Editor’s note: The Elk Valley Times will publish candidate announcements and photos as we receive them and as space allows before the July 29, 2026, edition. The election is on Aug. 6, 2026. Announcements should be no longer than 700 words and emailed to lscripps@elkvalleytimes.com. They may be edited for length, grammar, style and content.

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Jonathan “John” Bailey has been placed on the ballot for District 1 Commissioner, and said he brings a background in construction, a commitment to his community, and a practical approach to getting things done.

Bailey said he and his family moved to Lincoln County five years ago with a clear purpose: to build a life in a place where their children could grow, thrive, and put down roots. He and his wife are raising five children here, and he said that decision continues to guide his priorities.

“We chose to come here because of the people, the values, and the quality of life,” Bailey said. “I want to make sure this remains a place families can count on.”

Professionally, Bailey works at Lee Company as a preconstruction manager, where he evaluates costs, plans projects, and ensures work is completed efficiently and within budget. He said experience has shaped how he approaches responsibility and decision-making. “You learn quickly that every dollar matters,” he said. “Taxpayer money

See Bailey, Page 4A ^ should be handled with the same level of care and accountability.”

Bailey said one of the biggest concerns he hears from District 1 residents is the pressure of rising property taxes and the need for responsible spending. He believes county government must be disciplined in how it manages growth and budgets. “Folks around here are having to stretch every dollar, and county government should be doing the same,” he said. “We have a responsibility to look closely at where money is going, cut waste where we can, and make sure we’re getting real value for what’s being spent.”

Outside of work, Bailey said he stays involved in the community and values being someone others can rely on. In his free time, he and his sons enjoy hunting together, something he said is not only about tradition, but about spending time outdoors and passing down values like patience, responsibility, and respect for the land.

Bailey is also a farm owner, an experience he said has reinforced his belief in hard work and long-term stewardship. “Farming teaches you to think ahead and take care of what you have,” he said. “That same mindset applies to how we should manage our county.”

Bailey emphasized he is not a career politician, but a working professional and family man who made a deliberate choice to invest in this community. If elected, Bailey said he will focus on fiscal responsibility, protecting taxpayers, and making thoughtful decisions that benefit both current residents and future generations.

“I’m not running to make a lot of noise,” Bailey said. “I’m running to do the work and represent District 1 the right way.”

Bailey said he would be honored to earn the support of Lincoln County.

He said his campaign can be summed up in a simple motto: “Less talk, more walk.”