Editor’s note: Between now and June 3, the Courier will profile candidates in contested area county and statewide races.

CENTERVILLE — Three Democratic candidates are competing for two seats on the Appanoose County Board of Supervisors. The top two votegetters will move forward to the November general election where they will square off against two Republicans, incumbent John Arnold and Leland Hatfield.

The three Democrats include incumbent Jody McDanel, Linda Rouse and Connie Wright.

Jody McDanel

Jody McDanel believes his experience in the county government seat is an asset to Appanoose County.

“First of all, when you are on the outside, you really don’t know the workings of the county government and how you can spend the money. Since I am an incumbent, I know some of that,” he said.

McDanel said there are several issues that he would like to address if re-elected.

The main issue is money and how the county is going to spend the funds in a fiscally responsible way. One place is on the roads.

“We have worked all this year and we will be working into the future,” he said

Another main focus is to hold the property tax levies at the present rate they are at while supplying more services to citizens of Appanoose County.

“I have been to Washington, D.C. for the Farm Bureau,” he said. “I have also tried to lobby for issues for Appanoose County. I have been to the state Legislature at least four times this year and talked with legislators on issues dealing with District 5.”

McDanel has lived in Appanoose County nearly his entire life.

“I’m going to do what I can, when I can and how I can for each and every citizen of Appanoose County to grow Appanoose County,” he said.