Q&A with District 2 Commissioner Jeff Burrough

Jeff Burrough has served as Walker County Commissioner for District 2 for the last four years. Burrough serves an area that includes Carbon Hill, Townley, Eldridge, Nauvoo, and other surrounding communities. Burrough’s philosophy toward this post is one of “quiet service” and he wants to help District 2 thrive over the coming years. 

We recently sat down with Jeff to ask him about his life and his service to Walker County. 

78: Jeff, can you tell us a little bit about your educational and career background? 

JB: I was born and raised in West Jasper, and I am a lifelong resident of Walker County and District 2. I lived in Jasper from 1967 to 1988 and I have lived in Carbon Hill from 1988 to the present. 

I graduated from Walker High School in 1985 and then signed a football scholarship to UNA. My father died in 1986, which was my first year in college, so I  moved back home with my mother as I was an only child. I graduated from Walker College in 1988 and at that time met my wife, Jill Manuel Burrough. I also began working in the car business while at Walker College. In 1992, I opened small car dealership and it is still in operation today.  

78: You’ve been a successful businessman for many years. What made you want to throw your hat into the political arena? 

JB: I ran my first campaign for school board member as I was heavily involved in my community and our children’s future. I was encouraged by a local principal, Dianna Little, and won that race in 2004. My interest in helping our youth is what started my political career. The reward of giving and helping people is very satisfying. I am very proud of the many accomplishments while on school board, including new schools at Carbon Hill and Cordova and gyms at Curry and Oakman.  

Then, in 2016, I was encouraged by Mrs Linda Ensor to run for County Commissioner for District 2. It is a decision that I am very proud of, as it has been a blessing to serve the residents in Walker County. I have many friends to thank for supporting me and I will continue to do a good job. 

78: Since you’ve been on the County Commission, what are some projects you are particularly proud of? 

JB: Major road projects resurfaced including Yellow Jacket Road, Nauvoo road, School Street in Oakman. These are a few major projects that I am glad to see finished.  

Another one in particular is using district resources to set up a litter crew to clean up Walker County. It is a work in progress and it never stops, but we are slowly cleaning up our roadways. I’m also proud of the kayak and rafting entrances we have helped construct on the Blackwater waterway. 

The commission has several road projects on a future planning list, along with the desire for a nice agriculture center complex in Walker County.  

78: There are many good things happening in Walker County, but at times the negative seems to dominate the news. What is your perception of Walker County and do you think it’s unfair that it sometimes gets a bad rap? 

JB: I do think that Walker County is a remarkable place to live and I never dwell on the negatives. We have strong leaders throughout our county, whether it’s in the county or city governments or in the private sector. In my everyday circles, I see good people trying to make a difference. We have good schools, affordable housing, good jobs with a growing industrial park, retail, restaurants, a beautiful lake, and activity choices. So yes, I think its unfair not to mention all the good things happening in Walker County.

78: You’ve worked with a good group of folks for the last 4 years. What can you say about your fellow commissioners and others who work for the county? 

JB: I have worked with some great men. The commissioners have been very helpful to me in the first term and I hope that I have helped in a positive way to build relationships of teamwork to accomplish new goals for Walker County. Together we have steadied the ship dealing with critical debt from years past and have a positive agenda to improve our infrastructure. 

We have county employees that go over and beyond to do their jobs effectively. I am very impressed with them in every office of the county. I feel it is mine and fellow commissioners responsibility to support our employees and help them succeed. 

My District 2 staff has been exceptional at welcoming a new boss and I could not be more proud or thankful for the work they do.  

78: Outside of work, what are your hobbies and interests? 

JB: I really love Alabama Football and have enjoyed Coach Saban’s success. I have  enjoy watching my daughter play volleyball for the last 12 years and now in college. I enjoy crappie fishing, golf, and most of all now, playing with my grandkids.

78: Family is important to you. Can you tell us a little bit about your family? 

JB: My spouse is Jill Burrough. We have been married 31 years and she is a teacher at Carbon Hill Elementary School. My daughter is Ricki Jill Burrough, a graduate of Carbon Hill High School and currently a junior at Mississippi University for Women. 

My son is McClain Burrough, and he and his wife Leslie have two children, Anderson (4) and Quinn (1). McClain is a pharmacist at Carbon Hill Drugs/Son’s Pharmacy in Jasper, and Leslie is a teacher at Carbon Hill High School

My mother is Glenda Bice of Jasper and she has been a spiritual blessing to me all of my life. We are members at First Baptist Church of Carbon Hill. 78