to help us with operations for the year. We were directed to put a proposal together and submit it to budget committee.  We did so in February and got the highest review from one of the city officers.  Absent was John Owen, the chair of the budget committee.  To date he has not confirmed to meet with us. In the year of a pandemic with $6,000,000 endowed to the city from the Peterson’s Trust, the city chooses not to provide a way to help organizations going out in harm’s way to help the residents. To date, we have invested over $325,000 in food distribution and operations and will have $500,000 into Dumas and SEARK from our REDI program before the year is over. Over $100,000 has come from our personal dollars to serve the residents and build new programs in and for Dumas and these leaders continue to disregard and do the politics.  See more on this at www.thelegacycenterinwestdumas.org

The city has spent over $200,000 with an outside agency to promote positive things that brand or promote good things happening in and from Dumas. We have been rudely treated by Councilmember Ramona Weatherford and constantly denied the opportunity to be a part of this A&P effort. We have the councilmembers, written them, invited them to public forums to speak out and to date, NO RESPONSE!

Dumas, Why Stay the Same?

We can, we should, and we will do better. Now is the time.  We do not know when we will have the option to do a 4/4 ration of council members again.  What is wrong with 4 blacks and 4 whites to go across the city and find the needs and interests of the community?   Whether the mayor is black, white, etc., the city council members are the ones who are most accountable for the work and progress for the citizens. A racially balanced council is a key to a racially balanced community and city governance.

Our USDA REDI grant award has so much opportunity to bring to Dumas.  If we had leaders who could see the vision and partner with us it would bring Dumas to a higher regard in many ways.

Sometimes I hear God saying clearly… “Stop Putting Water on a Fire that God has Started.”   I see this happening not only in Dumas but across this nation.

I ask you to leave your comments, questions here. I ask the city of Dumas to challenge any of these statements and do so speedily. This letter is to help us see where we are and to make the wise decisions to bring greater hope and future results to all of Dumas, Desha, the Delta and beyond.

To join us for change, please contact me, Rev. Arthur L. Hunt, Jr., D.D., directly at 870.623.8179 or ceo@thecollegeofaspiringartists.education

Our work with our new Digital Arts College Network, DAT—C is underway.  It will be located at THE LEGACY CENTER in West Dumas.

Current operations are online and onsite in Little Rock, AR. 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

  

“What Have You Done For Us Lately—What Are You Doing For Us Now?”

                            

“What Have You Done For Us Lately—What Are You Doing For Us Now?”  Decision Time in Dumas and Desha, Candidates to Speak

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

On Tuesday, October 27, 2020, all candidates running for positions in Dumas and Desha County are invited to attend and speak at the outdoor forum presented by local leaders and community program partners. The theme of the forum is: “What Have You Done For Us Lately—What Are You Doing For Us Now? The mission of the forum is to connect many persons who have yet to meet and/or hear the candidates.

Since the last election in 2018, Dumas has experienced the closing of DTEC, a new program model, DAT—C, Digital Arts Technology College Network is underway with the USDA REDI, Rural Economic Development Innovation award and all in the midst of the COVID—19 Pandemic.

These important agenda items along with other key matters are requiring the best in new leadership from across the city and county to come forth with strong vision and actions and this forum will allow the candidates to share their visions for change and progress going forward. 

Also on the table for discussion is what is the vision for philanthropic resources including $6,000,000 from the Peterson’s estate that bring a serious dimension that must be valued and weighed in on for best use and investment into the city’s future.   Two years later, there has not been any public appropriations of these funds for education, economic or community advancements, outreach or engagement.

Individuals and programs leaders (including startups) are encouraged to bring written copies of their vision/concepts for inclusion in a collaborative vision/proposal that allows many programs to unitize shared visions. Program development includes demographics from youth the seniors with an emphasis on ‘all of Dumas/Desha.’ How these dollars will be invested for sustainable programs and more is what organizers are working on with local, state and national organizations and leaders that focus on needs and improvement for Dumas/Desha.

There will be a question and answer segment and an opportunity for citizens to share/submit their vision/plans/concepts for Dumas/Desha 2020 and beyond. The forum will be held outdoors with COVID—19 guidelines being adhered to at THE LEGACY CENTER in West Dumas located at 501 W. Bowles from 4:45pm-6pm.  Refreshments and entertainment to follow.

Candidates who have not confirmed participation and persons needing additional information on the organizers, of the forum or persons desiring to volunteer or to participate please email allofdumasunited@gmail.com  and/or leave  comments here.

Dumas Can Still “Be the ONE” But Which Ones Will it Be?

Letter to the Editor | Dumas Clarion | 12.4.2019

Dumas Can Still “Be the ONE” But Which Ones Will it Be?

