Former Bauxite Mayor Eddie Jones, whose embattled tenure resulted in a lopsided loss in his 2006 re-election bid, wants back into city government.
Jones was among the last candidates to file Tuesday before the close of the municipal filing period in Saline County.
Jones filed as a candidate for the Position 3 seat on the Bauxite City Council. The seat is held by Alderman Georgia L. Babbitt, one of the people who campaigned for Jones’ ouster as mayor.
Babbitt, 74, said she expected an opponent. “But I didn’t expect it to be him,” she said of Jones. “I didn’t think he had that kind of unmitigated gall.”
Babbitt, who is in the home health care business, served another two-year term on the council in the early 1990s. She also served on the Bryant City Council from 1978 to 1988 prior to moving to Bauxite.
She won a council seat with a convincing victory in 2006 over Jeffrey Cole, who is one of three people running for the Position 5 seat in Bauxite.
Babbitt said she plans to campaign on her record. “I’m not going to run on somebody else’s shortcomings because I have enough of my own,” she said.
Jones, 44, is self-employed in the landscaping and contracting business. He spent 12 years as mayor before being defeated by Mayor Gary Duncan in 2006. Jones served one term on the council prior to becoming mayor.
Jones and the city were investigated at least four times during his tenure for various allegations, he said. He also was party to a court case involving allegations of sexual misconduct with a former city employee.
“I think the people of Bauxite have figured out that this council was full of lies,” Jones said. “They didn’t tell the truth when they campaigned. We also have a big problem over here with water bills. They are a lot higher than they need to be.”
Almost 20 people filed Tuesday. A final list of municipal candidates is in today’s paper.
Following are incumbents who filed Tuesday:
Alexander — Alderman Patricia Jones (Ward 2, Position 2), seeking a second term, and Alderman Michelle T. Doss-Kidd, city recorder, who is seeking a third term.
Bryant — Alderman Rick Meyer (Ward 1, Position 1), seeking a fourth term.
Haskell — Alderman Rose Marie Wilkinson (Ward 2, Position 1), seeking a second term.
Shannon Hills — Alderman James Smith (Ward 2, Position 2), seeking a third term.
Following are challengers who filed Tuesday, some of whom are unopposed:
Alexander — Michael E. Murray (Ward 1, Position 2). Murray, 32, is a firefighter. He said it “is time for fresh meat on the City Council.” Gordon Hall (Ward 4, Position 1). Hall, 45, is employed with the Little Rock School District. He said he wants to “help improve the quality of life for Alexander residents.” William T. Blankenship (Ward 4, Position 1). He is 42, works with O’Reily Auto Parts and spent 20 years as a firefighter.
Bauxite — Kathy P. Glover (Position 1). Glover, 49, is choir director at Bauxite High School. She is a previous council member and said she enjoys serving. Carlos Babbitt Jr. (Position 2). Babbitt, 35, is an electrician and said he “wants to make a difference.” Vicki Wright (Position 4). Wright, 53, is employed by the state. “I want to see changes made,” she said. Wallace “Bunkey” Bauer (Position 4). Bauer, 71, is retired from the Navy. He said the city’s most important issue is utilities. Jeffrey L. Cole (Position 4). Cole, 47, is a self-employed contractor and former council member. He also cited utilities as the city’s most important issue.
Bryant — Jim Blaydes (Ward 1, Position 2) and Heath Edens (Ward 2, Position 2). Edens, 33, is a county paramedic. He said he wants to give residents of his ward a voice.
Haskell — Ronnie Ballard (Ward 1, Position 1). Brian Burke (Ward 2, Position 1). Burke, 27, is a retail manager. He said he wants to “serve the city more to the benefit of the people.”
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