Incumbent Jody McDanel believes local government is an ongoing process and it has to be improved all the time.

“We can always improve, and that is what we strive for all the time, to be ready for the realization,” he said. “We are striving for perfection, to do the best job we can do to spend tax dollars as wisely as possible.

“When I ran for this position originally, I had no clue what a supervisor did. I didn’t realize what all things you get involved with,” McDanel said. “I try not to be a politician, but you are a politician.”

McDanel, a Democrat from Centerville, thinks he is able to do a good job at analyzing the situation and providing services for county residents.

“I also want to see the county grow as much as possible ... if you stand still you’re falling behind ... we have to learn and grow ... we can’t stay the same,” he said.

Linda Rouse

Candidate Linda Rouse has two main objectives if elected — “sound economics and good government.”

Under “sound economics,” she said she would like to see a recognition of agriculture as the leading industry in Appanoose County, as well as maintaining infrastructure throughout the county in order to promote economic viability.

Following her plan of sound economics is her ideals on “good government.”

Rouse, a Democrat from Centerville, said she wants to provide services to the vulnerable citizens of the county, including the frail elderly, disabled veterans, children in foster care, the mentally ill, the mentally challenged, the developmentally disabled and those with brain injuries.

“Basically, I want to see the groups covered that only have their county government to depend on,” she said.

Jim Senior

Candidate Jim Senior of Centerville said he wants his county government to be operated by the people.

If elected, one of the things he would like to do is set up several committees, consisting of the elderly, teenagers, rural farmers, businessmen and women, hospital workers and several other groups, to get input on issues that the county believes should be addressed.

“These people would meet however often needed and would bring back areas of concerns that had to do with their groups,” said Senior, who is running as an independent.