Collierville elections: Meet the 2 candidates running for Position Two alderman
Collierville residents will decide in November the next Position Two alderman.
Incumbent Billy Patton will face longtime resident Jewel Jordan for a four-year seat on the Collierville Board of Mayor and Aldermen.
Early voting for suburban elections starts Oct. 19 and ends Nov. 3. The general election is Nov. 8, and the deadline to register to vote is Oct. 11.
Here is a closer look at each candidate.
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Billy Patton
Patton, 52, moved to Collierville about 22 years ago and hopes to add some stability to the town government after a year of unprecedented turnover. Patton was first elected alderman in 2010, then in 2014 and 2018. Now he's hoping for a fourth term.
"I love Collierville, I want to be a part of Collierville and leadership matters," said Patton, owner of Patton Computers. "After having many constituents, residents coming in telling me we really need a little stability on the board and a lot of these decisions are going to determine the direction of the Town of Collierville."
Patton wants to focus on improving infrastructure (specifically road paving), cybersecurity, instant town news to residents' phones, public Wi-Fi at parks and public safety by adding more police officers and better equipping them.
He also said the town board does not need more Realtors or developers, and as a "computer guy" he offers a better blend to the government.
Patton said he does not "take any money from developers, builders," and residents can trust his vote goes toward what helps the town and its people. He hopes voters can see his value on the board because of his knowledge in technology, which makes him stand out.
"I want to keep a small town atmosphere," he said. "I want to keep a family atmosphere, and I want to keep that same direction that the previous leaders left to us. If you're looking for more progressive — let's make the square like Oxford, Mississippi, let's bring in nightlife — that's not me."
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Jewel Jordan
Jordan, 73, was born and raised in Collierville before going off to college and work outside of Shelby County. He moved back to the town about 38 years ago. He currently serves as vice president of the Collierville Community Civic Club, and as a member of the Planning Commission and Collierville Police Advisory Board.
"I just decided it's time to do something different," said Jordan, a retired BellSouth home inspector. "I want to be on the board to help serve and govern Collierville, not so much pick up one particular issue. Collierville is the only thing I'm focusing on, just the betterment of Collierville."
Jordan will focus on public safety, supporting educational needs and positive economic growth, but he said he plans to listen to experts in those fields and support their suggestions.
He also said his background in leadership and problem-solving while on boards, commissions and Tennessee State University alumni chapters makes him desirable for the alderman position.
"I feel that if you are just looking for issues, you are not looking at the whole big picture," Jordan said. "I like to sit down and solve problems diplomatically, not focusing on just one side of the idea. I just want people to come together here in Collierville, 'cause we are a strong community."
Dima Amro covers the suburbs for The Commercial Appeal and can be reached at Dima.Amro@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @AmroDima.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Collierville elections 2022: Candidates for Position 2 alderman
