The Jefferson Review Voters Guide

Special Edition

The Jefferson Review Voters Guide is designed to help voters hear directly from the candidates seeking to represent Jefferson County. Candidate answers are published as submitted so readers can compare responses in each race.

Editor’s Note: Candidate responses are not endorsements by The Jefferson Review. Answers are provided by the candidates and are shared for voter information.

Anthony Dwayne Ruble

Political Party Affiliation: Democrat

Short Candidate Bio

I have lived in Jefferson County since 1999. I have a Masters degree in Public Administration. I volunteered at the City of Hillsboro and learned how to run a municipality and was able to obtain a grant for exercise equipment that is located in the Hillsboro City Park. I have been a Jefferson County Park Commissioner for more than 10 years. I am always volunteering to make our county better by serving on boards, picking up trash with the stream team, protecting our wildlife or just helping out in my neighborhood.

Why are you running for this office?

I am running for this office to serve the residence of Jefferson County. I want to modernize the county government with technology and efficiency, and remove government wasteful spending and duplicated services throughout the county. I want to build a county government that is consumer driven while protecting rural areas. We are the last county in the St. Louis area, where you can live in a rural area with peace and quite and still be 45 minutes from downtown St. Louis.

What experience best prepares you to serve in this role?

When I volunteered at the City of Hillsboro, I learned how to run a municipality. This experience is important because I can work with municipalities throughout the county and help them grow. I have also gained experience with the county government by serving as one of the Parks Commissioners for more than 10 years; I understand the county policies and procedures. Lastly, I have over 20 years of private sector experience that includes operational management. I will be using this experience to save the taxpayers money by using technology first and enforcing efficiency practices.

What is the most important issue facing Jefferson County right now?

The biggest issue is how we are going to accept growth. Do we want to be the next St. Louis County or do we want to defend our rural heritage? I will work to defend our rural heritage with large lots in the unincorporated areas while helping the municipality grow for those that want to live in an urban area. I will build a county that works for the residence by providing a great park system and government services.

What is one specific thing you would like to accomplish during your term?

I want to build a community recreational center or a community lake similar to Perryville Community Lake that has fishing, kayaking, trails and a playground.

How would you describe your approach to serving taxpayers?

I would describe my approach to serving the taxpayers as consumer driven.

What is your vision for Jefferson County over the next four years?

My vision for Jefferson County over the next four years to is make it a great place to live and raise a family.

How would you evaluate the current direction of county government?

I would evaluate the current direction of the county government as being out of touch with the residence. The county waste so much money. The county is extremely pro development; they are approving subdivision in unincorporated Jefferson County with homes less than 15 feet apart from each other without any care of how these subdivisions are affecting the residences 'around them or the fact that the county does not have the infrastructure to support this type of dense development.

What departments or services would be your top priorities?

My first priority is to expanding recycling services throughout the county. This is something that can easily be done and is in high demand. I should be able to get this done the first month that I am in the office. My second priority is work with county counsel to get the building codes up to date and get some form for zoning protection in place for the residence. My third priority is to issue a bond for the Parks Department so we can build a recreation center or a community lake.

How would you work with the County Council when there are disagreements?

I believe in always being professional and providing respect to everyone. I will work with the County Council by keeping to the fact and work to find a compromise. My years of experience in litigation matters has taught me that a good compromise is when both sides leave unhappy.

What is your approach to the budget, staffing, and long-term financial planning?

My approach to the county budget is to use the taxpayers dollars wisely and efficiently. I will use my experience in construction negotiations and staff efficiency to bring down cost. My long-term financial planning is to do more with less and bring in more tax revenue with economic development that is a benefit for the residents with limited or no tax incentives.

How should Jefferson County handle growth in areas where roads, public safety, and infrastructure are already under pressure?

We should limit growth in these areas.

What would you do to improve public trust in government?

I am going to write a Executive Journal that will be listed on the website on a monthly bases. Taxpayers should not be expected to attend every County Counsel meeting to know what is going on in their community. My Executive Journal will be a short summary that includes the issues that the County Counsel is addressing along with a financial report. I will have a open door policy and will be more than happy to discuss any concerns that a resident might have and will do my best to resolve it.

What is one decision you believe government has handled well, and one area where it needs improvement?

I think the County Government did a good job putting together the master plan. I think they need to provide more restriction on zoning changes to protect the residents.

Would you support sewer and/or water service consolidation in the county? Why or Why not?

I don't really have a opinion on this matter. I like having a local water company that the customers control. The county does need to find a way to address septic and drain field management throughout the county.

Voters Guide Notice: This candidate profile is not a paid advertisement. Candidate responses are published as part of The Jefferson Review Candidate Voter Guide and are presented in the candidate’s own words.

The opinions and statements expressed above are solely those of the candidate or campaign and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Jefferson Review, its staff, sponsors, or partners. Publication of a candidate response does not constitute an endorsement.

Candidate responses were submitted through The Jefferson Review Candidate Voter Guide questionnaire. Responses are presented in the candidate’s own words and have not been rewritten by The Jefferson Review. Formatting may be adjusted for spacing, readability, or display.

Questionnaire Note: Candidates were invited to respond to the same questionnaire for this office. If a question was left blank, The Jefferson Review may mark that answer as “No response provided.”