My name is Colton Edwards and I proudly announce my candidacy for 3rd Ward Alderman in the city of Pine Bluff. I am a lifelong resident of Pine Bluff and a 5th generation small business owner. I attended Watson Chapel High School, where I graduated with honors. While attending high school, I was also beginning the next chapter of my life, starting a business. I am the owner of Natural State Landscaping & Design and we have quickly grown to be a highly sought out service provider for our community. I am literally in the business of cleaning up our city and I am very proud to do it.
I grew up in Pine Bluff during some of the lowest points in its history. I have seen the negatives, but I am encouraged by the positives. It is easy to sit back and be critical of what our elected officials are doing or perhaps not doing. We see the news and we hear about our problems but sitting back and watching does nothing to fix anything. Our city is at a critical point, and I am excited to be a force for positive change in our community. This is what inspires me to run.
As a business owner, I know that small businesses are the backbone of our community. We need to support our businesses and provide a friendly environment so they can thrive and provide jobs in our community. I am a member of the Pine Bluff Small Business Association, and I am proud to support our local community. We also attend New Harvest Church of God.
As a husband and father, I want my family to live in a safe community. I wouldn’t choose to live here if I doubted our potential to do that. Our families all deserve the very best and as a member of the City Council I will be an advocate for our men and women in uniform who tackle the responsibility of protecting us. I will continue to support our first responders by making sure they have the tools to do their job safely and know they are appreciated in doing so. This goes for our Police Department and all first responders. We must do better to attract and retain the best men and women to serve our city.
Growing up in Pine Bluff you could usually find me on a baseball field. I owe a lot to the coaches and parents who helped mold me. Since then, I have volunteered as a local Litle League coach while also sponsoring a team. All kids living in our community deserve these opportunities, we must do better for them to provide safe parks and quality recreation opportunities.
You might not know me yet, but I look forward to meeting you. I will do my best to reach every resident of the 3rd Ward so I can be your voice. I take the term representative very literally and would be honored to represent you and your concerns on the City Council.
This is my first time running for office and have no titles by my name. What I do have is a passion for this city, a dedication to seeing it improve and a work ethic to see it through. At a time when too many of our neighbors are moving away and young people are looking elsewhere to start careers and families, I have made a conscious decision to do both in Pine Bluff. I chose my hometown. I see it for the beautiful, rich, vibrant community it is and the potential it holds to be even more. Pine Bluff Progress: Your Voice, Your Choice!
