Bobby Ferguson loved politics. He loved Texarkana. And he was a big presence in both.
Ferguson, who died Tuesday at 84, was a larger-than-life figure on the local political scene. He was first elected to the Arkansas-side Board of Directors in 1968. He went on to serve as mayor for 18 years, which gave him a long time to leave a big impact on the community.
Even after he left office, he kept his hand in the game. It might be more accurate to say nothing could have kept him out. It was his passion. It wasn't about being in the spotlight for him. He just relished the deals and debates, the negotiations, the give and take. It was like life's blood to him.
And he was effective. There is no telling how much money he brought in from the state and federal government. No telling how many projects he helped speed along that benefited the city. No telling how many other officials he helped gain and keep office.
Ferguson was a familiar figure to many at the Gazette, both in and out of the newsroom. He came up here regularly when he had something to promote or even something he wanted to complain about, maybe set the record straight. Many of us knew him outside of work as well. He was the kind of man who loved a good conversation, really enjoyed being with others. You knew if you saw Bobby Ferguson on the street, at the store or at his barbecue stand during the annual Four States Fair, you might as well put your plans aside for a while. There was talking to be done.
But you were always glad you did.
Ferguson had his detractors, of course. No politician gets through life without ruffling feathers. There are those who would say he was one of the last of the local old-time backroom politicos, someone whose best work was done out of the public eye. Though that was once just the way things were done, it doesn't rank too highly these days when transparency is the buzzword.
All we can say is his was a different time. And he knew how to make the best of it. He got a lot of good things done for the city and its people. The results speak for themselves.
We'll miss Bobby Ferguson. He was a colorful character, a true original, a joy to be around and a great asset to the community. We won't see his like again.