A third candidate for Jonesboro Mayor announced his intention to run. Councilman L.J. Bryant announced his campaign and a 10-Point Action Plan for Jonesboro at IV Kings Coffee Wednesday morning.
Other potential challengers include incumbent Mayor Harold Copenhaver and Jeremy Terrell.
Bryant represents Ward 5 Position 1 and has served on the city council for seven years.
Bryant told attendees that after consideration in 2020, he and his wife felt it wasn't a good time to run. Bryant said the additional 4 years of involvement has been a great learning experience and training for a larger role.
“The Jonesboro Area is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the state, but we are simply not keeping up with everyone else- we're going backward,” Bryant said in his speech.
Bryant said the City of Jonesboro has seen increases in crime, poverty, homelessness, panhandlers, and illegal drug use. He also said the police force isn't given the resources they need in dedicated positions like parks and downtown.
Bryant also unveiled his 10-point plan for how he intends to “turn Jonesboro around.”
“This plan is a combination of what we know needs to be done when confronting the facts facing our city,” Bryant said. “Throughout this campaign, I will release numerous specific ideas on achieving this aggressive agenda.”
Harold Copenhaver
Copenhaver announced his re-election bid for a second term earlier this month.
Copenhaver was elected in 2020 after running against Andy Shatley and Thomas Elwood.
“I love this city, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I’m excited about what we’re going to do next,” Copenhaver said in his announcement. “In the coming weeks, I will lay out more goals and plans as we create the Jonesboro of tomorrow.”
Copenhaver in a release from his campaign also talked about how during his time as mayor the city’s police and fire departments have been expanded and are fully staffed.
In his campaign’s news release, Copenhaver said he will continue to invest in services and infrastructure.
Jeremy Terrell
Terrell on his official campaign website said he is "a true Jonesboro native who’s seen our town through the eyes of a child, a worker, and now, a leader ready to serve.”
As Mayor Terrell said he would make Jonesboro a safer place. He also listed using taxpayers' money responsibly and being accessible and transparent.
"I’m passionate about making Jonesboro the best place for all of us," Terrell said on his website. "Let’s make it happen, together."
Official Municipal office filings begin July 31st. The filing deadline is Aug. 7.
