Perry County Associate Commissioner District 1 candidate: Jay Wengert

Name Jay Wengert

Age 46

Place of birth Perryville, MO

Spouse, children's names

Wife, Rachel

Daughters, Linzie (21) and Macy (15)

Occupation Self-Employed Commercial & Residential Contractor

Education

1988 Graduate of Perry County School District #32

Employer Wengert Brothers, LLC

Businesses owned, all or part 50% Owner

Public offices held or sought; give dates

Perry County Commissioner, District 1

Website n/a

What do you see as the county commission's role in economic development in Perry County?

Economic development is one of the most important roles of the County Commission and County Government. It is vitally important to ensure that all of our new and existing businesses and industry have an environment where they can grow and prosper. I will be very engaged with the EDA, Perryville Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce, who are all great partners in our economic development efforts, as Perry County continues to meet future challenges.

What are the major challenges facing Perry County?

With over 500 miles of roads, dozens of bridges and numerous county buildings, making the most efficient use of our resources is of the utmost importance, and something I can do very well. I talk to a lot of business and industry leaders who say they struggle to find employees; I would like to work with other agencies and community leaders to create more housing opportunities and bring a vibrant work force to the area.

What in your background or education makes you qualified to be Perry County commissioner?

I was born in Perryville. I've lived and worked in Perry County all my life and I'm raising my family here. This is where I practice my faith. I thank God for this beautiful, thriving community that I'm privileged to belong to, which is why I'm extremely passionate about taking care of it. I am committed to utilizing my resources and years of work and business experience for nothing but the betterment of our hometown.

Closing remarks

I feel I am at the perfect time in my life to use my business and life experiences to benefit my friends and neighbors right here in Perry County, a place I love and have called home all my life.