Early voting is underway on the city of Jonesboro’s alderman’s race in Ward 6, position 1. Also, the repeal of a controversial property maintenance code is up for voters to decide.
At a recent meeting, supporters of the code held a community information event to explain why the code is needed in Jonesboro. A panel discussion involving four faculty members from Arkansas State University was held. Dr. Edward Salo is an assistant professor of history and is a Historic Preservationist. He says the code helps keep the historic buildings and the downtown district intact, which can help by drawing more companies into the region and helps with economic development:
Sociology professor Dr. Sarah Kendig says the lack of a code can have negative implications on families:
She also says run-down buildings that have not been maintained can lead to a lack of control:
Political Science professor Dr. Hans Hacker says one of the main concerns about the code has been a concern about unlawful entry into homes by CODE enforcement officers. He says the way the code is written, that can’t happen without consent of those who live in the residences:
Just a reminder that voting FOR means you are voting for repeal of the code and voting AGAINST means you are against taking the code away. Early voting lasts through Monday and the regular election is next Tuesday, May 10th.
