With deep roots in Marshall County and decades of experience operating heavy equipment and maintaining Oklahoma’s transportation infrastructure, Justin “Wormy” Ayres said he is ready to put his experience to work for the residents of District 1 as he seeks election as Marshall County Commissioner. A lifelong resident of the district, Ayres has spent 47 years living in Marshall County.
Raised on a small farm west of Madill, he now lives on the same property where he grew up and is raising his ownfamily.Withtwochildren attending Madill High School and several properties located throughout the county, Ayres said his commitment to the future of Marshall County is both personal and practical.
“I care deeply about the future of Marshall County and want to see our communities continue to thrive,” Ayres said.
Ayres brings more than 20 years of experience holding a commercial driver’s license and operating heavy equipment. He currently has 16 years of service with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and said the skills he has developed there have prepared him to take on the responsibilities of county government.
“I know the value of work ethic, responsibility and reliability,” he said. “I will bring that same dedication to serving Marshall County.”
If elected, Ayres pointed to three key areas he believes deserve immediate attention: public safety and emergency access, improving county roads and working cooperatively with fellow commissioners to find practical solutions for county challenges. He emphasized that he wants to pursue improvements without increasing the tax burden on residents.
“A key part of my approach is to seek out and apply for every grant the county qualifies for without adding additional strain on taxpayers,” Ayres said.
Infrastructure remains one of the most common concerns among residents in rural counties, and Ayres said maintainingsafeanddependable roads would be a major focus of his administration.
“Good roads and emergency access matter to everyone, families, farmers, school buses, businesses and first responders,” he said.
Ayres said he believes preparation and planning are essential. He said the county must ensure equipment is available and ready to respond during severe weather events while also staying aheadofroutinemaintenance needsbeforeproblemsbecome more costly.
His goal, he said, is to keep roads at a maintainable level while aggressively pursuing grant opportunities that can help fund improvements without requiring tax increases. As Marshall County continues to experience growth and development, Ayres said preserving the county’s rural characterremainsimportant.
“Marshall County’s rural character is one of our greatest strengths,” he said. “I believe we can encourage growth without losing what makes our county home.”
Ayres said successful growth requires cooperation among local governments, schools, law enforcement agencies, businesses and residents. He believes strong communication and careful planning can help create economic opportunities while protecting the quality of life that has long defined the county.
“I want to support opportunities that strengthen our economy, our schools and public safety, while being mindful of how growth affects our communities, infrastructure and quality of life,” he said. “Growth should benefit Marshall County without changing the values andcharacter thatpeople love about living here.”
Ayres spoke about the Tax Increment Financing district, commonly known as the TIF, which generated considerable debate among Marshall County residents. He acknowledged the issue has been divisive and said he understands why residents held strong opinions on both sides of the discussion.
“TheTIFwasabigissuefor Marshall County, and people had strong opinions for good reasons on both sides,” Ayres said. “I respect that.”
Rather than focusing on past disagreements, Ayres said his attention would be directed toward ensuring the project is managed responsibly moving forward.
“If elected as your District 1 commissioner, I will stay involved, work closely with the other commissioners, and make sure the project is handled in a way that benefits all of Marshall County while keeping our taxpayers in mind,” he said.
As voters prepare to choose their next District 1 commissioner, Ayres is presenting himself as a candidate grounded in local experience, familiar with the challenges facing rural infrastructure and committed to balancing growth with the preservation of Marshall County’s rural heritage. His campaign message centers on practical problem-solving, fiscal responsibility and a lifelong investment in the community he has always called home.