Texarkana, Arkansas – Voters in Ward 3 will choose a new member of the city’s Board of Directors in the upcoming 2026 election. Two candidates have filed statements outlining their priorities for the community, focusing on public safety, infrastructure, and economic opportunity.
Jennifer Harland – Emphasizing Beautification and Public Safety
Harland says she is stepping forward to bring her leadership experience and passion for community development to the board. She highlights her background in environmental and economic initiatives as a foundation for strengthening Ward 3.
Her top concerns include “attractiveness” – a term she uses to describe beautification, street and sidewalk repair, and the creation of economic opportunities. Harland proposes a fresh review of the city’s street‑repair identification system and plans to seek funding through internal sources and grants to help homeowners and businesses tidy up their properties. She also supports stronger code‑enforcement when appropriate.
On budgeting, Harland pledges a thorough review of the city’s finances, with safety as priority #1. She wants to ensure the fire and police departments have the tools, training, and resources needed for top‑notch emergency response. Roads, infrastructure, and animal‑care and adoption programs are also slated for evaluation.
Economic development, according to Harland, begins with a “YES” vote on Issue 3, which would unlock resources for meaningful projects. She stresses the importance of supporting existing businesses, noting that roughly eighty percent of job growth comes from current local firms. Harland also calls for reliable internet service for residents and businesses.
Harland applauds the city’s 2025 street bond initiative, which funded road repairs, reconstruction, drainage and related infrastructure improvements. She describes the bond as “wildly popular” and urges the board to expand the effort. She also commends downtown preservation work that protects historic character while fostering small‑business growth and community events.
Otha Williams Jr. – Focus on Seniors, Youth and Infrastructure Cleanup
Williams enters the race citing dissatisfaction with the recent direction of Wards 2 and 3, describing the past eight years of leadership as “embarrassment and humiliation.” He frames his candidacy as a call for accountability and renewed focus on community needs.
Williams identifies support for seniors and youth as the most serious issue in Ward 3. He also points to a persistent trash and debris problem along E. 9th Street, from the underpass past Tri‑State Iron & Metal. He claims debris falling from trucks is damaging tires for residents and visitors, and calls for a clear assignment of responsibility for cleanup.
Regarding potholes, Williams says the current repair process is a failure and advocates for a better system to address the issue promptly.
On budgeting, Williams states he would not alter priorities until he has a chance to observe city operations firsthand and determine what works and what needs change.
For economic development, Williams proposes hiring a full‑time economic‑development coordinator and a professional grant writer to attract large businesses to several sizable parcels of land in the area.
Williams comments on a pending water‑sale contract with Texas. He would support the sale if it benefits Texarkana citizens, but only after thorough studies on drought impacts and long‑term effects. He notes the city is paying for water it does not use and calls for a comprehensive review of the contract.
Both candidates stress the importance of community input and transparent governance as they seek the Ward 3 seat. Voters will receive official ballots in the fall, and the city will hold early‑voting locations throughout the county.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
