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.

Lori Arons

Political Party Affiliation: Republican

Short Candidate Bio

I am the incumbent Jefferson County Councilwoman for District 3. My husband, Leonard, and I are both retired Fox School District teachers and have called Jefferson County home since 2001. Together, we have raised two children, both proud graduates of Seckman High School. My involvement in Jefferson County government began when I noticed a zoning change sign near my home. As I learned more about the proposal, I discovered it was already nearing final approval. That experienced sparked my interest in the planning and zoning process and how development decisions are made. I began attending County Council, Planning and Zoning, budget and other public meetings, I also started speaking at council meeting about issues important to our community. Over time, I became more involved in county government working to bring responsible development to Jefferson County. In January 2024, I was honored to be appointed as the Councilwoman for District 3.

Why are you running for this office?

I am seeking election as your Jefferson County District 3 Councilwoman to continue the good work we have started together. Since joining the county council, I have worked to improve our community through transparency, responsible development, stronger infrastructure, and service to our residents. While I believe we have made progress, there is still important work ahead. I also want to continue serving as an advocate between the city of Arnold and Jefferson County. Strong communication and cooperation are essential to solving problems and creating opportunities. I believe Arnold has tremendous potential to grow and thrive, becoming a destination city that attracts tourism dollars. We want to continue bringing in businesses that will bring jobs into our community. Most importantly, I am running because I love my community. I love helping people and being out among the residents I serve. This is not simply a job to me. It is a calling. I believe I have been called for such a time as this to serve our communities with honest, dedicated leadership. I would like to continue serving our community for the next 4 years.

What experience best prepares you to serve in this role?

As the incumbent Councilwoman, I have the last 2 1⁄2 years of experience with county government. This includes the budget, committee work, development of the new Master Plan and other discussions. That experience has given me a strong understanding of how county government works and how to effectively advocate for District 3. One of the most valuable parts of serving has been getting to know the people and communities I represent. I believe good leadership begins with listening. By attending meetings and community events, and by speaking directly with residents, I have learned what matters most to our community. Being “Committed to Our Community” is not just a slogan, but is what I believe is important. I am proud that my community knows me and knows I am available to them. I am accessible, responsive, and visible. Whether answering questions, helping residents navigate county issues, or simply being present at community events, I have worked to build trust and strong relationships throughout District 3. I have established a record of servant leadership. However, public office is about helping not only my community but all of Jefferson County.

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

I believe the most important issue facing Jefferson County is managing growth responsibly. Growth is coming. The question is whether we plan for it and make sure our infrastructure can keep pace. Over the last several decades, Jefferson County has experienced significant growth. While that growth has brought new homes, businesses, and opportunities, it has also created challenges. Residents see those challenges every day through increased traffic, flooding concerns, stormwater issues, and the need for infrastructure improvements. That is why I strongly supported the creation and implementation of our Master Plan and the updating of our codes and ordinances. Responsible growth is not about saying yes to everything or no to everything. It is about making smart decisions based on facts and long-term planning. Roads, stormwater systems, utilities, and public safety services must be able to support new development before projects move forward. Jefferson County has tremendous opportunities ahead. If we plan wisely, we can support economic development and strengthen our tax base. We can protect our neighborhoods, and preserve the quality of life that makes Jefferson County such a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

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

I would like to see more economic development in Jefferson County because economic growth creates jobs and strengthens our tax base. The Interstate 55 corridor is one of the greatest opportunities for future growth in our county. The improvements currently being made along Interstate 55 will make the corridor even more attractive to businesses looking to invest in Jefferson County. I also believe the Jefferson County Port Authority can play an important role in our future. The Port has the potential to attract new industry and support economic growth throughout the county. New businesses bring jobs. They also bring tax revenue that can help support county services and infrastructure. That benefits everyone. My goal is to support responsible economic development. I want growth that creates opportunities for our residents. I want growth that strengthens our communities. Most importantly, I want growth that is properly planned and supported by the infrastructure needed to succeed while bringing jobs to our county.

How would you describe your approach to serving taxpayers?

My approach to serving taxpayers is simple. The money we spend at the county comes from the people we serve. County government has a responsibility to use those tax dollars wisely. I believe residents deserve transparency. They deserve accountability. They deserve to know how their money is being spent. As your Councilwoman, I support careful budgeting and responsible spending. Every dollar should have a purpose. Every decision should benefit our residents and support the services they depend on. My goal is to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars. I want county government to operate efficiently. I want residents to have confidence that their tax dollars are being managed responsibly by those they have elected.

