Rego announces bid for Fort Smith director position

Jarred Rego of Fort Smith announced his candidacy for Fort Smith Board of Directors, Ward 1 position, Wednesday (May 6). Rego, is running for the seat held by Director Keith Lau, who has said he will not seek reelection.

No one else has yet to announce for the board position.

Rego, a senior development officer for Mercy Health Foundation, said his is running on a B.I.G. agenda designed to “help lead Fort Smith to a brighter and better future.” His B.I.G. agenda includes bonding together in the face of challenges, innovating in a quest to prepare for the future, and growing in a vibrant and sustainable way.

“I hope to make a positive difference in the community,” he said.

Rego, who is the married father of three, said when he turned the prism inward, the question highlighted was whether in 12 years, Fort Smith is a city where young adults want to stay or are eager to leave.

“Our daughter is almost finished with kindergarten. That means we have a 12-year window to convince Kate and her classmates to view their hometown as a place filled with opportunities to lead fulfilling, meaningful, and productive lives. Twelve years is only three election cycles, so, if we want to secure that future, we need to start right away,” Rego said.

He said he hopes to inject the city with optimism and a positive feel of community.

“A city director is someone who should inspire, communicate, and lead. My children have motivated me to think deeply and thoughtfully about what’s coming next for our community,” he said.

Rego is married to Micah Rego, a native of Fort Smith. He is a member of Grand Avenue Baptist Church and the Leadership Fort Smith Class of 2020. He serves on the board of directors for Arkansas Family Alliance, Community Services Clearinghouse, CASA of Sebastian County and is a past board member of the Community School of the Arts. Rego is founder and chairman of the board of Fort Smith Forward Civic Action Group.