By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
In 2019, lifelong Limestone County resident and farmer LaDon Townsend decided to put his hat in the ring to run for the 4th District Commissioner position, and he won as an Independent by about 600 votes. He is running again as an Independent, and if you are voting straight ticket, you can write in his name, fill out the “bubble” completely, and he will get your vote. Recently, I sat down with LaDon and his wife, Lisa, and we were later joined by his daughter Mallory and her adorable little firecracker of a girl, E.J.
LaDon and Lisa were high school childhood sweethearts at West Limestone High, and married as teens. LaDon became a successful, hard-working farmer. He grew row crops, raised chickens and hay, and he also drove a truck for 10 years. Once their three kids were in school, Lisa got her degree in education from Athens State University, and taught at Brookhill Elementary for eight years. LaDon, who played football and baseball at WLHS has volunteered ever since as a coach, the guy who mows, cleans and stripes the field, and as a farmer, he knows that hard weather and hard work just go with the territory. Both LaDon and Lisa love to serve wherever they are; always have, always will. LaDon describes himself as being a conservative, a man of faith, and his love for his family is obvious.
Right out the gate, LaDon wanted me to make clear that he is adamant with regard to the people of Limestone County being more important than politics. “I serve the people, not a party,” he said, and approaches his job as commissioner much like Athens City Hall; from his perspective, the position is non-partisan. Everyone drives the roads, everyone needs a sheriff, and everyone needs help in a literal or figurative storm. He is also committed to seeing that tax dollars are spent prudently, services grow well as we grow rapidly, and that the charm of Athens-Limestone County remains as we increase in population and respond positively to that impact.
Here are some of the things that LaDon believes, wants to do, and what he has been able to accomplish in his first term:
Public Safety
Public safety is a top priority for LaDon. He supports strong law enforcement and emergency services, working to ensure that Limestone County remains a safe place for families to live, work, and worship. LaDon is dedicated to providing the necessary resources and training for our first responders so our community feels safe and can raise their families without the threat of crime.
LaDon is committed to adding officers to the Limestone County Sheriff’s Department as we grow, wants to see to it that the jail is not overcrowded by expanding/building facilities, and is pleased to report that Limestone County also now has its own attorney, Drew Dill. Mr. Dill’s job is to focus on all legal matters that pertain to running the county smoothly and with integrity. LaDon would also like to see the county add a judge to the bench to accommodate growth while upholding and protecting the judicial system.
Infrastructure
As your County Commissioner, LaDon Townsend has worked to enhance Limestone County’s infrastructure. He prioritizes improving roads, bridges, and public facilities to ensure safe, efficient, and modern infrastructure that supports economic growth and community well-being all while working to save tax dollars and be efficient in the way the county spends money.
LaDon told me that they have made great strides in getting roads paved and striped, and in his next term secondary roads will be the focus. Part of his vision is to get a full recycling service established in Limestone County. This will help manage our growth, helps us be good stewards of the gift that is Limestone County, and will also create a revenue stream that can accommodate proper growth of services. LaDon wants to build a facility that would function as a “one-stop-shop” housing every office of the county and streamline its function from top to bottom. He also wants to increase the ability to work well with other commissions.
Connectivity
One of the things that demonstrated the need for connectivity and “internet infrastructure” was the challenge that the people of District 4 experienced during COVID in being able to get online, especially for business and education. West Limestone was underserved, and LaDon started working that issue early in his term with considerable success.
LaDon Townsend believes that connectivity is crucial for the future of Limestone County. He’s worked tirelessly to ensure families, farmers, small businesses, and everyone else in our county has access to high-speed internet access ensuring that all areas of our county are well-connected to drive education, business, and personal opportunities.
Property Rights
LaDon Townsend is a staunch defender of property rights. He believes in protecting the rights of property owners from overreaching regulations and an overbearing government; ensuring that property ownership remains a fundamental right for all residents of Limestone County.
Taxpayer Protection
LaDon Townsend is committed to protecting taxpayers. He promises to ensure that taxpayer money is spent wisely and efficiently, advocating for transparency and accountability in county budgeting and expenditures.
Less Government
Believing in less government, LaDon Townsend advocates for reducing unnecessary regulations, promoting individual freedoms, and allowing the free market to thrive without the overbearing pressure of bureaucratic red-tape. He strives to make local government more efficient and less intrusive in the lives of Limestone County residents whenever possible.
Quality of Life
Improving the quality of life for all residents is central to LaDon Townsend’s mission. He aims to enhance community services, recreational facilities, and public spaces, making Limestone County an even better place to call home for families who currently live here as well as making Limestone County an attractive and competitive place for families to relocate to all while maintaining the family-friendly atmosphere that makes Limestone County so special already.
Family
Family values are at the heart of LaDon Townsend’s service. He supports initiatives that strengthen families, including quality education, family-friendly policies, and community programs that support the well-being and development of children and parents alike.
Conservative Values
LaDon Townsend upholds conservative values, including fiscal responsibility, personal responsibility, and a commitment to traditional principles. He believes these values are the foundation of a strong and prosperous community. LaDon looks for every opportunity to educate the younger generation on the importance of caring for your family and neighbors, while respecting those who came before you. LaDon believes we should always work to impress upon our youth the importance of defending our faith, family, and the freedoms we hold dear.
As we ended our time together, I asked LaDon what I ask everyone: “I have choices; why should I choose you?” He answered, “I am proud to be a voice for the people, and re-elected or not, I’m going to keep doing what I do. I see Limestone County as a special place, and the work here is unfinished.”
If you are a resident of District 4 in Limestone County, Alabama, and this is what you are looking for in a leader, then re-elect LaDon Townsend in November.
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
September 6, 2024
