Jewel Jordan, a member of Collierville’s Planning Commission, is running for the open Position 2 alderman seat incumbent Billy Patton is leaving at the end of this term.

Patton has decided against seeking reelection, and will end a 12-year career on the suburb’s board. Jordan, a lifelong Collierville resident, is the first candidate to announce for the office. Candidates can pick up qualifying petitions beginning June 20. The deadline to file for the offices on the Nov. 8 municipal ballot is Aug. 18.

Collierville alderman won’t seek reelection

“It’s time for a different change, a different part of government,” said Jordan, who has served in numerous community roles and on town advisory commissions.

He spent the last year on the mayor-appointed Planning Commission. Prior to that, he spent five years on the Board of Zoning Appeals. He’s also served on the Collierville Chamber of Commerce Board and the Mayor’s Advisory Board under the late Linda Kerley. He’s currently a member of the Police Advisory Board. He’s also served outside of Collierville as Tennessee State University alumni president.

Jordan started his own home inspection business about 18 years ago. He previously spent 20 years as a real estate agent.

Those various roles have taught him how to work with others, he said.

“I feel I know how to communicate with people well,” Jordan said. “I love the city, and I’d like to see the city work together on a lot of different things.”

While he notes the board collaborates to find solutions, he wants to be part of it. With gratitude, he wants to give back to the suburb.

Jordan and his wife have been married 50 years and raised three children in Collierville. He is also the grandfather of two girls.

Jordan has lived more than seven decades in the suburb. He attended schools in Collierville, but then attended Mt. Pigsah High School. He was unable to attend Collierville High due to segregation.

He attended Tennessee State University and studied agriculture but worked for South Central Bell Telephone Co. before pursuing real estate.

In addition to the seat Jordan is seeking, two other alderman seats are on the Nov. 8 ballot. Alderwomen Maureen Fraser and Missy Marshall are seeking reelection to their offices. Aldermen run at-large, and all residents are eligible to vote for a candidate in each position.

Two school board seats are also part of the Nov. 8 election — those held by Wanda Chism and Frank Warren. Both could seek another four-year term. However, neither has declared their intentions yet.