Long-time county supervisor Joe Neves seeks a seventh term on the board

Can you give me your full name and age and marital status, children?

Joe Neves, age 60, married to wife Kathy for 32 years. Two adult children, son Justin and wife Alison along with daughter Heather and husband Daryl.  Kathy and I also have 8 Grandchildren.

Where are you from originally? Schools attended, including high school, college, post-graduate law degrees, etc.?

I am the fourth generation Kings County resident, was the third generation to graduate from Stratford Elementary, and the second generation to graduate from Lemoore High. I was also the First generation to graduate from West Hills College. I have also graduated from University of Phoenix and Brandman University with an MBA in Business Administration with an Accounting Emphasis.

Your career, including your jobs. How long have you been an elected official? Elected when, how many times, and where? Jobs you’ve held, other vocations?

I possess a Class A Driver's License with all endorsements, along with a Class M License. I have worked as a truck driver, also as a water and wastewater treatment operator (grade II) for Stratford Public Utility District.  

This is my twenty-fourth year serving on the Kings County Board of Supervisors, being first elected in 1994 and currently seeking my seventh term.

Why are you running for the Kings County Board of Supervisors?

I am seeking another term to use my experience, education, and dedication to make Kings County a great place to live and work. Challenges of smaller budgets, less surface and groundwater availability, along with increased regulations from state and federal regulatory agencies has me seeking another term to continue to serve in local government. 

Achievements? Awards or honors?

I am in the Lemoore High School Hall of Fame, West Hills Alumnus of the Year, and Citizen of the Year by the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce, shared with wife Kathy. We received the Community Service Award from the City of Lemoore, with wife Kathy in 2013. I also have a Golden Apple Award from the Kings County School Board Association.

What in your opinion are the major issues facing Kings County residents now and in the future? What must be done to ensure Kings County is successful and meets the demands of the next few years?

Gangs, drugs, and fiscal issues will continue to challenge elected officials in the future as budget demands grow and revenue streams remain the same or are reduced. Water will be a huge issue that will challenge the Farming Industry and communities of Kings County at the same time!  For the first time in the county’s One-hundred and twenty-five-year history, the lack of water will change the future. Greater demand for surface water and historic overdraft of groundwater will seek creative ideas in order to balance the county’s water needs.

Final thoughts? Is there anything you want to say that hasn’t been asked?

I have had the pleasure to work with most of service clubs and many community-based organizations in District One of Kings County. My work with Central Union School District, Lemoore Elementary, Lemoore High School and West Hills College assist in many areas. School safety, athletic programs, and academic performance is the overall goal of our involvement. Working with Senior Citizens and preschool age programs allows me to stay in touch with many different clubs, groups, and individuals to better understand our community’s needs.