The town of Holland started the new year with a new mayor and new city council.
Elected officials, all serving their first term in office, were sworn in at the Holland Community Center by Faulkner County Clerk Melinda Reynolds on Monday morning.
Mayor Ronnie McGaha was accompanied by his wife, Janie, as he took his oath of office.
He said, "I feel great. We'll get started tonight with our first meeting. I hope to do some improvements as far as our ball field, parking lot, playgrounds. I've already sent in some paperwork for grant money (to finish the ball park)."
Also sworn in were aldermen Rocky Malone, Charles Berry, Angie Lassiter and Robert McElroy.
Asked about his hopes for the coming year, Berry said, "I would like to get a post office put in. Most towns have a post office whether they have anything else or not. We don't have a dry goods store. I think we should get something in here so people don't have to drive to Conway on a day like this to buy a loaf of bread and milk."
Malone echoed Berry's thoughts.
"We need a post office and a dry goods store or convenience store. Our water system needs to be improved. It is overloaded to some extent. Parts of town don't have water."
He said the town is served by the Vilonia Water System.
Malone added, "We started on this park and we need to finish it. I think it's great for people to have a place to come out and play ball."
"We would like to have a constable out here," said Lassiter. She also said she would like to see the city apply for a Miracle League ball field grant. The Miracle League builds ball fields for children with disabilities.
"We have such a great facility. It should be used for all Faulkner County," she said.
Lassiter said she hopes to generate more revenue for the city and to bring in a store, perhaps one with a diner.
"Maybe that would bring in more residents to build the community," she added.
McElroy agreed with his fellow council members.
"I think we need a store out here. You have to go to Springhill, Enola, Naylor or Conway if you want something. We need recreation for the kids."
Asked how he felt about being elected, McElroy said, "I feel honored. I'll do the best I can."
(Staff writer Rachel Parker Dickerson can be reached by e-mail at rachel.dickerson@thecabin.net or by phone at 505-1277. Send us your news at www.thecabin.net/submit)
