This year, the Leesburg businessman says he needs another four years to finish commercial projects still “on the back burner” in Lee County.
Leverett is one of three candidates on the Republican primary ballot Tuesday, and this week during advance voting. He’s also the only incumbent out of three whose seats come open this year to seek reelection.
Leverett is opposed by two newcomers to elected office, Miller Brewing retiree Joe Adair and insurance agency owner Rick Muggridge.
Transferring with a former employer from Waycross to Lee County 48 years ago, Leverett, 70, later managed a Harveys supermarket for 14 years, and got in the convenience store business a decade ago, he said. He runs the Petro station in Leesburg.
While he represents Lee County’s south-central Century District, the board of commissioners elected Leverett its chairman this year. It’s a challenging role — he can vote, but not make or second motions — but it’s one he’s enjoyed, he said.
“That’s par for the course — that’s what they pay me for,” said Leverett. “It’s a lot of responsibility, but I don’t mind it. I enjoy what I’m doing. You’re in the hot seat.”
Most recently, he’s touted a sales-tax project to extend Cedric Street from Old Leesburg Road east to Lovers Lane Road.
“It’s not costing taxpayers anything; it’s just making it easier to get to town and takes some (traffic) off of Philema Road,” Leverett said.
During the last two years, Leverett said the board of commissioners has “worked really good together,” balancing the county’s budget for the first time this fiscal year while keeping the county’s millage rate at 12.776 mills.
But Leverett, who on recent occasions has cast a sole vote to increase property taxes or spending, said Lee County cannot move backward with regard to county services, such as fire, emergency medical protection or law enforcement.
“People demand services. You know it, I know it. You can’t start taking it back once you give it to them,” he said.
He also occasionally argues with Smithville-Chokee commissioner Dennis Roland during commission meetings.
“Dennis is plainspoken. I don’t always agree with him, but he has the right to voice his opinion. If you have disagreements, you’ll work them out.”
Leverett said he’s pleased with the work of County Administrator Alan Ours and Finance Director Caree Elder, both of whom have come on board during his term.
Leverett wants a second term so he can see projects such as Forrester Crossing shopping center and Ledo Road commercial development move along.
“Commercial development, that’s what you’ve got to do to take the burden off the taxpayers. We got IHOP; Chili’s has come in. That’s a shot in the arm for the county. We’re really pleased with that. That’s going to be a lot of relief off the taxpayers.”