This week The Times will publish Q&As with the four candidates seeking the Cullman County Commission Chairman seat. First up, Jeff “Clem” Clemons.

Do you support the 1-cent sales tax for education? If the referendum does not pass, would you consider the county commissioners approving a sales tax for education?

As I have gone around Cullman County the past few months I have talked to voters who support and oppose the tax and what they have in common is they want this issue decided March 3rd. I do not see any circumstances which the tax would come back up before the county commission.

What are your thoughts on changing Cullman County’s governance to a 5-person board?

As I have visited with citizens all across Cullman County many of them have told me they would like to see a 5 member county commission. Most of them would like more accessibility to their Chairman and county commissioners, to see the commissioners be part time so that more citizens are able to serve on the commission, and a part time commission so that we do NOT grow spending and government.

I did read a recent article in one of the local media outlets about our local legislators saying they plan to bring this bill back up again. I would like to obviously read the bill, to see if the issues above are addressed, and also any new issues that may or may not be in the legislation, before I make a firm commitment either way.

Should Cullman County have home rule authority; why/why not?

I do NOT believe Cullman County should have home rule. Home Rule would allow County Commissions to levy heavy taxes and impose numerous ordinances upon citizens who live in the non-incorporated parts of Cullman County. I believe people who live in the non-incorporated areas enjoy the freedom they have in the county. If a major issue arises that needed to be addressed I am confident the county commission could work with our local legislators to pass a local bill to address the issue.

Other than roads, what is one specific area that you believe the county commission needs to work on?

If elected, I want to be a conservative steward of taxpayer money and find areas to save taxpayer money. I will also work with my fellow commissioners to make life better for our citizens, county employees and also work to keep water rates as low as possible on the citizens, businesses and poultry farmers of Cullman County.

Another issue is transparency in our local county government. Making our commission meetings more accessible to the public via technology and website and also making where taxpayer dollars are spent more accessible to the public. 

What makes you the best candidate for the office of County Commission Chairman?

I have spent all of my adult life—the past 33 years—working for the Citizens of Cullman County as a deputy sheriff. I started in dispatch, and worked in just about all aspects of the sheriff’s office including patrol, investigations and most recently as Captain of the Special Projects Division helping raise money for our sheriff’s office rodeo that benefits special needs children and other law enforcement projects.

There is nothing greater a public servant can do—-whether that’s as a deputy sheriff or as an elected official—but to help people! I have worked during my career throughout Cullman County and I see the needs of all County County Citizens. I know what’s it like to solve problems, that’s what a deputy does almost every day, and I am ready to get to work, if I am privileged enough to be elected March 3rd.