James A. “Jimmie” Stephens

Jimmie Stephens

Party: Republican

Age: 75

Residence: Bessemer

Political experience: Running for reelection to the Jefferson County Commission, District 3. It’s his fifth bid for the commission, on which he has served since 2010 and on which he currently is president. Previously elected to Bessemer City Council, 2006. Member, Western Area Republican Club; member, executive committee, Jefferson County Republican Party.

Professional experience: Assistant director of meat operations and director of retail development, Associated Grocers of Alabama, 1973-1977; past president, Food Centers Inc., 1990-1994; past member board of directors, Associated Grocers of Alabama, 1986-1988; past owner of Jimmies Food Center, 1978-1997; and president, Stephens and Son Enterprises, 1998-present.

Civic experience: Past chairman, Bessemer Board of Zoning Adjustments; past chairman, Bessemer Airport Authority; past chairman, Bessemer Commercial Development Authority; chairman, Exit 108 Commercial Development District; former member, board of directors, Legacy YMCA; member, Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority board of directors; member, Jefferson County Department of Health Board; member, Birmingham Business Alliance Executive Board; member, Rotary Club of Birmingham.

Education: Bachelor’s, Samford University, 1973; master’s, Samford University, 1975.

Main issues: Make sure that the commission continues to work together to improve the quality of life for the citizens of unincorporated Jefferson County; serve as the backstop for the primary municipalities to make sure that those citizens’ quality of life is improved; continue the economic development that has been begun; strengthen zoning ordinances on data centers.

Campaign: Facebook.