It looked like several hundred supporters at the Lee County Courthouse for Jon’s formal announcement seeking the Probate Judge office.  From his Facebook page, this:  In 1971, Jon became the youngest of four boys to Neil Wayne Chase, Sr. and Dale Smith Chase of Opelika. The family resided in Dadeville, AL, and Jon remained there until he went on to attend Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in Andalusia, AL on a baseball scholarship and Faulkner University. Jon returned close to home, to Auburn, in 1992 and has been a Lee County resident since. He has been married to Laura Fulford Chase, from Hartford, AL, for fourteen years. They have four children: Gracie (11), J.D. (8), Leslie Ann (5), and Emma Kate (1). Their children are actively involved in the Auburn Parks and Recreation system, and Jon has been a volunteer coach there for the past seven years. The family have been active members of Auburn United Methodist Church since Laura and Jon first joined thirteen years ago.

Started in 2000, Jon is the founder and owner of JAG Trucking, LLC, located in Opelika. He is currently a member of the Auburn Kiwanis Club. If elected to the seat of Probate Judge, Jon’s goal is to return accountability, accessibility, and attention to the Probate office through being a reliable employee who is accountable for all of his job requirements, accessible to the public at all times — realizing that his job is to serve them — and attentive to the needs of the office and those whom they serve.

Here’s a quick link to the Sample Ballot for tomorrow’s election. You might want to take a look before getting your real one.

Opelika’s election to replace Dr. William Lazenby, who died in a recent accident at his home, was an easy win for longtime Oplelika businessman David Canon.  Canon’s 439 votes was enough to carry 65.3% of the voters that turned out for the city election.  Tank McCollum grabbed 2nd place with 193 votes (28.9%) and also-ran grabbed 40 votes (6%). The election was for the Ward Five position.(Source: City of Opelika Website)

From a Press Release on Tuesday… The City of Opelika officials were shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Dr. William Lazenby following an accident at his home on Monday evening, June 14th.

On a personal note:  Dr. Lazenby and I had served on the Keep Opelika Beautiful board  together.   He’s always been one to be involved in the community to levels greater than many people will ever know.   He loved his family, and also loved the city and it’s people in a special way.  He will me missed.  I’m glad that I was able to meet one of the good guys along the way.

Here’s a quick link to WANI’s website with the current/final numbers in the races tonight.  Click Here to See results!

With the June 1st Primary election approaching, here’s a rundown of races that affect Opelika and Lee County.   Of course there are several major state races and a  Constitutional Amendment on the ballot.  I’ll cover that in another post.

Circuit Court Judge, 37th Judicial Circuit, Place 2 ~ Republicans: Chris Hughes, Brian Mosholder, Bobby Poole & James Thrash

Circuit Court Judge, 37th Judicial Circuit, Place 3 – Republicans: Mike Fellows, Margaret Mayfield, Dewey Teague, Melissa “Missy” Thomas [This is the Family Court Position]

District Attorney, 37th Judicial Circuit – Republican: Lance Abbott, J. Gary Black & Robbie Treese

District Court Judge, Lee County, Place 1 – Republican: Wes McCollum & Steve Speakman

Lee County Commission, District 2 – Republican:  F.D. (Butch) Brock & Johnny Lawrence

Lee County Commission, District 4 – Republican: Keith Elliott & Robert Ham

State Representative – District 83 – Democrat: George “Tootie” Bandy & Ronnie Reed

So, Redman and I headed to grab a beer and avoid the politics at the Lee County Courthouse… So here’s our perspective, from not at the event, and not real news, and don’t get angry…

Politicians gathered in Court House Square to meet the folks with the voting power…  After watching the Tim James commercial about common sense we wondered if supporters were off to a local Mexican restaurant for supper after dinner.  And was that ad also prepared in Spanish?  I think not.   There’s an idea for you U-Tuber’s.  And the weather got a bit chilly, so cool in fact that many of the politicians decided to keep their hands in their own pockets, for a change.   Okay, so if you attended, you can make some real comments, or just add to the fun with personal thoughts of all this political stuff right now.  (Photo Credit: Susan Fillippeli on Facebook)