I am filled with immense pride and gratitude to serve as president of the Arkansas Municipal League in its 90th year. In my inaugural speech, I pondered whether our forefathers and mothers could have ever imagined that not only would the League still be thriving 90 years later, but it would also stand as one of the top municipal leagues in the nation. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication, resilience, and vision of every member, past and present, who has contributed to our League’s success.

The agenda of the recent Annual Convention was full of trending topics and ample networking opportunities. While the sessions were enlightening, the real magic happened during the networking breaks, where we connected, shared ideas, strategies, and sometimes just enjoyed knowing we’re all in the same boat.

One subject that hit close to home this year was providing quality water to our communities. Water is life, folks! As mayor, I have found that much of my time is spent ensuring that Magnolia has quality water and an abundance of it. The Arkansas Rural WaterAssociationis a fantastic resource for you to tap into. They’re here to help our communities ensure everyone has access to clean, quality water.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a cheers to our amazing sponsors. They’re the real MVPs, making it possible for us to keep providing you with first-rate conventions and we owe them a great deal of gratitude for their contributions.

As we move into the height of summer, one thing we can all agree on is that the 2024 summer in Arkansas is a HOT one. Please remember to check on your city employees who are braving the heat. Many businesses are tweaking their work hours to dodge the scorching afternoon sun, and if you can do the same, it’s worth considering. Their safety and health are paramount.

I look forward to meeting with many of you in your towns, but until then, please do not hesitate to reach out to me on my cell listed below. Whether you want to introduce yourself or share an issue you are facing that we can work to solve together, I am here for you. If it is important to you and your town, it is important to me.

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your League President. Arkansas is the greatest state made of the greatestcities, and together, we’re going to make this the greatest year!

Sincerely,