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

The number one issue I hear about most often is stormwater and flooding. Residents frequently ask, “Why is my property flooding now when it never flooded before?” As development continues and weather patterns change, drainage and stormwater management have become major concerns for many homeowners throughout my district. The second issue I hear about is roads and road maintenance. It can be frustrating having to explain to constituents that the county may not own the road they live on, or that maintenance may be the responsibility of a homeowners association or another entity. However, helping residents understand who is responsible and connecting them with the right resources is an important part of my job.

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

The County Council should approach zoning, land use, and development decisions with thoughtful planning and transparency. The Master Plan is our roadmap for the future. I have spoken for years about the importance of completing this plan and putting it into action. In the coming months, we will be updating the Unified Development Order. This is an important step for Jefferson County. Our codes and ordinances should provide clear standards for future development. Those standards should protect residents while giving property owners and developers a clear understanding of expectations. Development decisions should consider more than growth and revenue. We must look at stormwater, flooding, roads, traffic, utilities, and public safety. We must also consider the impact on existing neighborhoods and property owners. As I said before, growth is coming to Jefferson County. The real question is whether we manage it responsibly. Responsible development is not about saying yes to everything or no to everything. It is about following our codes and making smart decisions now to protect our future. Jefferson County can continue to grow and prosper, but we must do it in a way that protects our community and our quality of life.

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

Council members should use the standards already established in our codes and established ordinances. The County Council spent months developing the new Master Plan and will soon begin updating the UDO as it makes development decisions. Those standards provide the framework for balancing staff recommendations, public input, and property owner rights. Property owners have rights, and those rights should be respected. Residents also deserve to be heard when development may affect their neighborhood or quality of life. Public input is an important part of the process. There needs to be a balance between the staff recommendations and public concerns. We should require any new development to meet the highest standards in our Master Plan and meet and follow the UDO before being approved. Our codes and ordinances are there to protect the residents of our county.

How would you approach the county budget and spending oversight?

Every year, members of the county council spend hours going over the county budget. The council works together to ensure a balanced budget by the end of the year. It is a lengthy process. And I am glad we have council members who work to make sure the budget is balanced every year.

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

The County Council has a responsibility to provide oversight and hold the administration accountable. I take that responsibility very seriously. As a member of the Budget Committee, we review the budget line by line to ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely and responsibly. I also spend many hours preparing for Council meetings. It is not unusual for me to spend several hours reviewing agenda packets and supporting documents. I do this because I believe residents deserve a Councilwoman who understands the issues before making decisions on their behalf. If there is a question about an agenda item, I can submit it before the council meeting and receive an answer before I vote. Serving as the District 3 Councilwoman is more than attending two meetings each month. It requires preparation. It requires asking questions. It requires understanding how decisions affect our residents and our community. I view this position as a calling. I take my responsibility to the taxpayers of Jefferson County seriously. That is why I work hard to be informed, to be prepared. That is why I work hard to earn the trust of the people I serve.

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

Yes, there are times when the concerns of nearby residents may carry more weight, but not simply because a project is unpopular. Property rights are important. Jefferson County has a responsibility to protect public health, safety, and welfare. If a proposed development would create significant impacts on surrounding properties, such as exceeding infrastructure capacity, increasing flooding risks, posing safety hazards, or violating adopted codes and ordinances, those concerns can outweigh a property owner's decision on how to use their land. For example, if a development would worsen flooding in an existing neighborhood, create dangerous traffic conditions, overwhelm roads, or conflict with the county's adopted land use plans, those are legitimate concerns that deserve serious consideration. In those cases, the issue is not simply that neighbors oppose a project. Many of these issues can and will be resolved through the Master Plan and UDO updates.

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

Yes. I have spoken at Planning and Zoning meetings before being appointed to the council and asked staff to increase the distance to 1000’ of notification area.

What would make you an effective representative for your district?

I have proudly served as the District 3 Councilwoman for the past 21⁄2 years. I want to understand how county government works and how decisions affect our residents. Today, that knowledge helps me make informed decisions. Since taking office, I have attended every County Council meeting and nearly every work session and committee meeting. I have worked to keep residents informed about proposed developments, supported stronger stormwater regulations, helped reopen the Arnold Aging Ahead Senior Center, advocated for safer roads and infrastructure improvements, and championed transparency in county government. I have also worked to build stronger relationships between Arnold and Jefferson County because I believe collaboration benefits everyone. Most importantly, I love what I do. I am not a career politician, and I am not looking for higher office. My heart is here. My family is here. I believe public service is a calling. When I say I am "Committed to Our Community," it is not just a slogan. It is how I serve every day. Whether someone lives in Arnold or the unincorporated areas of District 3, I want them to know they have a Councilwoman who will listen, work hard, and always put the community first.

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

Yes, but it must be the will of the people. I have not studies this issue enough to give a more detailed answer.

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.”