Republican hopeful promises big changes, common sense

Republican candidate Jeff Ellington is promising big changes and common sense in his campaign for District 1 county commissioner.\nDiversifying business, leveling property taxes and improving public facilities are priorities on his agenda, he said.\nEllington said basic services, such as water, sanitation and roads, is one area that needs to be changed.\n"If we can upgrade our basic services, that will lead to more businesses coming to Monroe County," Ellington said. "Infrastructure is critical to attract new businesses."\nEllington started his political career by running for county council in 1996. He served on the council from 1996 to 2004 and served as a member and president of the Monroe County Plan Commission for four years. He is a 19-year veteran firefighter with the Bloomington Fire Department and owns J.R. Ellington Tree Experts and the stable that is home to People and Animal Learning Services, a therapeutic program for handicapped youth.\nEllington said his experience on the county council has given him the knowledge to get things done.\n"That experience taught me the nuts and bolts of county services, what those services cost and where the money comes from to pay them," Ellington said.\nHe also stressed that businesses in Monroe County need to be diversified.\n"We don't want to put all of our eggs in one basket," Ellington said. "We have a diverse and educated workforce; we should be able to attract quality jobs to the county."\nEllington is a proponent of keeping the jail downtown and expanding the facility on its current site. He said he thinks the jail should remain close to courts and other offices that work in conjunction with it.\n"By keeping the jail downtown, things will get done more effectively and efficiently," he said. \nAnother key issue Ellington thinks is important to citizens is the rising property taxes.\n"We don't want to get to the point where the typical household is struggling to pay property tax," Ellington said.\nEllington unsuccessfully ran for commissioner in 2004.