Blytheville Courier News: Outdoors: Tony Betts, Ward 3 candidate (10/04/12)

Betts is a graduate of Blytheville High School. He worked as a machine operator at NIBCO for ten years, and at American Greetings for two years. He established Top Notch Detail and Tint, which has been in business in Blytheville for over 20 years. He has served on the Boys and Girls Club board, and donates to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Cars and Cycles, The Walk and Ride Against Cancer, and local charities and schools. Betts said that he does not have any political experience other than serving on the Blytheville Golf Board, but is ready to learn and willing to serve the community to the best of his ability.

On Blytheville's financial situation:

Currently I am unaware of the full details on the city's financial situation, but with limited knowledge I would say that at this point in time, it looks like we are turning in the right direction. Now we need to continue to focus on the positive and work harder on the negative issues.

On population loss in Blytheville:

We need to work toward getting more jobs in the area on all skill levels. Providing more job training to the community will help us to achieve a better work force.

On crime reduction and law enforcement:

As citizens, I feel we need to take more pride in our community, and we need to support each other as neighbors and report strange behaviors. We need to take time to talk with law officers, instead of viewing them as the enemy. Citizens need to establish neighborhood watches.

On the responsibilities of a city council representative:

City council members are public officials elected or appointed to represent a ward or district of a city, as the municipal governing body typically known as city council. We vote on laws and proposals relating to various community issues, such as allocation of funding to provide for public services, community development projects, and budget matters.

Campaign statement:

I plan to work diligently with fellow council members and the Mayor to establish positive improvements in our city, and to work diligently to achieve more jobs for our community, establish more family friendly activities, develop cleaner parks, establish facilities that will enable more family gatherings and establish more restaurants.