The new year will ring in change among local leadership. The cities of Mansfield and Hartford will both welcome new aldermen, and new JPs will fill seats in both Sebastian and Scott Counties.
In Mansfield, James Steele was elected to fill the vacated seat of retiring councilman, Dave Johnson. The City of Hartford will have several new council members, including the city’s former mayor, Mary Radley, Ina Jean Layne, and former councilwoman Winnie Hale. Interim Mayor Richard Hartsfield won in a runoff race held December 1, and former councilwoman Raye Morgan was elected to serve as the city’s new Recorder/Treasurer.
In Scott County, District 2 JP Melvin “Dee” Parker beat out incumbent William B. Bates in November’s General Election. In Sebastian County, Lorrie Glidewell Runion will fill the vacancy for JP District 13.
With budgets stretched thin due to COVID-19, local government is ready to leave 2020 in the rear view, and are on board for a successful 2021.
