Sluder announces for 2nd District commissioner

FROM STAFF REPORTS

   Keith "Jo-Jo" Sluder is announcing his candidacy for County Commissioner for the 2nd District in the Aug. 1 General Election.
   Sluder, who is employed as a professional photographer for Coleman's Studio, currently serves as commissioner of the Watauga Junior Athletic League. He believes children are our most important resource and, as a commissioner, would make schools a top priority.
   Sluder believes his experience as a Youth Club coach and officer, along with his job as a school photographer, gives him an advantage of knowing the kinds of problems that exist.
   "Let us come together as a force for our community. It takes a lot of people to make the system work: Principals, teachers, bus drivers, cooks, maintenance personnel. I work with them every day," Sluder said.
   Taxes also are a big concern. "The county needs to elect a qualified county executive to lead the commission," he said. He believes that if taxpayer money can be spent more wisely there won't need to be a higher property tax or a wheel tax.
   Sluder said the county has lost too many jobs in recent years and believes we must attract new industry to replace these jobs we have lost. If elected, he promises to work hard to see these goals are accomplished.
   Sluder has lived in Carter County his entire life. "The county has been good to me," he said, "so it would be a pleasure to serve as county commissioner."
   Sluder is married to the former Enola Kelly. The couple have three children: Misty, Dustin and Nicholas. He also has two grandchildren: Harlee Marie and Damian Keith.
   Sluder is a 1976 graduate of Cloudland High School and attended the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and Virginia Tech, studying labor management. He is a past vice president of the Tennessee Labor Council and past president of the Roan Mountain Youth Club.