It may be cold outside, but that isn't stopping the Little Italy Incorporation Task Force canvassers from gathering needed signatures on the petition this Fall and Winter, a necessary step in the bid to become an official state recognized town.

Support of at least 200 voters living within the proposed boundary is needed before presenting the petition before the Pulaski County Judge. The task force has 7 teams, composed of residents of the area, each with a list of 20 voters living in the boundary that they are responsible for contacting. The list was developed with the aid of the Pulaski County Clerk's office at the Task Force's request.

The canvassers are using a combination of postcards, letters, phone calls, and door-to-door visits to make contact with the residents. The goal is to reach out to as many voters as possible so that their voices can be heard, whether for or against. Several have wanted to sign, but were not yet registered to vote; however, the canvassers were able to provide them with a voter registration form to mail in, and it has been a very simple and straightforward process.

Currently, the petition count stands at 120, or 60% of the needed goal of 200. The plan is to gather signatures beyond the needed amount by March 1, 2015, a personally set deadline. That date can certainly be adjusted as needed, to be either earlier or later depending on the progress.

The next Town Hall is scheduled for February 10th, 2015. Details are TBA.

Source: Little Italy Arkansas