2014 Election Guide

Published 9:49 am Friday, May 30, 2014

Editor’s note: To help voters make informed decisions about local races during the June 3 Primary Election, The Clanton Advertiser collected biographical information and personal messages from those running for the offices of Chilton County Revenue Commissioner, Superintendent of Education, Alabama House of Representatives District 42, Chilton County Sheriff and Chilton County Coroner. The information provided by the candidates is below.

Chilton County Revenue Commissioner

Rex Cleckler

•Campaign Website: Facebook/Rex Cleckler for Revenue Commissioner

•Age: 49

•Family: wife, Amy Cleckler; children, Savannah Cleckler, Addie Cleckler

•Education: Chilton County High School, studied Agricultural Economics at Auburn University

•Personal Message: In the 2008 election, the voters of Chilton County voted to combine the offices of Tax Assessor and Tax Collector. The combined office will be known as Revenue Commissioner. Since being elected Tax Assessor, I have served you and operated this office as efficiently as possible. I’ve been available when needed and I’ve been fair and equitable to all taxpayers. I will continue these principles as your Revenue Commissioner by devoting my full attention to the duties of the office and by keeping everyone informed about any changes in laws that affect taxpayers. I’ve attempted to contact everyone but if I missed you, I would appreciate your prayers, support, and vote in the June 3 Republican Primary Election.

Joseph J. “Joe” Headley

•Age: 52

•Family: wife, three children

•Education: Verbena High School, John Patterson Technical College

•Personal Message: As your property value decreases in this difficult economy, your property taxes should also decrease. If I am elected as your Revenue Commissioner, I will work with you on decreasing your property taxes. I will also give you accountability. I will prove the dollar amount of revenue that comes through this office and I will also provide you the dollar amount that is distributed to other departments where you can hold them accountable to where the money is spent. As your Revenue Commissioner, I will publish this information in your local newspaper every month. I would like to take this opportunity to ask you to let me serve as your Revenue Commissioner. I ask for your vote and support June 3, 2014.

Tim Little

•Age: 46

•Family: wife, Jennifer; daughter, Jordan; son, Jody

•Education: 1986 graduate of Chilton County High School, attended George C. Wallace

•Personal Message: Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Chilton County Tax Collector for over 10 years. Even with many changes and increased duties, the budget of the Motor Vehicle/Property Tax offices has basically stayed the same. While 2012 collections exceeded $17 million, every year our State of Alabama Final Settlement books have balanced. This election is not a popularity contest, but rather a huge responsibility in which a smooth transition is essential. Knowing nine years ago the offices of Tax Collector and Tax Assessor would be combined, I requested the opportunity of learning to measure and appraise county property. By obtaining additional knowledge and hands-on experience, I am well qualified for this job. I consider it a privilege to continue serving the people of Chilton County. On June 3, 2014, please vote for me, Tim Little, as your first Chilton County Revenue Commissioner.

Superintendent of Education

Greg DeJarnett

•Age: 43

•Family: wife, Jackie; children, Delondre, Santana

•Education: Chilton County High School, University of Montevallo (B.S. Education), Alabama St. University (M.S. Education), Alabama St. University (Educational Leadership), applied for doctoral program

•Personal Message: I would like to thank everyone that has played a part in the success of my career over the years. I have not taken that for granted or the responsibility of educating and caring for children. Education was not an “after thought” career choice for me; it is a profession that captured me from the beginning, over 20 years ago. I am proud of the experience that I will bring to the superintendent’s office but realize that it means nothing without integrity. Our young people need to know that honesty, hard work, and an unwavering focus will help them to accomplish whatever they set their mind to do. I look forward to bringing the knowledge of statewide best practices, accompanied with the relationships established with the Alabama State Department of Education, back home to our children in Chilton County. Thank you for your vote on June 3!

Tommy Glasscock

•Campaign Website: supporttommyglasscock.com

•Age: 52

•Family: wife, Ann Messer Glasscock; daughters, Lynsie Glasscock, Morgan Eason and husband Hunter Eason; granddaughter, Elizabeth Eason

•Education: BS degree in Secondary Education, Master’s degree in Educational Administration

•Personal Message: I am a resident of Chilton County where I have worked for the Board of Education for the past 20 years. I have been a teacher, principal, and an administrator. I have served as Director at LeCroy Technology Center for the past six years and served as Career Tech Supervisor for the county the past three years. I will provide leadership and motivation to our support staff, teachers and students. As Career Tech director, we have obtained over $1 million in additional funding to start a new Public Service Academy, Fire and Police, and a new Robotics program that allows students to receive academic credit as well as dual enrollment college credit. In the fall of this year, we will start a new Advanced Manufacturing Academy to create a workforce for our local industries. I ask for your support on June 3.

Louise Pitts

•Age: 61

•Family: husband, Barry Pitts; children, Samantha Sims, Sally Fichtner, B.J. Pitts, Jessica Pitts; six grandchildren

•Education: Graduate of Chilton County High School, Auburn University (B.S.), University of Montevallo (M.A.T., Ed.S.)

•Personal Message: I have 38 years of experience in education; 25 years of experience teaching in the middle and high school setting; and 13 years in elementary administration. I believe in equality for all students and all schools. I believe in holding schools accountable academically and financially. I believe in creating transparency within the school system.