Candidate: Alex 'AL ' McKinnie

Alex “Al” Bernard McKinnie has announced his candidacy for Jackson County District 1 Commissioner. He is a native and lifelong resident of Jackson County, and the son of Shira, Sr. and Chelcie McKinnie of Campbellton, FL. He and his wife of 18 years, Joyce McKinnie have one son, Alex Rashard McKinnie, age 15, he attends Graceville High School. Mckinnie a 1982 graduate of Graceville High School and standout football athlete, was granted a full scholarship to attend Valdosta State College, in Valdosta, Ga. which later became Valdosta State University and was proud to have been part of the school’s first football program. Mckinnie continued his education by obtaining his Associate of Applied Science Degree in Electronics in Tampa, FL. In 1986 Mckinnie moved back to Jackson County and for the next 14 years worked for Sony Magnetic Products Inc of America in Dothan, AL serving in capacities of supervision and electronic maintenance technician. While working at Sony Mckinnie earn his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from Troy State University in Dothan, AL. In 2000 Mckinnie earn his Associate of Science Degree in Mortuary Science from Jefferson State College in Birmingham, AL. In 2002 he opened Mckinnie Funeral Home LLC in Campbellton, FL where he serves as managing partner and Licensed Funeral Director, and co-owner of Mckinnie Funeral Home Inc., Crestview, FL. Mckinnie has been employed for the past 11 years as a senior aircraft simulation technician with Computer Science Corporation in Fort Rucker, AL. McKinnie is very active in his community. He served seven years as councilman for the Town of Campbellton as Buildings and Grounds Commissioner. While serving in this capacity he assisted in bringing the St. Paul Memorial Park in Campbellton a reality. In 2007 while serving as councilman the Town of Campbellton was awarded a Rural Development Enterprise Grant (RBEG) in the amount of $281,837 from the USDA Rural Development for a water system expansion in which McKinnie Funeral Home, a small and emerging business was the benefactor, which at that time was one of the largest grants presented to a single entity in the state of Florida according to USDA spokesperson. The USDA federal grant was awarded under the administration of President George W. Bush which allowed the Town of Campbellton to supply Mckinnie Funeral Home 10” water mainlines, fire hydrants, which allowed six additional water residential connection hook-ups and due to the size of the grant the town was further able to pave Bowden Hill Road with the remaining balance of the funds. Mckinnie is a member of the New Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Campbellton where he serves as a trustee and is a member of the New Bethel Senior Choir. He is a member of Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and in 2008 served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors. He is a member of Independent Funeral Director Association and Florida Mortician Association and also an Alabama Licensed Funeral Director. He has partnership in the Miscellaneous Investment Club LLC-Real Estate Investors Group. Mckinnie is affiliated with numerous civic and nonprofit organizations. He accredits his accomplishments and achievements to his faith in God and his parents who taught him the value of hard work and the importance of treating everyone with respect. When asked why he decided to run for District 1 County Commissioner for Jackson County, McKinnie replied.” Because I love providing service to the people, this is my calling I care about the health, safety and welfare of all the citizens of Jackson County. I’m a problem solver and I will be an effective leader for district one. We need to invest more into infrastructure, to attract new businesses continue to improve our roads, and eliminate wasteful spending, by ensuring a job is done right the first time.”