Raymond Whiteside is a Marion resident, public servant, and former educator and journalist running for mayor to bring transparent, energetic, and resident-focused leadership to city government. Raised in Clarendon in the Arkansas Delta, Raymond learned the value of service early, earning the rank of Eagle Scout and remaining active in church and community life. For the past decade, Raymond and his wife, Sophia, have made Marion home while raising their two children.

Raymond earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. He began his career at the Jonesboro Sun, where he worked as a reporter, photographer, page designer, and copy editor. That experience gave him a close view of how local and state governments make decisions, and how those decisions affect families, neighborhoods, and public trust.

He later entered education, serving students in the Marion, West Memphis, and Clarendon school districts. His work included teaching literacy, social studies, and critical reading, serving as a head coach, and serving as a School Improvement Specialist at Marion Junior High School. Across those roles, Raymond focused on strengthening instruction and helping students in high-need communities succeed.

Raymond now works in municipal community development. A certified Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED), he serves as a Community Developer overseeing the Downtown Development Department for the City of West Memphis. He has helped secure over $1 million in total grant funding for the city, oversaw the Hicks Park Inclusive Playground project, managed the development of the Broadway Food Park, and brought West Memphis into the USDOT Thriving Communities Program. He has also worked on pedestrian safety planning, public space improvements, and partnerships intended to expand opportunities for local businesses and residents.

Raymond’s commitment to Marion is personal as well as professional. In 2024, he helped lead the citizen petition effort for dedicated parks funding, spending long days collecting signatures and speaking directly with residents. That effort made him a familiar presence to many Marion voters and demonstrated his willingness to do grassroots work rather than simply make promises. Raymond is currently leading a similar effort seeking ward-based city council representation so neighborhoods have a stronger voice in city government.

His community service has included Scouting, food-access efforts, church involvement, and work with organizations supporting families in crisis. Raymond believes public officials should be visible, accessible, and accountable to the people they serve.

Raymond is running for mayor on three priorities: real transparency, driven economic development, and active community development. He supports livestreaming and archiving City Council meetings, publishing clearer information about city projects and finances, improving communication with residents, recruiting responsible retail and commercial development, expanding support for local entrepreneurs, strengthening essential services, and pursuing practical solutions to food-access gaps.

Raymond believes Marion should be able to compete for the same grants, partnerships, and development opportunities residents see neighboring communities winning. He is running to bring proven municipal experience home, make City Hall more accessible, and ensure every neighborhood has a meaningful voice in Marion’s future.