I am happy to announce my candidacy for Jasper city alderman in the November 5 election. With a deep commitment to our community and a vision for a brighter future, I aim to promote honest, open and transparent government. I have 39 years of experience working as park manager of South Cumberland State Park. I understand the challenges and opportunities facing our community. My platform will focus on listening to what citizens want their tax money spent on and ensuring that the voices of all citizens are heard and represented. I believe that together, we can create a community that works for everyone. I invite all members of the community to join in this journey towards progress. To learn more about my campaign and how to get involved, please visit my Facebook page.
Contact:
John Christof
800 Oak Lawn Drive
Jasper TN 37347
423-939-0112
johnchristof@live.com
I will not accept any donations for my campaign. If elected I will donate 100 % of my after tax pay back to the citizens of Jasper through random acts of kindness that benefit individuals and organizations in Jasper. My slogan is “Vote for Me and I Will Work For Free”. You cannot beat that deal.
In my career as park manager, when I accepted responsibility for South Cumberland in 1981 the park was described as “a can of worms”. I worked hard and when I retired in 2016 South Cumberland had become one of the largest, cleanest and best state parks in Tennessee. We started the Friends of South Cumberland and raised over $3 million in donations to purchase critical land to protect the beautiful nature in the park. Park staff and I cleaned up massive trash piles. We built trails, a visitor center, maintenance buildings and ranger stations. We took a can of worms and turned it into a “SHOW-PLACE”.
I have talked to many Jasper residents and they tell me they want better paved roads, better sidewalks, drainage ditches that actually carry the storm water without overflowing, a splash pad for kids and amphitheater like Dunlap has. I support an expanded recreation program that is more than just ball fields. Jasper needs an indoor meeting/conference building and a no-kill humane shelter for stray dogs and cats. I pledge to do all I can to accomplish these interests.
Citizens I talk to also express an interest in slowing down speeders and picking up litter city-wide. I would expect all officers to treat citizens with utmost respect, ask for compliance and when dealing with minor infractions giving a first warning in a polite and positive manner. If an offense was repeated then a citation may be in order. Jasper budgeted $855,250 for police in FY23-24. I oppose buying new cars for police to use as personal commuter vehicles at tax payer expense.
I want to serve all citizens of Jasper. My promise is in my name “Christof”, Christ /of. I am a servant of Christ and I want to be your servant too.
The Marion Tribune – August 22, 2024
