Who’s Best to Lead Dumas/Desha During and Post Pandemic Days?
A pandemic, flood, mass shootings, critical elements of a depression, inflation, etc., have impacted the conditions of our nation and for certain, rural towns in Arkansas and specifically, Dumas. What impact has this made on our community and who is ‘best choice’ in leading us forward as elected officials?
On Monday August 1, all candidates running for positions in Dumas and Desha County are invited/requested to attend and speak at the Accountability Town Hall Forum presented by local leaders and community program partners. The forum is being held at the Dumas Community Center from 5pm—7pm with a reception to follow. The theme of the forum is: “What Have You Done For Us Lately—What Are You Doing For Us Now? What’s Next?” The organizers want this in verbal and in written formats. The mission of the forum is to connect many persons who have yet to meet and/or hear the candidates and to ask questions of them regarding their vision and platform. Other program partners will be in attendance regarding voter empowerment including GET LOUD ARKANSAS.
Since the last General Election in 2018, Dumas has experienced the closing of DTEC. A program that was to be dedicated to higher education and new career pathways. Now, a new program model, DAT—C, Digital Arts Technology College Network is underway with the USDA REDI, (Rural Economic Development Innovation) award, all coming forth in the midst of the COVID—19 Pandemic. The program delivered much during the pandemic, in education, entertainment and especially in food distribution and health and wellness sessions and services. The total distribution and operations exceeded $1,000,000 (1—Million dollars). No city or county dollars were appropriated to assist the residents for these programs during the pandemic times. Where were the leaders? Who can and who will be best for ‘all of Dumas’ and all of Desha? How will the next city and the county elected officials address these important agenda items along with other key matters with strong vision and actions? The citizens will decide 2022.
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. Now, four years later, why has there not been any public appropriations of these funds for education, economic, technology, or community advancements, outreach or engagement? Strategic proposals and plans have been submitted, only to be denied.
Individuals and programs leaders (including startups) are encouraged to bring written copies of their vision/concepts for inclusion for a collaborative vision/proposal that allows many programs to unitize shared visions. Program development includes demographics from youth to 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.
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 call 870.501.0356, email allofdumasunited@gmail.com and/or visit www.thelegacycenterinwestdumas.org
