Tyler

By CINDY MALLETTE
Staff Writer

Tax day proved to be an inconvenient day for candidates in the May 10 race for Tyler mayor.

Only Laura Corbett, a real estate agent and former City Council member, could attend the first candidate forum at Atria Copeland on Tuesday. Barbara Bass, a certified public accountant, was tied up at work. She sent a spokeswoman in her stead, and Mary Elizabeth Jackson answered questions on Ms. Bass' behalf.

Local artist Keith Pyron, who's also thrown his hat into the ring to replace termed-out Mayor Joey Seeber, canceled plans to attend at the last minute, citing family health issues.

Both Ms. Corbett and Ms. Jackson fielded questions on Tyler's future.

Ms. Corbett said she supports the Tyler 21 plan, which gives guidelines for the city's growth and which residents and city workers developed together.

She said her No. 1 concern for the city is its streets and traffic, and initiatives such as the Tyler 21 plan and the half-cent sales tax are good tools for improving the city's infrastructure. She said good roads are key for building up the city's economy.

"If we continue to focus on our streets, more businesses will move in," she said. "Build it, and they'll come."

Ms. Jackson referred to Ms. Bass' campaign flier throughout the forum. She said Ms. Bass also supports the Tyler 21 plan and will make bringing in new jobs the major platform of her campaign.

Both candidates expressed commitment to revitalizing downtown Tyler and working with smaller communities as the city spreads outward.

Ms. Corbett said it's important for Tyler to begin annexing land along the U.S. Highway 69 corridor so the city can bring in new businesses to support residents in north Tyler. She said that, right now, those residents either have to fight traffic in south Tyler to get their shopping done, or they take their business to Lindale instead.

Both candidates also said they support improving public transportation and want to expand the city's recycling program.

The next candidate forum is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Traditions Restaurant, 6205 S. Broadway Ave. The program is sponsored by the Smith County Republican Women's Club. For more information, call 903-581-6795.

MEET & GREET: Mayoral candidate Laura Corbett talks to Estha Nowlin at the Atria Copeland before the beginning of a Tyler mayoral candidate’s debate on Tuesday. Corbett is one of three candidates running for mayor.
(Staff Photo By Tom Turner)