MOUNT VERNON — One seat on the Knox County Board of Commissioners to be filled on Jan. 11, 2011, will be selected by Knox County voters in the general election Nov. 2 and will be filled by either Rebecca Jordan or Roger Reed.
Rebecca Jordan, Mount Vernon-D, is a current two-term member of Mount Vernon City Council where she chairs the Fire, Police and Civil Defense Committee and sits on Planning and Zoning, Streets and Public Buildings, and Employee and Community Relations committees.
She is employed by Associated Insurance Agencies.
She is involved in the local Kiwanis Club and is co-vice president of the Mount Vernon Sting Soccer Association.
Jordan said what qualifies her to be commissioner is her experience on City Council and with other committees and organizations. “I work very well with others and am a good communicator,” said Jordan.
If elected as commissioner, Jordan said her priorities would be to take a look at the budget, making proper appropriations, particularly in the area of county roads. “Many of our roads do not connect,” she said. “We can use the existing roads we have and connect to others. This would help farmers and others coming into our community.”
“I think we have a great community,” said Jordan. “Our farming and history need to be preserved. We do need to bring in more business with our streets and roadways. I am a hard worker and work well with others. I have never missed a council meeting and, unlike my opponent, have rarely missed any committee meetings. I like being involved with the community, and I am going to be there for them.”
Roger Reed, Fredericktown-R, is the current mayor of Fredericktown, a position he has held for 16 years after previously serving six years on Village Council.
He has been involved with Little League organizations, Fredericktown Athletic Boosters, many Fredericktown organization boards, the Fredericktown Christmas Walk, fundraisers for Food for the Hungry and The Salvation Army, and has been president of the Fredericktown Tomato Show board of directors.
Reed said what qualifies him to be commissioner is his experience as mayor, explaining that the two positions go “hand to glove.” He stated that “being able to control and manage the budget, and his knowledge of lands and buildings and the infrastructure” are things you need to know about. “I have created and retained jobs,” said Reed. “I have met with corporate representatives of area businesses, and have helped create many jobs locally.”
If elected as commissioner, Reed said his priorities would be to keep spending down, live within the county’s means and create an atmosphere to attract jobs. Items of importance needing attention are veterans, senior citizens and farmers.
“My job as commissioner will not be based on what it takes to get re-elected, but rather what is best for Knox County,” said Reed. “I will be fair and honest; my goal will be to do anything which helps the economy. I will be a full-time commissioner, and I look forward to the challenge of working with the other commissioners.”
Jordan resides in Mount Vernon with her husband, Scott, and two children, Alex and Elise.
Reed resides in Fredericktown with his wife, Kathy.
