One of the region’s busiest mayors weighs in on what makes this part of the state such a hidden gem
Jeff Owyoung is one of those people who doesn’t like to sit still. On top of a 40-year career in insurance, the Chicot County native has taken on civic leadership and community involvement in almost every facet of life in McGehee. He serves on the board of directors for the McGehee Industrial Foundation, is chairman of the WWII Japanese American Internment Camp Museum, helped start the town’s Owlfest, and is currently president of the McGehee School District board. He’s also the town’s mayor. “Someone encouraged me to run about two weeks prior to the deadline to apply, and I said, I’m not a politician, I’m a friend,” Jeff says. However, he couldn’t resist the call to service, and he won the seat handily. Now, after 12 years, he wraps up his third and final term at the end of the year. “I just love this town. I do a lot to help McGehee be the best, look good, and have opportunities other small towns don’t have,” he says. Here, we spoke to Jeff about some of his proudest accomplishments in various roles and what the Lower Delta has to offer locals and visitors alike.…
