Rogers eyes county executive job
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Rogers, who lost the race by 20 votes in 1998, said he went back to work the next day preparing for this year’s race.
Rogers served as a 5th District County Commissioner for eight years. During that time he said he made a point of listening to citizens he served.
“I’ve been out in the county talking to people, and I’m hearing folks are angry about the out-of-control spending that’s been going on here. While property taxes have increased twice, they feel the quality of some services have actually decreased,” Rogers said. “I have made a pledge to Warren County citizens that I will fight to keep property taxes low and I will make sure taxpayers are getting their money’s worth in county services. Additionally, I have been disappointed our current leader has tried to push the commission to support an income tax.”
As county executive, Rogers said he would oppose any income tax and move to tell the leaders in Nashville of his opposition.
“I will never support an unconstitutional state income tax that continues the bloated growth of government,” Rogers said. “One of my first orders of business as county executive will be to send a resolution to Nashville opposing a state income tax. During these times of economic uncertainty, it would devastate our already crippled economy to pass such a burdensome tax. It would surely drive even more jobs from our town.”
Rogers said bringing more jobs to Warren County will be one of his top priorities.
“As county executive, I will work tirelessly to bring new jobs to our community,” he said. “We have lost several of our biggest employers, and taxpayers, and we must do everything we can to recruit and keep good industry. It serves no one to waste good money prettying up an industrial park when it’s empty. The county executive should commit their full energy to promoting small-business growth and recruiting good-paying jobs.”
In addition to his service as a county commissioner, Rogers has spent his life in service beginning with his enlistment in the U.S. Army, where he attained the rank of sergeant. After leaving the military, he began his 35-year career in the grocery business.
“In my line of work, the customer comes first,” Rogers said. “We should expect no less from county government and elected officials. As county executive, I’ll bring a customer-service attitude to the office.”
Rogers is employed by Kroger and owns a small business, Ken’s Custom Tractor Service, which he began 20 years ago. Rogers is married to Jeanette McBride and they have one son, Dale, and daughter-in-law, Holly. He was raised in the Midway community. He is a deacon at East End Church of Christ, and is a member of the Lions Club and Saddle Club of McMinnville.