A primary election will be held in Christian County on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024. Christian County Headliner staff have reached out to the local government candidates in contested races in this upcoming election, offering an opportunity to explain their platform to their constituents.
In an effort to stay fair and unbiased, each candidate received the same questions, deadlines and constraints in answering the questions presented to them. The following candidate answers are from those who met the deadline and wished to participate in the Q&A.
Answers may have been edited to fit designated word count, but the edits have not affected the overall content and integrity of the answers.
Q: Why are you running for this position?
A: I was appointed to this position by the Governor in January of 2023, making me the 7th person in 14 years to hold this seat. I have had great concern for years that there needs to be stability and consistency in the commissioner’s office for the eastern district. Our citizens deserve leadership that is trained and knowledgeable of the county’s affairs. Our citizens deserve to be served by someone who is not looking for the next rung on the ladder, but instead is pleased to serve them in the current capacity. I have a huge desire to serve and help my community members and represent their values.
My passion lies in serving and representing the values of our community. I have often heard from constituents who feel overwhelmed by government bureaucracy and seek an advocate to navigate their concerns. My goal is to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our community members. With a servant’s heart, I am committed to working tirelessly for the people of this county, ensuring their voices are heard and their issues are addressed effectively.
Q: What qualifies you for this position?
A: I’ve had many years of service to our community, from elected positions to volunteering. I’ve served as Secretary of the Land Clearance for Re-Development Authority and President of the Historic Preservation Commission for Ozark. I’ve served two terms as a member of the Board of Aldermen and two terms as Mayor of Ozark. For the past 1.5 years, I’ve served as the Associate Commissioner for the Eastern District of Christian County. I am proficient in municipal and county governments and am ready to start day one of the next term 100 percent trained and knowledgeable of the duties and business of Christian County. I’ve built many relationships across southwest Missouri that benefit our community. Our district needs consistency so our constituents receive what they deserve. I’m committed to upholding the values of integrity, transparency and accountability that define effective governance. Together, we’ll continue to build upon our successes, address challenges head-on and shape a future for Christian County that is thriving and resilient. I humbly ask for your support and trust as we work hand-in-hand to realize our shared vision for a stronger, more vibrant Christian County.
Q: Why are you running for this position?
A: I’m Jess Hodges and I am running for Eastern Commissioner. My family has been here for generations, and this community has been our home. I feel this is my way of giving back to my community. Our community needs someone who will do their best for the entire eastern side. The path to our unity begins with listening and communication. I know I can help benefit our community with honesty and listening to its people. We need someone with a strong voice and hometown values. It would be my pleasure to be that person. I would love to have your vote on Aug. 6.
Q: What qualifies you for this position?
A: Growing up on a family farm where everyone helped out installed in me a strong work ethic and developed my character, as it's a team job where everyone depends on each other. When I wasn't helping on the farm, I helped with the family business. It's been my pleasure to help run a hometown business for the last 29 years. I have gained experience and knowledge during this time. I have served on several boards, helping with managing and making decisions. I am currently on a few boards for non-profit and insurance. This has increased my knowledge for managing profit and losses, along with helping approve budgets. These experiences have given me the outlook to think outside the box and not just do a budget, but a working budget. I'm excited for the opportunity to do the same for Christian County.
Q: Why are you running for this position?
A: I’m running for the position for several reasons, first being it was a goal I have had from the beginning of my employment with the road department; I have always taken an interest in helping with the budget and working closely with the other departments and organizations within the county, as well as other cities within the county.
Q: What qualifies you for this position?
A: I feel what makes me qualified for the position are my 30 plus years of county government experience — and 20 of those years allowed me to have the opportunity to work directly under the western commissioner, while being a resident myself. This gave me firsthand experience of what matters to the residents and what areas I would like to see focused on.
Q: Why are you running for this position?
A: First, Christian County is a great place to live. In 1996, we moved our family from Springfield to Christian County. Our two sons had the opportunity to grow up in a rural/suburban type of area that had little to no crime, with excellent school districts. But, it didn’t end there. In 2002, by choice, I opened my business in Christian County.
Second, I believe if you want something done, you should take action. So, after much prayer and consideration, I entered the ballot for Western District Commissioner. As a new commissioner, I can bring a fresh set of eyes and values to the table. This position requires community involvement, and I truly enjoy being active and involved in our community. I have served on the county Planning & Zoning Commission since 2018, and I’ve seen how our county is growing. I believe that we may also see exponential growth in the area, and proper managing of that growth is of utmost importance to the residents of our county. I will continually work on the behalf of the residents to help Christian County remain a great place to live, work and raise a family.
Q: What qualifies you for this position?
