My name is John Hemken.  I am the CEO of A&M Manufacturing, a boat manufacturer that is literally located across the fence from Chiefland Middle High School.  One of the biggest concerns that I have as an employer is the need for vocational education & apprenticeship programs here in Levy County.  That is why I am so interested in the upcoming School Superintendent election.  I have met with both candidates and I am going on record as wholeheartedly supporting Mr. Jerry Lawrence.  

As a business owner, I evaluate our performance as to whether we are winning or losing.  Our employment is back to pre-pandemic levels, orders are strong & we are being recognized as one of Florida's Companies to Watch.  I would say we are winning and our team is excited about that.

However, as we expand, our #1 concern is where our future workforce will come from.  I often look across the fence and wonder why we have not gotten any traction relative to creating school to work programs.  When I look at our school district's achievement data 

and consider the lack of vocational education/apprenticeship support ......I have come to the conclusion that we are not winning at this time.  Our young people deserve better and we  need to provide avenues for them to be able to flourish right here in Levy County.  

Change is required!  That requires leadership that is sensitive to the past but is not satisfied with maintaining the status quo.  My belief is that Mr. Jerry Lawrence has the experience, passion & vision to get the job done.  I will be voting for Jerry on Nov. 3 and urge others to do the same.

John Hemken, Chiefland, Florida