WYNNE, Ark. — On August 5, a group of community members in Wynne submitted a petition requesting the removal of Jennifer Hobbs as Mayor of the city.
"Always A Jacket" initiated the petition after reportedly witnessing a "series of grievances from Wynne residents in the wake of tornado recovery from last year’s devastating storm."
The petition received signatures from 1,207 registered Wynne residents and was presented to Cross County Clerk Mary Beth Sanders.
On August 7, the group received confirmation from Clerk Sanders that their petition had met the required minimum of 1,092 signatures and was certified.
The petition's certification means that it will appear to Arkansas voters on the November 5 ballot.
According to Arkansas code, "If a majority of the qualified electors voting on the question at the election vote for the removal of the officer, a vacancy shall exist in the office. The Officer shall vacate the office immediately upon certification of the election."
Princella Smith, spokesperson for Always A Jacket, made the following statement:
“For months, a number of volunteers in Wynne went door to door on foot in the hot sun to secure signatures in order for this referendum to appear on the ballot. I am so proud of them, and I am so proud of Wynne voters for standing up for themselves.
By securing these signatures and getting them certified by the county clerk, they have given their community a chance to blaze a new way forward by installing new leadership. Just as importantly, they have given those who have been silenced a chance to have their voices heard.
A positive, new way forward is on its way to Wynne because they have taken ownership of their town's future. They should enjoy this win as one step on the path to the ultimate victory of voting to remove Hobbs on November 5th.”
Mayor Hobbs issued the following statement in response: