Pate, Jr. Shares His Vision for Vandalia
Bobby Pate, Jr., a mayoral candidate for Vandalia, is making community engagement the cornerstone of his campaign.
With a focus on listening to residents and holding himself accountable, Pate emphasizes, “People are my priority.”
His campaign strategy centers on fostering dialogue with citizens to shape a shared vision for the city’s future.
Having moved to Vandalia from Arkansas in 2014, Pate has developed a deep passion for the city, particularly in areas of economic development and infrastructure. His campaign thus far has highlighted the need for critical improvements to sidewalks and roadways as a top priority.
Better infrastructure, Pate argues, will enhance safety, attract businesses, and improve the overall experience for visitors.
Pate entered the race after current Mayor Ricky J. Gottman, who has served since 2000, announced in November that he would not seek a seventh term, creating an opportunity for fresh leadership.
Touching on the recent debates surrounding Tax Increment Financing (TIF) allocations, Pate advocates for using those funds to address blight and conservation projects rather than infrastructure. He points to Shane Bowen’s recent proposal to redevelop the former Bowen Oil site into an estate-selling business as an example of how such funds could support meaningful community revitalization. He also sees opportunities in repurposing the city’s vacant school buildings.
For larger infrastructure projects, Pate suggests pursuing grant funding. "There are grants available that can help us achieve significant improvements without relying on TIF dollars," he explains. Additionally, he believes the time is ripe for Vandalia to consider developing a long-term strategy for an industrial park and investing in upgrades for the police department.
Preserving Vandalia’s identity as a historic destination is another key element of Pate’s vision. With the statehouse as a focal point, he sees immense potential in city council decisions that strengthen the city’s appeal to travelers and businesses alike.
While enthusiastic about many revitalization efforts, Pate is less receptive to the expansion of solar farms within the city limits, citing environmental and aesthetic concerns. “The panels contain hazardous materials and alter the landscape in ways that aren’t attractive,” he notes. Instead, he proposes city-wide cleanup initiatives and stricter penalties for littering to promote local environmental stewardship.
Pate is also eager to engage younger residents by modernizing city council practices. He suggests live-streaming public meetings on platforms like Facebook, allowing real-time feedback from residents. “Other communities have implemented this successfully, and it’s a great way to connect with more people,” he observes.
Currently working as a customer representative for Patterson Dental, Pate believes his remote job affords him the flexibility to dedicate significant time to mayoral responsibilities. When asked what quality the next mayor of Vandalia needs most, he responds succinctly: “Grit.” He describes himself as motivated, hardworking, and trustworthy, adding, “I will get things done.”
As the April election draws closer, Pate remains focused on his mission to bring growth and prosperity to Vandalia.