A: In my career in land surveying I’ve worked with numerous cities and counties in various capacities on community development and improvement projects — new road projects, right-of-way and easement acquisitions, sanitary sewer projects, storm water improvement projects, planning and zoning issues, to name a few. I also have an extensive background in private development projects, both residential and commercial. So, I understand how all the pieces of the puzzle must fit together. Growth is important in our county. But, managed growth is the key. With my background, I have the ability to see the “big picture” and help the county continue to grow in the best possible way to serve the residents.
Additional qualifications:
- Missouri Licensed Professional Land Surveyor (1994 to present)
- Extensive background in land planning and land use
- Professional knowledge on land zoning issues (I have served on the Christian County Planning Commission from 2018 to present and been elected Chairman for three terms.)
- Hands-on knowledge of infrastructure improvements to some of the largest and fastest growing cities and counties in Southwest Missouri
My personal and professional values are:
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Commitment
- Conservative
Q: Why are you running for this position?
A: My name is Johnny Williams and I am excited to be running for the position of Western Commissioner of Christian County. As someone who has proudly called this county home my entire life, I am deeply committed to serving our community and ensuring it continues to be a place where we can all thrive.
Raising my five children here has given me a profound appreciation for the values and spirit that make Christian County special. This community has been the backdrop of my life, and I have always been dedicated to contributing to its well-being and prosperity.
Throughout my life, I have always strived to put God first in everything I do. My faith guides my decisions and inspires me to lead with integrity, compassion and a commitment to doing what is right. As your Western Commissioner, I will strive to bring these values into our local government, ensuring that our community remains strong, united and prosperous.
I am dedicated to listening to your concerns, advocating for your needs and working tirelessly to make Christian County an even better place to live, work and raise a family. Together, we can build a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.
Q: What qualifies you for this position?
A: With 24 years of experience in law enforcement, I have had the privilege of serving and protecting our residents. This experience has equipped me with a unique understanding of the challenges we face and the importance of maintaining a safe and secure environment for our families.
In addition to my career in law enforcement, I have successfully owned and operated my own business, which has taught me the value of hard work, perseverance and responsible management. Running cattle has also given me a strong connection to our agricultural heritage and an appreciation for the hard work of our local farmers and ranchers.
Beyond my experience, I believe it's crucial for a commissioner to stay connected and engaged with our community's people and leaders. This helps ensure that decisions are impactful and beneficial to everyone.
I humbly ask for your support and your vote in the upcoming election. Let us work together to continue the legacy of excellence and community spirit that defines Christian County.
Thank you for your time, consideration and support.
Q: Why are you running for this position?
A: As one of the fastest growing counties in the state of Missouri, Christian County deserves an assessor with 12 years of experience and the knowledge to provide a fair, honest and professional service to the taxpayers. I will be committed to accuracy and be a trusted advocate for the taxpayers’ best interests.
I am a lifelong resident of Christian County with a passion to serve everyone. I have the experience, knowledge and commitment to help with and implement any legislation that benefits the citizens of Christian County.
Q: What qualifies you for this position?
A: The experience and knowledge that I have gained in my 12 years while employed in the Christian County Assessor’s Office makes me a well qualified candidate. I started out as a residential data collector, working my way up to Commercial and Chief Appraiser leading to my current role as Deputy Assessor in Christian County. I have completed over 500 hours of appraisal and real estate courses. I have also completed the Missouri Certified General Appraisal courses and exam, along with being a licensed real estate agent in the state of Missouri. I know that I work for the people and I will make myself available, listen to and help any property owner in anyway I can.
Q: Why are you running for this position?
A: I am a lifelong resident of Christian County, and I care a lot about my community. I grew up in Oldfield and I am a Chadwick graduate. I raised my family in Ozark, alongside my husband, Dan Hobbs. My children are also part of Christian County. I want to give back to the community that has given so much to me and my family. My goal is to create transparency and communication with the public. I want the community to know that a local community member is in the office and cares about their questions and concerns.
Q: What qualifies you for this position?
A: I currently serve on the planning and zoning board as a volunteer, and have for approximately 12 years. I was previously on the county’s board of equalization, which oversees the county assessor’s office. I volunteered and served on that board for 11 years, as well. I have worked in the real estate industry for 30 years and understand the market and trends. I understand how to evaluate property and have watched this county grow into a large community. I am experienced in the approaches the county utilizes to evaluate property. I know how to apply the market, cost and income approach executed in the evaluation process.
Q: Why are you running for this position?
