October 17, 2025
The classic film It’s a Wonderful Life makes you wonder what your town would look like without committed, positive leadership. I truly believe that without the progressive vision of the last 10-12 years, our Jefferson wouldn’t be the vibrant community it is today.
Think about what we’ve achieved: the Wild Rose Casino, the new high school and Career Academy, the Cobblestone Inn, and the impressive revitalization of our downtown buildings. These opportunities and beautification efforts didn’t happen by accident—they came from wise and dedicated leadership. We’ve seen critical upgrades like hospital improvements, housing initiatives, outstanding childcare facilities, and Little League fields. This progress is why young families are moving here and alums are returning. For more proof of community support, just look at the impactful projects funded by Grow Greene County and the Greene County Community Foundation.
As a retired teacher, I feel immense pride seeing young adults choose to raise their families here. They are proud of this community, and we need to elect leaders who share that vision and are willing to learn and work hard to achieve it. Our city administrator, school superintendent and principals are experts who want what’s best for our students and community. They need boards that focus on the collective good, not private agendas. My experience tells me the loud naysayers are not the majority.
It is crucial that we all vote for candidates who will keep our momentum going. To all the volunteers who have helped make Jefferson what it is over the past decade: you are the majority, and I urge you to commit to voting this election.
I am supporting Harry Ahrenholtz, Darren Jackson, and Luke Winkelman for City Council and Cindi Daubendiek, Megan Holz, and Katie Nelson for School Board.
Just like George Bailey, I am so proud of how far our wonderful community has come. Please vote and help us continue building a better future.
Peg Raney, rural Jefferson
