Mayoral candidates weigh in on 2020 census

Editor's note: This is the first in a multipart series looking at contested local races in the May 22 primary. Each installment, running Sundays until the primary, will look at a different race in Union County or El Dorado. Remember to check News-Times editions throughout May for more information on the primary elections and what voters can expect to see on their ballots!

By Tia Lyons

Staff Writer

As the 2020 U.S. Census approaches, concerns have arisen about whether the city’s population has decreased since the number reportedly dropped below 20,000 nearly a decade ago.

During a recent El Dorado City Council meeting, Alderman Willie McGhee broached the issue, saying the city needs to prepare for the upcoming count to ensure El Dorado’s population numbers are accurately recorded.

Community leaders held their collective breaths in hopes that the 2010 Census would yield news that the city’s population remained above 20,000, but the numbers came in at 18,884. A follow-up count in 2012 reflected another population drop to 18,491.

City officials said preparations are already under way for the census and to boost participation from local residents, many of whom are reluctant to share information with census workers.

Mayor Frank Hash and City Clerk Heather McVay said officials from the Local Update Census Operation are working with the city to compile a residential address list and a U.S. Census worker recently met with city officials to let them know what to expect when census takers visit the city.

Between now and then, a primary and general election will decide the next mayor of El Dorado and the person will shepherd the city through the 2020 census process.

Mayoral candidates Frank Hash (incumbent), Bill Luther and Chris Lutman weighed in with their thoughts on the upcoming census and what the results could mean for El Dorado:

• Hash: I have no reliable indicators or reasons to believe that El Dorado has lost population for these past few years! In my judgment, the census process is inconclusive at best, as many people — legal citizens and illegal residents as well — are reluctant to provide government census takers the necessary information to derive a truly accurate assessment. The census process itself is becoming more complicated with each new iteration and Lord only knows what the next report will yield! National pushback is already surfacing regarding just the proposed question asking about legal citizenship or not! El Dorado is steadily adding new stores and services of all descriptions. Companies and corporations don’t build in declining environments! I believe that if citizens cooperate fully with census takers this time around, El Dorado will show an improvement in population, not a decline. The city is preparing to the best of our abilities to prepare for the event next year. We need an accurate count!

• Lutman: We will probably be flat. It did not help matters that almost 400 employees of CB&I were laid off in 2017. Those are high-wage job losses that really hurt our economy. If the census is completed correctly, we should show an increase, probably 1.5 percent. We do know that during the work week, close to 30,000 people are in the city. We must continue to foster a healthy, clean, professional city to encourage future employers to relocate. This requires a healthy relationship with the El Dorado City Council, Union County judge, El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce and other influential individuals. We have to remember that each city in Arkansas is fighting for the same thing. Our standards and passion for success and growth need to help sway future companies. My hope is that those that graduates with the El Dorado Promise scholarship program will recognize how El Dorado believes in them and recognize that giving back to El Dorado is a noble thing to do based on what was sacrificed for them. If leaders are not portraying that hope, it shows and reflects badly on those living in our community.

• Luther: I am optimistic that our population decline has stabilized and that the 2020 census will be improved from today’s numbers. As a certified professional in community and economic development, I understand that when communities place a priority on public safety, public works, quality living and education, jobs will be retained and new jobs created. My experience has taught me that I cannot solve our problems or grow our city alone, but with all of us working together, we can.

Tia Lyons may be contacted at 870-862-6611 or by email at tlyons@ eldoradonews.com.

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