Calhoun County, AL – The Calhoun Journal had the opportunity to sit down with J.D. Hess at the McClellan Horse Trails. The horse trails are a project that he is very involved in and is something he is deeply proud to leave as a legacy for Calhoun County. Talking to Commissioner Hess is never difficult, but those who have had the opportunity to really see him in an outdoor environment know that he is truly inspired surrounded by nature and seeing the residents and visitors of Calhoun County enjoying the trails. It really was a fitting location for a conversation about his role as commissioner. As most know Commissioner Hess will be ending his role as commissioner after 28 years of service. We wanted to sit down with him and discuss his motivations for running originally, his experience as commissioner, and his plans for the future.
Commissioner Hess acknowledged that he is sad that he won’t get to see some of his larger projects completed as Commissioner. He believes they will get completed, but it is bittersweet not to be a part in an official capacity. He also stated that, “I’m extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished.” He wanted to be clear that all the projects, even those he took a special interest in, are commission wins, not just victories of one person. When asked to reflect on some of the projects that stood out that he was proud to have had a hand in, he knew immediately the ones that were most special: the Saks, Alexandria, Webster Chapel, and Weaver Community Centers, the agriculture center, the reopening of Woodland Park, the free landfill days, the various sports and youth programs he got the opportunity to work with, and last, but not least, the horse trails. He actually got a bit emotional talking about the different projects. He said it was odd trying to condense 28 years into a few sentences. He also said he will be in a good mood and then get sad, and then go back to being excited about having more time with his family and amazing grandkids. He is still processing the ending of something that has been a huge part of his life for almost three decades. He is currently the longest serving commissioner in the history of Calhoun County.
When asked what motivated him to run back in 1994, he said it was simple, he wanted to be a part of something positive. He wanted to be a positive change in Calhoun County. He wanted to make things better and be a part of all Calhoun County residents having a better quality of life. He also said that he knows roads are better now then when he started. He also wanted to really talk about the rural water system and how hard the Calhoun County Water Authority has worked to improve the water of Calhoun County. He also got very excited talking about the youth activity programs. He said many times, it isn’t the big showy things that make a difference. Sometimes it is the small things like helping a team get transportation, equipment, or lights. He explained that he tried to find those small needs that can often get overlooked for the larger projects. He wanted to stress how proud he was of the local Future Farmers of America, 4-H, choirs, and many sports teams across the county. He acknowledged he has a a weak spot for the underdog. He also always liked to see a team working hard and sometimes when they were overlooked he liked to be a hand up. His personal motto has been to “help those that help themselves.” We spoke specifically about the JSU Softball team and how he has loved seeing the team thrive and grow. He also mentioned that the team will always have a soft spot in his heart. He did want to say his didn’t ignore the other JSU sports. He actually reminisced about several tailgating nights at JSU football games were 100-125 people would be gathered around having dinner. He also talked about how proud he is of JSU and what a great asset it is to Calhoun County.
When asked why he felt he was able to retain this position for so many years, he said that he hoped it was because he built great legislative contacts and because the people of Calhoun County trusted that he would work for them. He also respects this recent vote and understands that there is always room for change. He stated, “this commission does a great job and I have a lot of respect for my fellow Commissioners and I want to see Calhoun County keep moving forward, and I know it will with their leadership and guidance.”
Commissioner Hess also spoke about his future plans. He said he was looking forward to spending more time with his family and especially with his grandchildren. He also said he had several ideas he is thinking about as well, but didn’t want to say anything officially. He also stated that he and Chairman Patterson are still both on a board regarding the McClellan Horse Trails Arena with several other community members and he hoped to stay involved with that project.
The Calhoun Journal also spoke with Commissioner Carolyn Henderson who stated, “He [J.D. Hess] was my husband’s hero. He was in office and asked Eli to run. That started a friendship for all time. When I came in I was welcomed by all the commissioners. This close friendship we have will go on forever. He will go down in history as one of the best commissioners.”
Commissioner Danny Shears shared that it had been a pleasure work with Commissioner Hess these last eight months. He also shared that, “He definitely has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to county government and how to get things done. I don’t know if I’ve ever met a more frugal person when it comes to trying to find things.” He laughed about the well-known fact that if a building’s being torn down, J.D. can look and say salvage this and that. Commissioner Shears said he has probably saved the county countless funds through salvaging alone. On a more serious note, he also wanted to express that, “JD really does care about the people and 28 years is a testament to that, or he never would have gotten reelected so many times. I think people realized over the years that he does care about the whole county, not just his district. He is a visionary and is always looking ahead to what we could do for Calhoun County to make it a better place to live and raise a family and to bring in tourism and more ways to bring in revenue. This change will be bittersweet, but I know that Terry [Howell] will come in, and he’ll fit right in with us, and he will continue represent the people of district four that J.D. has laid the groundwork for. He also said that Calhoun County has a little of everything from tourism, lakes, mountains, athletics, parks, museums, performing arts centers, and has so much going on. He also said that you can’t be in this role for 28 years and not have had a hand in so many of the amazing things that have happened in Calhoun County over the yers.
Chairman Lee Patterson also spoke to the Calhoun Journal. Chairman Patterson acknowledged that J.D. was his friend and not just a coworker. He was often a sounding board and voice of reason. He was a great leader and is well respected by all the commissioners. “It’s hard to put a price on his vast knowledge and experience in this field. He would often caution me to not say more than was needed and to just get the job done. I enjoyed working with him. I feel like he’s still going to be a part of continued efforts with several of the projects, especially the horse trails. I don’t think JD is going anywhere soon, and he has told us all that he’s only a phone call away if we need anything. He’s willing to help us. So he still has that servant’s heart.” He also stressed that the Commission is more than any one person. It is five people selected to be one voice for Calhoun County. “I will always honor what the voters want. They have elected Terry Howell and we will all work together once he takes his seat. I look forward to Calhoun County continuing to grow and all the commissioners working toward that goal.”
Commissioner Hess’ influence on Calhoun County is undeniable and many will think fondly on what he has been a part of.
