Vote For Dwayne Hall

Dwayne Hall

Dwayne Hall is hoping to represent Ward 2 in Texarkana, Ark., and is running on a platform of fiscal conservation and protecting citizens in his district.

“My neighborhood deserves a strong advocate to keep taxes and fees reasonable while rebuilding our infrastructure,” he said. “We need someone who will remind the board that we deserve to have our share of the budget spent in our ward.”

The 45-year-old has lived in Texarkana most of his life, and graduated from Arkansas High School. He received a degree in business administration from Texas A&M.

After a career in accounting, Hall is now certified by the Environmental Protection Agency and works to eliminate radon in homes.

If elected, Hall said he will strive to address many issues raised by citizens at board meetings, including establishing train quiet zones and improving the safety of rail crossings in Texarkana, Ark.

He wants to see the city’s financial burden on the community eased by cutting taxes and fees, and hopes to establish a community recreation facility and swimming pool. Economic growth is also a priority.

“My goal is to bring fresh ideas to the table, rejuvenate some good plans that did not make it in the past, and work with seasoned board members to devise new strategies that will help us focus on retail, wholesale, governmental, manufacturing and service businesses,” Hall said.

Increasing growth also nets jobs, and Hall wants to see employer investment and work training revitalize College Hill and the downtown district.

“We should leave no stone unturned when attracting new business to the Arkansas side,” he said. “We should ask our franchise holders to reinvest in our communities and work with them to reopen service centers here and employ our residents.”

Hall hopes to target manufacturing and technology jobs and hold employment drives for those positions. He believes the potential business growth could be the city’s answer to ensuring a pay match for police and fire personnel to their Texas-side counterparts.

“I think the key is attracting more business to Arkansas side and that will pay for the increased expenses without having to raise taxes,” he said.

Hall wants to review the efficiency of each city department and find a way to bring the near-skeleton crew of public works back up to full staff. He supports bond issues for major projects such as a public pool or to create an environmentally-friendly landfill.

As the owner of a small business, Hall plans to help the city research grants for infrastructure, and also wants to be a watchdog for future spending.

“The city’s financial situation can be improved by eliminating waste and expanding the tax base by bringing in business,” Hall said. “I will promote open government, including full and early notice of proposed tax and fee increases so that the public has a meaningful chance to contest increases before they happen.”

Hall gives his time to civic endeavors by mentoring with the Silas H. Hunt Community Development Corp. and is a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children.

He has two children.