Stevenson says he will look at all aspects of county government

Denny Stevenson, the Democratic candidate for Jasper County Board of Supervisors, believes that economic development is the key to holding the line on property taxes. The Kellogg resident and sheriff’s deputy wants a chance to continue to work for the citizens of Jasper County. “I’m running because I enjoy serving the public,” Stevenson said. “I have the experience and I have new and fresh ideas.” Stevenson says that as Jasper County Supervisor he would encourage manufacturing companies to locate in the county, touting the area’s many positive aspects. “This is a great place for manufacturing,” he said. “We have a good location near the interstates, we have the infrastructure, and we have a great workforce. We just need to sell ourselves (to prospective companies),” he said. He added that he would be willing to offer a balance of incentives to entice companies to locate in the area. Although he said he doesn’t like tax abatement, the county needs to stay competitive with other regions. The former care facility across the street for the law enforcement center is an area that could provide excellent economic development opportunities, Stevenson believes. “We need to find a buyer for the facility or tear it down and make the property more marketable,” he said. “I’d sell it for $1 if we could get a minimum assessment on it and get it on the tax rolls.” Stevenson said he would make the disposition of the care facility a priority in his first term as supervisor. As for the jail, Stevenson disagrees with his opponent on how to save funds. Jack Suiter has said he would favor shutting down a portion of the new law enforcement center for cost savings, but Stevenson disputes that possibility. “I know the jail is expensive, but shutting a portion of the jail is not an option,” Stevenson said. “I would investigate charging the inmates room and board,” he said, but said he wanted to ensure that there is a net return before implementing any program. Stevenson said that if elected, he would be accessible and honest with residents. “I will tell people the way it is,” he said. “I will make my own decisions and they will be informed decisions when I make them. I will do what’s best for the citizens and what the majority want.” Stevenson has been married to his wife Jane for the past 17 years, and the couple have two children between them and four grandchildren. He has served in the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office since 1984, and has said that he will be retiring as sheriff’s deputy in December. He has been on the Kellogg City Council for the past 10 years, and has served as Kellogg firefighter and EMT for the past 30 years.