McKinnon appointed to Dale County Commission

DALEVILLE – Steve McKinnon of rural Dale County has never held public office or sought it.

But Thursday morning, the 57-year-old business owner was appointed by Gov. Bob Riley to serve the unexpired term of former Dale County Commissioner Glenn Grantham, who passed away in August.

McKinnon, a long-time Republican, took the phone call from the governor’s office around 8:30, and immediately set to work – at his dry cleaning and laundry in Daleville, that is.

“This was my father’s business and I grew up in it,” said McKinnon. “My dad and I worked together for 36 years right here at L & M Cleaners. We were together every day. It’s been a good business.“

McKinnon’s father retired and McKinnon expanded the business to Ozark and then purchased an existing dry cleaner in Enterprise. In addition, McKinnon also has three coin laundries – two in Enterprise and one in Ozark.

A year or so ago, the Enterprise native said he starting thinking about running for office in county commission District 2, which includes Clayhatchee, Daleville, Ft. Rucker and Level Plains. He didn’t, he said, because Grantham decided he would seek a sixth term.

“I had considered running but only if Mr. Grantham was not going to run. We actually sat down and talked about it for a couple of hours.“

When Grantham filed for office, McKinnon nixed his plans. After the commissioner’s death, McKinnon put his name in for consideration. During the interview process, one thing the governor’s office wanted to know was if McKinnon would seek the post in 2012.

“Absolutely,” came McKinnon’s answer.

While his political experience is limited, McKinnon has served on the boards of various qua si political organizations. He is treasurer and longtime board member of the Enterprise Coffee Geneva Economic Development Corporation; serves on the board of the Friends of Ft. Rucker; and is past president of the Daleville Chamber of Commerce, where he now serves as vice president of economic affairs.

McKinnon is also active with the state executive committee of the Republican Party and the Dale County Republicans.

“I’m a Republican who works well with others,” he says with a smile. “I’ve worked hard with the county through my service on different boards and through different activities. I’ve had an interest in county government and thought I could be a benefit to the commission.“

Riley thought so too. Speaking through his press secretary, Riley issued this statement:

“I’m proud to appoint Steve McKinnon to the Dale County Commission. When making appointments, I look for the most qualified person for the job and someone who has the people’s interests at heart. That is Steve McKinnon. I’m confident Steve will make a great commissioner and serve the citizens of Dale County with distinction.“

McKinnon said he does not go into the job with a firm list of goals, feeling that Grantham’s diligence has served the district well. There are no wooden bridges left in the district, he said, and only two or three dirt roads.

“I am here for the people of the district and want to protect their interests. Mr. Grantham always saw that we got our fair share and I want to hang onto that,” he said. “He was the longest sitting Dale County Commissioner in history, serving 21 years, so I know I have big shoes to fill.

“Mr. Grantham was a good man. A real good man.“

McKinnon is an avid deer hunter and tournament bass fisherman. He and his wife, Ann, have three daughters and five grandchildren, ages two to 13.