Name: Jason Spencer Black

Age: 45

Job: Teacher/coach 19 years -present

Wife: Velvet Robinson Black

Children: Jasey and Allie Ruth

Civic or volunteer affiliations:

• Emergency Management Agency

• Limestone County Emergency Foundation

• Limestone County Parks & Recreation

• Relay for Life

• National Rifle Association

• Alabama Wildlife Federation

• Alabama Cattleman’s Association

• Ducks Unlimited

• Youth sports coach

 

Member of Mt. Carmel Church of Christ

Educational background:

• Clements High School 1987

• Calhoun Community College athletic scholarship

• Auburn University, BA, History

• Alabama A & M University, M.Ed., Education

• University of North Alabama, M.Ed., Inst. Leadership

 

• What do you see as the biggest challenge facing District 3 and what plans do you have to address the issue?

Black: The biggest challenge will be keeping up with the growth of the district. The population is increasing faster in District 3 than any other. Economic development in this area of Limestone County is vital to us gaining more revenue to be used throughout the county. Providing jobs for our citizens will always be important to me. The job in itself will be a challenge because I will hold myself accountable for every aspect of daily operations. The maintenance and upkeep of the roads and county owned properties will require much effort from the county employees. The leadership I will give them will ensure that the challenges ahead will be met with comprehensive planning and with the best interest of the citizens of Limestone County.

 

• The upkeep of Limestone County’s roads and bridges is obviously an important part of being a county commissioner. What will you do to ensure taxpayer money is efficiently spent on projects?

Black: Money that is earmarked for roads will always be used for roads. This is not a decision I make, but protocol for the money that is provided. The concern Ihave is that the money is not near enough for the amount of work I believe District 3 is in need of. I will work with the county engineers and the inspections of the bridges will always be followed up with an assessment of greatest needs. I will also assist in making sure that after flooding or heavy storms these bridges will get a personal inspection by employees of the District. Before any work is done there must be an order of importance and the general safety of our citizens must be taken into consideration. Cosmetic issues will be secondary with my main concerns being primary problems that will affect the save travels of our children on buses and the daily traffic on the county roads. My intentions are to procure funds from Montgomery and Washington, D.C. Those that represent us in higher government will be asked to provide more than what has been asked of them in the past. Surrounding counties and municipalities have reaped from these discretionary funds and it is time for Limestone County to receive its fair share.

 

• Currently, Limestone County does not have a dedicated building inspector for new homes and businesses. Do you think such a position is needed? Why or why not? If so, how do you propose the position be funded?

Black: I believe that this position is desperately needed. It is to protect the homeowner and also to those who are contracted to do the work. If jobs are contracted out, many times the general contractor may not be able to see all work before it is covered with material. I can assure you that I would never put my stamp on something I wasn’t absolutely certain that we could fund in future years. Providing an engineer or architect to put their hard-earned license, and their livelihood on the line provides an awful lot of incentive to make sure a job is done correctly. The permits that would be required for foundation inspection as well as structural inspection could provide much of the money needed to fund the position. Limestone County is expecting over 250 homes to be built in the next year. This number will increase as jobs are brought to our county. This housing boom could be the right time to fund such an important aspect of protecting our citizens.

• The Alabama Department of Environmental Management recently cited Limestone County after a decision was made to move debris from the L&S shopping center to a farm in Leggtown. As a commissioner, what steps will you take to ensure the county complies with all state and federal environmental regulations in the future, thus avoiding costly fines?

Black: I believe common sense goes a long way. Let’s ask ourselves, “Would I want anyone to dump hazardous debris in my community?” The answer is no 100 percent of the time. That decision was not thought through or it would never have happened.  I am the people’s representative! They have placed a trust in me to protect the citizens of Limestone County and that should not be taken lightly. To knowingly place the people of Limestone County in ills way makes no sense. Before any steps are made to deal or handle hazardous materials, I believe that local environmental officials, ADEM, and EMA should be contactedfor input from the number of resources each of them should have. I will not and do not intend on making such decisions by myself without planning things through and without those trained to handle such issues ensuring me of the safety of my employees and the citizens of Limestone County.