City Council Member Terri Neugent has announced her intention to seek reelection to the Mena City Council, Ward 1, Position 2. “I have thoroughly enjoyed serving on the Mena City Council and am committed to continuing to work hard for this great city,” Neugent stated. “Much has been accomplished, but much remains to be done.”
Terri and her husband, Jim, have four children and six grandchildren. She is retired from the banking industry, with 25 years’ experience in commercial lending and bank regulations.
Neugent has served on the Mena City Council for the past 4 years. She serves on all city council committees and chairs the Law Enforcement and Fire Department Committees. She has attended a number of the Municipal League winter and summer conferences, as well as the Municipal League’s continuing education classes, and is working on her Municipal Official Certification. Alderman Neugent has also attended the Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism and feels it is one of the best conferences to attend.
“As a City Council Member, I do my homework. I review all financial reports, department reports, and proposed ordinances and resolutions before each City Council meeting. I’m not afraid to ask questions or speak up if I think changes need to be made. I listen to both sides of an issue and listen to those who elected me when making decisions. When I receive a call from a constituent, I never put that call on the back burner. I immediately address it, seek a resolution, and always follow-up.”
“When I first ran for City Council, I stated that I wanted to see Mena’s tourism industry grow. Shortly after my election, the council appointed me to the Mena Advertising and Promotion (A&P) Commission as one of the two city council representatives on the commission. I have since worked with the Commission to promote increased tourism in our city and increased attendance to our festivals and events. The Commission has also worked to reach a wider area with our advertising.”
Alderman Neugent serves as secretary of the A&P Commission and chaired the Lum & Abner Festival Committee and chairs the By-laws Committee. She has been active in efforts to improve Aubrey D. Tapley Sports Park. “I see a great future for Tapley Park in moving forward with ball tournaments and growth in the park. We have a nice facility, and we are always working to make progress with the park. The park is an important part of our community. Our children and youth benefit greatly from what Tapley Park has to offer them in sports opportunities. The commission is currently in discussions regarding the need for an additional ball field that will accommodate games for the 13 & 14 yr. old youth. Currently that age group has to play at McMillian Park. Parents would like for their children of all ages to be able to play at the same park, which is understandable. It is something we have been looking at for quite some time. Tapley Park also has great potential to offer opportunities for adult co-ed games and tournaments when we get adult fields built at the park. Tournaments played at the park can boost our tourism industry which will benefit all.”
Terri added, “Mena is such a great place to live. The people here are some of the best in the nation, and I love being a part of this community. I feel so much has been accomplished during the past 4 years I have been on the Council. I would like to continue to work with the Council as well as the A&P Commission, and to be a part of the improvements planned for Mena‘s future. I care about the future of Mena and what the future holds here for our grandchildren. Thank you for allowing me to serve. I promise I will continue to work hard to serve Mena.”
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
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