Bagley says he won't re-file

Another potential Helena-West Helena City Council candidate who filed early as the result of an alleged bogus filling period change document has announced that he will not re-file during the filing period ordered by Circuit Judge Richard Proctor.
In a prepared statement, Andrew Bagley stated, “While I was looking forward to a spirited debate about the future course of the city with incumbent alderman Larry Brown, it is not personally prudent for me to re-file at this time.”
On May 21, Bagley and seven others filed for candidacy as alderman on the Helena-West Helena City Council. Along those filing with Bagley were Lakesia Chandler, John Huff, LaSalle English, Kafreda Reynolds, Marvin Jarrett, Don Etherly, Monica Davis, Christopher Franklin and Brown.
Chandler, Jarrett, Etherly, Davis, Franklin and Brown are incumbents. Chandler withdrew her petition last week. Bagley originally filed for the Ward 4, Position 1 seat on the council.
Franklin told The Helena World that he delivered the document to Phillips County Clerk Linda White who confirmed Franklin's statement. Franklin revealed that another council member advised him where the document was located but he did not identify the council member as past or present. Also no one has revealed who authorized Franklin to deliver the document.
Franklin claims the ordinance is valid. Bagley concurs.
“I believe that the filing period contained in the codebook was approved properly,” stated Bagley. Subsequent research has shown me that the minutes reflect that the codebook was passed unanimously with an emergency clause, which would have meant immediate effect without publication. However, I respect the judicial system and will abide by its rulings.”
Efforts to locate any discussion of the filing change could not be found on the reported pages of The Helena World.
Proctor ordered the city to abide by the old filing period – July 27- Aug. 17 – after ordering an investigation into the alleged fake document. The investigation occurred as a result of a lawsuit filed by three Phillips County residents.
Candidates who have filed or re-filed as of press time included: Eddie Lee Clark, Ward 1, Position 1; Daniel Strickland, Ward 1, Position 2; English and Joe St. Columbia, incumbent, Ward 2, Position1; Jay Hollowell, Ward 2, Position 2; Franklin, Ward 3, Position 1; John Huff Jr., Ward 3, Position 2; and Joe Grubbs Sr. Ward 4, Position 2.
“We would not have these controversies if aldermen would simply read what they are passing,” stated Bagley. “Unfortunately, too many were preoccupied with drawing a gerrymandered map to protect their own political interests and missed reading these important provisions of the codebook they voted to pass.”
Bagley said he planned to continue to work to make Helena-West Helena a better place.
“I have always believed that to whom much is given, much is expected,” he continued. “ God has blessed me immensely and he has done it many times through people, institutions and events in this community. I love this town. I intend to continue to make our community better through my volunteer efforts…There will be future opportunities to serve and I look forward to those.”