Who am I and why am I running?

My name is Jerry Holton, and I am running as a Republican for Jerome County Commissioner, District 2. Jerome County is my home. This is where I raised my family, built my business, and learned the value of putting citizens first. I care deeply about private property rights, honest government, and making sure growth in this county is responsible and makes sense for the people who already live and work here.

I built a small business and spent the last 30 years doing honest work. When I say I will do a job, I show up and do it right. I believe in keeping my word. With the support of my friends, this community, and my wife, Loretta, I have worked to become someone worthy of trust and proud of the life I have built.

Over the last few years, I have watched county government drift away from its basic duties to protect private property rights and maintain transparency. That is why I decided to run. Too often, decisions are made without listening to the people who will live with the consequences. Landowners, families, and small businesses are treated like obstacles instead of partners. I have seen a pattern of decisions moving forward with little notice, limited public input, and unchecked development. The Lava Ridge Project is one clear example, but it is not the only challenge Jerome County faces.

Another example is the violation of Second Amendment rights. The current commissioners attempted to ban firearms in county offices. Regardless of what any attorney may or may not have told them, they should have known this was illegal and immoral. This matters because it shows whether county leaders follow the law and have basic principles that guide their decisions. The public record shows they knew, or should have known, the ban was illegal, yet they moved forward anyway. The explanations that came later do not match the facts. This is not just about firearms. It is about transparency, accountability, and respecting the limits of government power.

Because I attend many community meetings and support neighbors who have been affected by the county’s bad decisions, I have been attacked and dismissed. I have been publicly called a nuisance and called crazy. I do not have fancy credentials, and I am not trying to impress anyone. I am a regular guy who believes in fiscal responsibility, limited government, and accountable leadership.

I believe someone who listens, follows the law, and respects taxpayers will make better decisions than someone who ignores the law, basic rights, and the people they serve. Jerome County deserves a commissioner who puts citizens first and answers to the public first, not special interests, not large corporations, and not groups who want to spend your money on their projects.

When elected, I will do the work the right way. I will listen before voting, read the full record, and ask hard questions when something does not add up. I will return calls and emails, and I will not treat citizens like a problem to be managed. I will do my best to make sure your county government is open and transparent. You deserve straight answers and clear explanations before major decisions are made. 

 Transparency is not a slogan. It means clear agendas, proper notice, and real opportunities for public input. It means public records that are accessible without delay or runaround. It means explaining costs, risks, and long-term impacts in plain language so people can understand what is being proposed and why. 

I support economic growth. However, I believe growth should respect private property, our culture, our values, and the people who already live here.

Decisions should benefit Jerome County residents first, not outside interests that leave locals to deal with the consequences. Growth should be driven by local businesses and supported, within reasonable limits, by the county. The county should not act as a banker, business manager, or realtor, nor should it subsidize large businesses or use county-backed economic development groups to steer projects in ways that create conflicts of interest.

I am a local business owner, not a career politician. I live here, I work here, and I deal with the same issues you do. I am not looking for a title or a stepping stone. I am running to serve, to ask questions, and to bring common sense back into county government. The close ties between family members, friends, and business partners sitting on committees and community organizations exercise too much influence over county decisions. I will work hard to expose and eliminate conflicts of interest, relationships, and influence that operate outside of public scrutiny. 

As your representative, I promise to prioritize your needs and concerns. I will be transparent about my decisions and ensure that you are informed every step of the way. My approach will be collaborative, as I believe that every voice in our community matters. Together, we can build a better future for Jerome County.

I want to hear from you. If you have a concern, I want to hear it. Call me, email me, or stop me if you see me around town. County government works best when it answers to the people it serves.