Jason Goodrum, Place 4 city commissioner candidate responds to questions concerning his candidacy

What inspired you to run for city council, and what personal experiences have prepared you for this role?

I was inspired to run for city commission by the thought of helping our community. I am a small business owner and a lifetime resident of Vernon. I am invested in Vernon. All of my direct family, most of my friends, and the largest portion of my customer base live in Vernon. I am dependent on Vernon to be prosperous and successful to support my family and business. I stepped out of my comfort zone to run for City Council because I feel Vernon has supported me in my business, and I want to give back. I feel I could be very useful to the community by making the same tough, thought-out good decisions I’ve done for my family and my business. I have been very successful in business because I listen, I care, and I take time to do things right. I hope to bring those qualities to the commission for all of Vernon to benefit from.

My experience as a local small business owner, a licensed Texas responsible master plumber, and lifetime resident of Vernon will provide knowledge that I feel will be a great value to the city of Vernon and its residents. Owning and operating a business, I have valuable experience when it comes to money management. Also, employing between 8 and 10 local hard-working individuals at a time, I have valuable experience in people management as well. I am fairly knowledgeable with mechanical things and heavy equipment, which will aid in city budget decisions. My plumbing background and experience should prove to be very valuable for the city.

What do you see as the most important issue facing our community right now?
The most important issues I see are inflation and finding the money needed for budgeting to continue improving Vernon. I believe the housing market and the over valuing of the properties here are causing excessive tax increases on the community. The old, worn-out infrastructure is consistently needing upgrades or repairs, and I think finding enough funds will be challenging.

What are your plans for improving local infrastructure (e.g., roads, utilities, broadband access)?
To improve infrastructure, it takes money. A plan has to be in place, smart, budgeting decisions, and applying for grants are all things that could be done to make needed improvements, such as replacing old leaking water, piping, paving roads, adding more traffic, signs at intersections, cleaning up debris, and tearing down old structures

How do you plan to support local businesses and encourage economic growth in our area?
I would support local businesses by shopping local, encouraging the community to buy local over corporate chains. I would encourage hiring local people. I would support local businesses by promoting them through word-of-mouth, or social media, and by simply showing up.

What is your stance on land development, and how do you balance growth with maintaining the rural character of our town?
 To preserve the role appeal of Vernon, I would say planning and choosing suitable places for new development would be key. I would encourage growth through development in some of Vernon’s empty lots or buildings. Building in these already developed, unused areas would save rule integrity.

With agriculture being a significant part of the local economy, how do you plan to address issues facing farmers and ranchers?
Farmers and ranchers are a crucial part of Vernon. I think listening to our local farmers and ranchers is the first step to developing a plan to help with their issues. I think supporting farming and ranching practices that protect the soil and conserve water are very important.

What steps will you take to ensure that our community remains safe and that public services like police, fire, and emergency medical services are adequately supported?

To ensure a safe community, I would encourage budgeting for necessary equipment, qualified staff, and training programs. I believe retaining trained and qualified employees would be more valuable to the city of Vernon than having a high turnover rate, whether it be policemen, firefighters, utility workers, or any other staff member. A trained, qualified employee is invaluable to any business infrastructure, especially a City’s.

How will you prioritize education and support local schools in our area?

Education is very important, I would advocate for increased funding by the state or bond measures.

What is your stance on environmental conservation, and what measures would you advocate for to protect our natural resources?

Environmental conservation is a must, especially protection of Vernon’s water source. I would promote water, conservation, and protection. I would use my plumbing background to inform the commission to educate the community on things that can be done to help with this.

With droughts and water shortages becoming more frequent, how would you approach water management for our town?

Water management is a priority for me. I believe the city has a responsibility to protect its water source. Without water, there is no Vernon. Planning for the future and securing more water sources is very important. Repairing or replacing all leaking water pipes and Vernon’s infrastructure is a costly but needed improvement. Having trained personnel on staff and necessary equipment to repair major leaks is vital for water conservation.

How will you ensure that the city council is transparent and accountable to the community?
 Being transparent is achieved through communication with the community. Holding town meetings, using social media, having a website, sending newsletters, posting information for the public, and using the local newspaper are a few ways the commission can ensure transparency. I would encourage citizens to come to the council meeting and voice their opinions, concerns, or just ask questions.

What is your approach to budgeting and allocating city funds, especially when resources are limited?
My approach to budgeting when funds are limited would be prioritizing with the City and Community NEEDS NOT WANTS. Listening to the community is important because, ultimately, planning for Vernon’s future is a responsibility of all of its citizens

Where do you see our town in the next 5–10 years, and what role do you see the city council playing in that vision?

My vision for Vernon would be to keep a sustainable, but growing economy, with improved infrastructure and environmental stability for future generations to enjoy. By making good decisions and planning for future problems, I think the city council can ensure Vernon has a bright future.

About Me

 I was born and raised here in Vernon. My family lives here, I have four children, and two grandchildren. I am married to Renee Houston Goodrum. I own and operate Goodrum Plumbing LLC here in Vernon. I employ nine talented, trained, local individuals. I have worked in the plumbing industry for the past 26 years. I’ve served this community and the surrounding communities with quality plumbing during those 26 years. I met and I’ve gotten to know a majority of this community over the years, and I’ve really enjoyed it. I take great pride in anything I do, especially my business. I strive to provide quality, trained craftsmanship at reasonable rates. I am honest, very hard-working, and believe in doing things right.