Meet Jean

I am Jean Ball, and I am running for Jefferson County Commissioner.

I’ve lived in Jefferson County for over 24 years, working alongside local organizations to support community projects. I believe in thoughtful, practical decision-making, listening to the people who live here, and taking responsibility for the county’s future. My experience in local advocacy has shown me how important it is to approach county government with care, transparency, and a steady hand.

I grew up in rural Vermont, where self-reliance wasn’t a slogan, it was simply how life worked. Much of my childhood was spent outdoors riding horses through the woods, hiking mountain trails, skating on frozen ponds, swimming in rivers, and canoeing on quiet lakes with friends and family. We raised animals, worked hard, and prepared for long winters that required teamwork and grit. In a small community you depend on one another, and you learn quickly that independence and interdependence go hand in hand. That upbringing shaped my sense of responsibility, resilience, and the belief that neighbors show up for each other when it matters. 

I am a business owner with a long track record of responsibility and accountability. I manage people and budgets. I navigate supply chains, plan complex schedules, coordinate logistics across multiple entities, maintain regulatory compliance, and communicate with customers. I understand what it takes to make practical decisions that keep things moving forward. Running a business teaches you quickly that results matter, and that problems do not solve themselves.

When wildfires threaten our community and forests, I help organize volunteers and feed firefighters on the front lines. When families need support, I help provide meals and raise funds to meet real needs. I organize community events that bring neighbors together because strong communities are built by people who are willing to step up and do the work. 

I work on economic development and business support because strong local economies support strong families. I serve as Vice President of the North Hood Canal Chamber of Commerce where I advocate for small businesses and work to make sure rural communities have a voice. 

I serve as a board member of the Northwest Watershed Institute, focusing on youth education, habitat restoration, and protecting watershed lands and waterways that sustain our county. I also believe in responsible management of our working timberlands, which help fund schools and public services with timber harvest revenues. Stewardship of our natural resources it is an investment in our future. 

I have helped secure funding for schools, first responders, and public infrastructure locally. I also advocate at the state legislature for funding and legislation that benefits rural communities, including schools, libraries, fire departments, hospitals, roads, cemeteries, and habitat conservation projects. 

My work and life have taught me the value of practical problem-solving, collaboration, and listening. Effective leadership starts with understanding the full picture and being willing to make careful, responsible decisions. 

I’ve built my life on showing up, doing the work, and not backing down from difficult conversations. Jefferson County deserves that same kind of leadership, and that’s what I intend to bring.