Gary Baxter files for Mulberry mayor; only filing in Crawford County

story by Marla Cantrell
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The filing period for municipal candidates in Crawford County started on Monday (Aug. 4), and so far only one person has made his intentions public.

Gary Baxter, Mulberry mayoral candidate, is a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, has a master’s degree in management, and was a professor of aerospace studies at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville from 1990 until 1993.

But it’s his work in churches that he’s relying on to help him win this election.

“I was executive pastor of a church in Shreveport with 4,000 members,” Baxter said. “We converted a 900,000 square foot shopping mall into a church. I managed an annual budget bigger than some small cities.  … I’ve managed over 100 employees.”

In 2007, he moved to Mulberry with his wife of more than 40 years. He said he has been approached by several residents asking him to run.

Baxter, 65, said his whole life has been about giving back. The job as mayor for the town of 1,700 would just be an extension of that.

“I can relate to all people,” Baxter said.  “I have a heart for helping people.  I’ve lived a life of service – service to my country, service to God, service to people.  I’d work to promote Mulberry and bring development to our industrial park.”

Betty Feller is the current mayor. She, nor any of the other eight mayors in the county, has filed for November’s election. Candidates for municipal offices must have a petition filled out and signed by registered voters in their district. Alma and Van Buren are classified as first class cities, and require 30 signatures. Cedarville, Dyer, Kibler, Mountainburg and Mulberry are second class cities, requiring 10 signatures. The same is true for Chester and Rudy, which are incorporated towns.

There is still plenty of time. Filing ends August 24.

Baxter was waiting when the county clerk’s office opened.

“That’s how I am,” he said. “That’s how I do things. I’m serious about wanting this job. I think filing on the first day shows that.”