Kent Broughton
Kent Broughton announced his candidacy for mayor of Pine Bluff on Friday.
In a news release, Broughton said he has been a Pine Bluff resident for 22 years and has served in several leadership positions, most recently as a youth advocate for the Children Defense Fund, and president of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Student Government Association. He said those roles allowed him to “gain experience working with people and seeking solutions to problems.”
“I want to move Pine Bluff forward through positive thinking and actions that will create a promising and economically sound future for everyone, particularly our young people,” said Broughton, adding he believes he possesses “the necessary leadership abilities” for the post.
Broughton sees a need for “thoughtful reorganizing and refocusing” within the city and said he wants to instill “a sense of community” among citizens.
“We have to gain trust and respect for our city before we are able to move forward,” he said.
He said his campaign platform primarily targets public safety with crime reduction, economic development with job creation and downtown renovation, park improvements with recreational centers, and safe and educational youth programs and recreational centers.
Broughton is a graduate of Watson Chapel High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He is a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Also on Friday, Tim Whisenhunt filed as a mayoral candidate.
Other candidates who have filed are Peter Daniels Jr., Clarence Davis, Debe Hollingsworth, John James Jr., Steven Mays and Thelma Walker. Current Mayor Carl Redus Jr. has not officially announced intentions to seek re-election.