Michael Jordan outlines jobs, public safety priorities in Jones County commissioner race
Michael (Mike) Jordan, a Republican candidate for the District 2 seat on the Jones County Board of Commissioners, says jobs, public safety and support for agriculture and small businesses are his leading priorities.
Jordan, who is not an incumbent, described himself as an active farmer and small business owner who has served as a firefighter since 1994 and as Maysville fire chief since 1999. He said those roles have given him experience balancing budgets, making difficult decisions and serving the community.
Jordan said concern about residents, particularly young people, leaving Jones County for work and opportunity motivated his candidacy.
“I want to see our county grow in a way that creates real jobs while keeping our community safe and strong,” Jordan said.
His economic priorities include attracting responsible employers and supporting workforce development so residents can build careers locally. He also said he wants to support farmers and small businesses while managing growth to preserve the county’s character.
On public safety, Jordan said he would prioritize ensuring firefighters, emergency medical services and law enforcement have the training, equipment and support they need.
Jordan described balancing his fire chief responsibilities with farming and operating a business as one of his greatest challenges. He said emergency leadership has required quick decisions with limited information and resources, followed by accountability for those choices.
“That experience taught me to stay calm under pressure, listen before acting, and take responsibility,” Jordan said.
He said those lessons would inform how he weighs difficult choices and oversees taxpayer spending as a commissioner.
On transparency, Jordan said he would explain his votes, question budgets and spending, and make decision-making understandable to residents.
“If I can't explain a decision to the people of District 2 in plain language, it's not a decision I should support,” Jordan said.
Jordan said he would attend community events and remain accessible beyond campaign season. He identified farmers, business owners, first responders, young families and seniors among the residents whose perspectives he wants to hear before voting.
“You can't represent people you don't listen to,” he said.
Jordan said effective county government requires cooperation among commissioners, municipalities, fire and rescue services, schools, farmers, business owners and state partners. He said his fire service experience has involved working with people from varied backgrounds, an approach he would bring to the board.
His short-term goals include supporting public safety, reducing what he described as unnecessary red tape for small businesses and being responsive to residents. For the longer term, Jordan said he would pursue planning for economic development, infrastructure and land use, with an emphasis on how current decisions affect future generations.