With many divides and disconnects that are clearly visible in our city, I say and can hear God saying that ‘it is still not too late’ for Dumas to be the ‘one’ city/community that optimizes the opportunities that await small (but not insignificant) townships in Rural Arkansas and Rural America. But the real question is, ‘which one(s) of the leaders’ will be ‘the ones’ who will be present to see it, lead it, be it.
I begin with a tag from the Publisher, TFF with her ‘thoughts in the November 20, 2019 issue of the Clarion. It was based on what happened in a statewide production produced and held in Dumas, the annual ‘Thanks For Giving’ Community Celebration and Awards.  It was well-covered by the Clarion. It featured an official visit from University of Arkansas with their famed UAPB Vesper Choir. It focused on music, art and education. It also included the talents and great opportunities for the Dumas Public Schools, both Junior High and High School. Also featured was the Dallas, Texas group, LeTitia Owens and Project Identify.  The publisher gave great praise to the talents in Dumas and what was presented to an audience (including both choirs) of 300-plus in attendance. (Now I must say here that I personally think that it is the responsibility of every elected official and every administrator of our pubic schools to read the Clarion weekly and by no means should a month go by without all issues being read. No excuse here because it’s a weekly and not daily paper.)
But a major point of observation in her comments pointed to those ‘who were not there’. This was a strong and necessary notice. It brought to my attention (and perhaps many others as well) what the previous Publisher, Terry Hawkins had documented earlier.
In January of this year, Terry Hawkins (now the late editor) wrote in the Opinion section, The New Year, dated January 2. The article stated that the NEW (mayor/council) ‘MUST BE’ more visionary and cohesive/united or ‘We’ (our city) ‘will be no different’ (than they were) and ‘this talk’ about what would be a positive difference will be simply, JUST WORDS.
I responded on January 14, that the article was both pragmatic; and in many ways, ‘prophetic’ and that it   ‘was not’ judgmental ‘but truly about facts.’  I agreed, based on the fact that there were years of absent progress from administrations (past 8-12 years) and stated that ‘the new leaders could’ make a difference.
Finally, Terry ‘wished’ us (all of Dumas) well/the best.  This was a good thing—a GOOD WISH for the new year. I concurred and wished them well and stated that I would be in constant prayer. January 2018 would be the last full month that Terry Hawkins would be the Editor of the Dumas Clarion.
Will Dumas be the ONE? Over the course of 2019 much information was reported regarding a new initiative that ultimately landed a statewide grant from USDA to a Dumas entity, the West Dumas Community Family Life Center (now THE LEGACY CENTER in West Dumas). 
We have shared the process with the city officials, the chamber, the school, the ministers, etc. To date, we have not received any formal communications of support, we have requested Proclamations and to date we have not had any responses.  WHO WILL BE THE ONE(s)?
After Dumas/Desha lost DTEC, with nearly 2 million dollars invested we approached the city to share our vision for our technology and college network (which has now landed the REDI grant award that will provide strong support in 2020. The first community meeting was blocked when the city officials who were in office (September 27, 2018) called the police on me (a call that showed up in the records as ‘no disturbance reported at the site). In January of this year, I asked the new administration, how does Dumas acquire new businesses, new leaders, etc., with this type of harassment and discrimination. My hope for the city officials who made the false report was they would speak out with an apology (on behalf of the city) but it did not happen. Instead, we were told that we could not come back to the council for another 6-months.
During this time, the director of Rural Development for Arkansas came to Dumas on July 1, and said, “this is big for Dumas, for Arkansas and I’m going back to DC to share how this can be good for the nation.”  At the last A&P meeting last month, I wanted to share his 2-minute video clip to the committee and was ordered by city officials to turn it off. He along with 9 other persons came to Dumas to make this announcement that our city was chosen to represent one of 47 communities across the nation to receive the REDI grant award. Many of the city officials, leaders were not in attendance and we want to be sure that this news and opportunity is known. 
Well, we are one year later with proven results, a federal grant award and other strong measures but again, where are the leaders? At the time of this published article members of our college network and THE LEGACY Center in West Dumas are meeting with the USDA REDI leaders and Communities Unlimited as a part of the strategic planning process.
I’m writing this end of the year letter which signifies that yes, Dumas can ‘still’ be the one.  But the question remains…. which one(s) will it be.   The variables have shifted, and new seats must be filled at the table of moving Dumas forward. During the next 9 months we will be producing programs and raising funding during this gap period prior to receiving funding.  Who’s in? 

Let’s go.   Rev. Arthur L. Hunt, Jr., D.D.  allofdumasunited@gmail.com   Support at www.thelegacylives.eventbrite.com