4th Ward Council Member Bruce Lockett (D) announced Wednesday his plans to seek a third term on the Pine Bluff City Council in the 2024 March Democratic Primary. Ward 4 encompasses the University Park Neighborhood, the Lake Saracen area, the Dollarway area, and a portion of the Westside area.
Lockett said that he is proud of the accomplishments of the Pine Bluff City Council during his tenure as a city council member- namely the
* $500,000 commitment to the Group Violence Initiative,
* the $2,000,000 commitment to Delta Rhythm and Bayous Entertainment District,
* the $1,313,531 commitment to the North University Dr. Sewer Extension, and
* the salary increases given to public safety members and city employees.
Lockett believes that Pine Bluff has a lot of potential. ” Our citizens are creative and resourceful. ” Said Lockett. “I would like to be re-elected to show the people of Pine Bluff what can be achieved when we work together. We must build on our resources and assets, such as UAPB, SEARK JRMC, the Arkansas River, great parks, and our businesses.” Lockett said.
Lockett believes some of his top priorities on the city council will be to work to assist in improving city infrastructure, streets, and city buildings. Lockett is committed to helping local businesses using an underutilized city loan program, which combines resources from the City of Pine Bluff and UAPB.
Lockett also believes crime prevention and youth programming are crucial to improving Pine Bluff. Lockett supports the newly created Group Violence Initiative.
Lockett will also advocate for creating coalitions and partnerships designed to strengthen the efforts of city departments.
“I am committed to Pine Bluff and the constituents of Ward 4. Above all, I will represent the citizen’s interests vigilantly and urgently.
Together we can do great things,” said Lockett.
Lockett serves on the following city council committees: Development and Planning (Chairman), Public Works, and Administration.
Lockett is a juvenile probation officer with the Sixth Division Circuit Court. In this position, which he has held for almost two years, he is responsible for conducting juvenile needs assessments; providing individual, family, or group counseling to ensure compliance with court orders; and providing lead direction to assigned staff.
Lockett’s board affiliations include being the board president of the Family Community Development Corporation and board president of the Twentieth Century Club, both in Pine Bluff. Lockett is also a member of the Delta Sigma Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
His former public service includes serving as board president of Pine Bluff Citizens Boys and Girls Club, board member of Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Clean and Beautiful Commission, and co-chair of the Arkansas Citizen First Congress.
Lockett is a 1994 University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff graduate, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in history. He is a 1983 Dollarway High School graduate. Lockett and his wife, Sonya Bell Lockett, have one son, Shamon, and one grandchild.
