Meet the Candidate: Russell McCloud - Supervisor District 2

Name: Russell 
McCloud

Age: 54

Office running for: Yuma County supervisor, District 2

Family: Married to Joy, two sons and four grandchildren

Party: Republican

Education: Graduate of Kofa High School; master graduate of Rapport Leadership International; graduate of University of Arizona's Project CENTRL, Class XVI; graduate of Yuma Leadership.

Employment: Co-owner of Accurate Automotive Attention, a family business since 1969

To what organizations do you belong? Fort Yuma Rotary and board president for Amberly's Place

What in your past experiences helps qualify you for this seat? My business experience has provided me with the ability to understand and explain complex issues to constituents and to participate actively in all issues that come before our elected bodies. I have eight years of experience in this position, which has provided me with a strong education in county government and the many issues that come before the board of supervisors.

If elected, what is the one issue on which you would focus to improve Yuma's quality of life? First and foremost are local jobs in order to reduce the unemployment rate in Yuma County.

How? It is vital that Yuma County continues to actively participate in efforts to bring new and desirable industry into our community and to work with existing businesses to allow for workforce expansion. Expansion of existing workforces accounts for 70 percent of job growth in our communities and I will continue to ensure Yuma County remains a great place to do business. I will also continue to work with our state legislators in order to foster business-friendly policies that benefit rural Arizona.

What do you think is the biggest challenge right now facing Yumans, and how would you change it? Jobs in our community are the biggest challenge today. I will continue to advocate for a business-friendly environment to encourage local business growth and new industry.

What would you do to make government more accessible? Yuma County is an absolute leader in open government and accessibility. We will continue to strive for excellence in county government and, as always, I am personally available at all times.

Who is your personal hero, and why? My parents, Dennis and Mary McCloud. I watched as they each worked long hours and built two separate businesses by virtue of their values and hard work. Our family and the families of over 40 co-workers are blessed today as a result of their ethics and efforts.