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.

Josh Williams

Political Party Affiliation: Republican

Short Candidate Bio

I am a Christian, Husband, Father and a Conservative. Been married to my wife Christina (Butler) for nearly 22 years. We have 2 sons Coby (20) and Hunter (18). My Parents Andy and Vicky Williams, my father retired from Cedar Hill Fire after 42 years of service. My late Father in Law Don Butler Jr who owned and operated Don Butler Implement (a small local business). I am currently a HVAC service fitter with local 562 for almost 20 years. I was a volunteer firefighter for close to 8 years with CHFD and now currently serve as the Chairman of the Big River Ambulance District Board of Directors for the last 12 years and have been on that board for a total of 17 years. I am a proud 3rd generation District 7 resident. I am rooted in Faith, Love and Community Service.

Why are you running for this office?

I am running to serve the residents of District 7. I have raised my family here and want to ensure that we provide for a great district and county for generations to come. District 7 needs a stronger voice for working families and a representative who can bring people together to get things done. As a Union pipefitter, I understand the challenges facing working-class residents, and I want to make sure growth is responsible, infrastructure keeps pace and taxpayers are respected. I believe effective leadership means not only listening to residents but also working collaboratively with fellow council members to deliver results. I am committed to giving working families a seat at the table, promoting responsible economic growth, and protecting our seniors and veterans.

What experience best prepares you to serve in this role?

I have grown up in a servant minded family and have served our community in manner capacities over the years from emergency services to coaching youth sports all while managing a career in the service/construction industry. My time on the Big River Ambulance board as a board member and chairman for the last 12 years has given me a lot of experience in proper budgeting and preparing for the future as well as managing employee contracts and benefits, all while keeping our taxpayers in mind every step of the way. I am also very well networked with many businesses and industries across the Midwest region that will aid me in bringing positive responsible growth to the area. My father-in-law was also a long-time small business owner in the district, and I know the importance of small business growth to help our local economy.

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

For District 7 I believe the most important issue facing our area right now is stagnant growth and low GDP. That is hurting our taxpayers because we do not have a good tax base to support our area therefore local tax base entities are needing tax increases to maintain services.

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

Bring more quality jobs to Jefferson County and improve the tax base in District 7 so that the tax burden is not fully on our homeowners, property owners and seniors.

How would you describe your approach to serving taxpayers?

I will work on behalf of the taxpayers to be a good steward of their hard-earned tax dollars, and I will be transparent and available to all of my constituents regardless of their affiliations. I will work everyday for the hardworking people of our community.

What district or countywide concerns are you hearing most often from residents?

The concern I hear most often is that our area has stagnant growth and we need more positive, responsible economic growth. We need to increase our tax base and not the taxes on the backs of our home/property owners and seniors who can’t afford it. An increased tax base will help to better support our emergency services and schools so that they don’t have to keep seeking tax increases which affect our home/property owners and seniors. Bedrooms alone don’t effectively increase the tax base it takes good businesses for economic growth to occur and that could possibly reduce property taxes as well. As far as county wide concerns, I hear about the need for good jobs right here in our community so that 60% of our residents don’t have to travel out of the county for great jobs.

How should the County Council approach zoning, land use and development issues?

A proper and updated UDO needs to first be set with careful consideration not to overregulate and discourage smart and responsible growth and not infringe on property rights. Development decisions need to be weighed factually and subjectively and with consideration of the benefit to the district and county and how they may improve our future.

What standards should council members use when weighing staff recommendations, public opposition and property owner rights?

Standards that council members should use when weighing the above topics/situations are: standards of legality, factual information, merit-based selection, procedural/rules adherence and whether a recommendation or request is reasonable and of benefit to the community and county’s future.

How would you approach the county budget and spending oversight?

When approaching the county budget and spending oversight transparency is of the upmost importance, while being focused on minimalizing the burden on the taxpayers by not giving blind approach to spending, but justifying every public dollar spent and working to discover inefficiencies and taking appropriate action to rectify them. All while ensuring that the county government lives within its means.

What role should the council play in holding county departments accountable?

The role of the council should play in holding county departments accountable should be a role of oversight in reviewing regular department performance audits and budget reviewing reports of department heads to review. Ensure that departments are efficiently serving the public and being and being good stewards of the taxpayer’s money. Address citizens and whistleblower complaints on department performance but be careful not to micromanage day-to-day operations.

How should the council balance private property rights with the concerns of nearby residents?

The county council should balance these by adherence to established zoning regulations, ordinances already in place and considering factual public input. Performance standards and operational limits can also implemented and used to protect nearby residents to allow property rights to not be infringed on while protecting the community environment.

Would you support stronger public notice or public explanation requirements for major land use decisions?

We already have public notice rules in place for zoning changes for major or minor land use. Dependent on the public engagement on the public notice and public hearing, which take place for all zone changes, may constitute for the need for a public explanation/presentation by the property owner or developer on the proposed use of the property. This could help prevent misunderstandings or misconceptions on effects to nearby residents of the proposed land use.

What would make you an effective representative for your district?

I would be an effective representative of my district because of my ability to network and communicate well with others to collaborate on issues and deliver successful solutions to those who depend on me to be a great representative. I will work with integrity and respect for the taxpayers I serve. I believe God established the basics of this by giving me two eyes to see, two ears to listen and one mouth to speak. I will see the issues, hear the concerns and speak with wisdom to make things better for those I will represent. I will strive everyday to be the strong leader that district 7 needs.

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

If consolidation would provide for lower user rates and better service county wide as well as facilitate a better infrastructure plan moving forward to increase service area, I would be a yes. If not, I would support a careful county wide review and audit of the current structure and districts in place to improve efficiency and work towards those goals in a transparent way.

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.”