A: There are a couple reasons why I am running. We have all experienced the turmoil going on in the world today, and I want to help make things better. To do so, I believe we need to start locally. This is an area I am knowledgeable about and I could not think of a better way for me to get involved. I believe it is important to get an outsider’s perspective, some fresh ideas and improvements to better serve our community. Having worked in an assessor's office for the past five years with two different office holders, I have witnessed first hand things that work and others that don’t. I would like to bring everything I have learned to my own community and help meet the challenges that lie ahead. My husband and I have lived in Christian County for over 20 years, and I would like to give back to the community that has given us so much.
Q: What qualifies you for this position?
A: I graduated from Gibson Technical Center with a Certificate in Construction Technology, then went on to college, where I majored in construction at OTC. There, I met my husband. After that, I worked at Lowe’s in the Installed Sales department and held a Real Estate Salesperson license. I then went to Real Estate Appraisal school and have now worked in the Greene County Assessor’s Office for the last five years, where I have advanced to be the Senior/Lead Commercial Appraiser. While working there, I have earned a Missouri State Assessor’s Association Level 1 Designation, completed hundreds of hours of training for my state appraiser’s license, was chosen to serve on an International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) Task Force and currently hold the office of President for the Southwest Missouri Chapter of IAAO.
My top qualification is that I'm a member of this community, so I know the battles we face locally. I want to lead the assessor’s office to better serve the people and to be their voice.
Q: Why are you running for this position?
A: I’m excited to be running for re-election as the Christian County Coroner, as this will be my third term if elected. Having served in this role since 2015, preceded by my time as Deputy Coroner starting in 2013, I've dedicated myself to serving our community with compassion and professionalism.
My passion for forensics began at a young age, inspired by my father, Ron Yoder, who worked alongside Dr. James Spindler in the late ‘80s. Growing up around forensics, I attended my first autopsy at the age of 12. From a young age, my father instilled in me a passion for this work, teaching me that he was the “voice” for those who could no longer speak.
The work as coroner is not just a job, but a calling that allows me to provide closure and support to families in their most difficult times. It's a challenging role, but one that I'm deeply passionate about. As Coroner, I service all those who have experienced a terrible loss. I will continue to help them through their most difficult time, providing empathy and closure, all while bringing a level of experience to the families of Christian County.
Q: What qualifies you for this position?
A: I served as Deputy Coroner from January 2013 until 2015, when I was appointed as Coroner, and am currently serving in this capacity. I have twenty plus years as a lead autopsy technician, assisting with autopsies for roughly 29 counties, having assisted a Forensic Pathologist(s) with over 5,000 autopsies. I’ve built a strong reputation in forensics, including determining cause and manner of death, collection of evidence, working closely with law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorneys, civil attorneys, other county coroners and families. I have over 200+ hours of death investigation training to include, but not limited to: identifying unidentified remains, child death, processing crime scenes, basic and advance death scene courses, collecting of evidence, photographing of death scenes, signing of death certificates and Missouri Safe-track training for sexual assault data entry, as well as training in determining the cause and manner of death. I’ve also served on the Missouri Disaster Response team; was a tissue coordinator for Mid-America Transplant Services and currently still assist with coordinating cases for families. I'm committed to providing expert-level dedication to the families of Christian County. I humbly ask for your vote to continue serving in this role.
Q: Why are you running for this position?
A: Since I was a young girl, I’ve always dreamed to be a coroner. Helping and caring for people is not simply something I do, it’s who I am. After obtaining my degree in Mortuary Science, I realized what families experienced while going through some of their most difficult times. I was able to help people in a different way than I ever imagined, and I quickly realized my dream of being a coroner was not simply just a job title.
I worked for a mortuary service in Springfield while studying at Worsham College. I knew I wanted more experience at an actual funeral home. I held positions at Green Lawn Funeral Home and Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, where I was able to work closely in helping families.
While working at Adams, I met the current Christian County Coroner. After a few years, she offered me the opportunity of a lifetime, where I would be able to learn the ins and outs of that field. I was blessed to be able to learn from her, and I knew once she retired, I would be able to fulfill my dream of being coroner. However, my time there was cut short.
Q: What qualifies you for this position?
A: After being told I was too sensitive and caring, I decided the only person who was going to decide my future was me.
To be a coroner, you have to care. You have to have compassion and fight for the families you’re serving. I refuse to fall behind and become numb to death. Every person who passes matters, and as coroner, sometimes you may be the only person fighting for someone.
Many families I’ve served in the past continue to communicate with me because of the impact I had on them. They know they can call me to vent, or we can even have coffee together to talk. They know that just because their service is over doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten them and moved on. That is a lot of what’s wrong with today. People lack sincerity and compassion.
I’m running for coroner to not only make a stand for myself, but to make a stand for our community. People deserve someone who cares. I fight for children with mental health illnesses and for veterans who feel they’re alone in this world. I want to be the change this world so desperately needs.
