3 SEEK TREASURER SLOT

By Erin France/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF

There are three candidates competing for the office of Pine Bluff’s city treasurer: Mike Barbarotto, Chris Castoro and Sam Whitfield on Tuesday.

The city treasurer is a part-time position which pays $7,364 annually plus benefits. If neither candidate receives 50 percent, plus one vote in the election Tuesday, there could be a runoff Nov. 25 between the two candidates who receive the most votes.

Mike Barbarotto

Mike Barbarotto is a retired worker from International Paper in Pine Bluff as a No. 2 machine training coordinator. He is the financial secretary for the local Knights of Columbus, and spent a dozen years as the financial secretary and president of a local union.

“I pledge to do my part of managing the city’s money honestly and cooperatively with other city leaders,” he said at a recent forum.

“The treasurer job I am seeking is a part-time job, that will allow me to continue working with Rev. Jesse Turner and the Central Park Weed and Seed program.” He also would continue his participation in other community organizations, Barbarotto said.

Chris Castoro

Chris Castoro is the executive director of the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation. He has his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Dallas, 32 years of executive and financial experience with a Fortune 500 corporation, Pine Bluff’s Parks and Recreation Commission’s finance chairman and past independent contractor for the city’s finance department.

Castoro plans to complete his duty competently and efficiently through his qualifications for the position. “Qualifications can be summed up as the total of education, experience and ability,” Castoro said at a recent forum.

“I bring all three elements to this campaign.”

Sam Whitfield

Sam Whitfield works at the Pine Bluff Arsenal. He was an attorney and district judge in Phillips County where he helped build a jail during his tenure. He resigned from his position in 2002.

Although he wouldn’t change much about the daily duties of city treasurer, Whitfield said he would use his position to promote communication and change in the local government. “I would have something to offer this community,” he said.

On Tuesday night, The Commercial will have election results throughout the evening on the Web site at www.pbcommercial.com.