Franklin County Times

Going into last Tuesday’s election, Probate Judge Barry Moore knew he could be fighting an uphill battle since he was running as a Republican candidate and Franklin County has traditionally been a Democratic stronghold since the early 1970s.

When the smoke had settled and the last precinct’s total had been reported, Moore said he was more than glad the people of Franklin County had given him the opportunity to continue to work for them for the next six years.

“I am humbled by the support shown in being elected as probate judge and chairman of the county commission, and I would like to thank all the citizens of Franklin County for going out to exercise their right to vote,” Moore said.

“Having three Republican candidates elected in this county is a rare feat, but as elected officials, we are here to help and represent all of the citizens of Franklin County, whether they’re a Republican, a Democrat or an Independent.

“I am excited about working with the newly elected commissioners and would like to congratulate them on their elections as well. I think together we will be able to accomplish many things for our county.”

Moore, who was appointed to serve out the remainder of Probate Judge Mike Green’s term after he passed away in April 2007, said he has learned many things during the last five and a half years and is looking forward to applying that knowledge in his upcoming term.

“For Franklin County to move forward we are going to have to work together with other entities, whether it is about economic development or about road and bridge issues,” Moore said.

“There is a lot of experience present in the current city administrations and we can use this experience to help move Franklin County forward.”

Moving forward into the new term, Moore said economic development was a top priority for him.

“I feel that economic development is very important to the citizens of our county as well as to the county itself for revenue and to help Franklin County grow,” Moore said.

“One of our greatest assets is our existing businesses and the citizens of our county. We should continue to support our local industry, and I will work with Economic Development Boards as well as with all the municipalities in a joint effort to attract industry to our county.”

Moore said the condition of roads throughout the county was also a concern for him in the upcoming months.

“Our road system is in dire need of repair and that’s something we’re taking very seriously,” Moore said.

“There are tremendous costs associated with road repairs and to alleviate some of those costs, we have applied for Alabama Transportation and Rehabilitation Improvement Program (ATRIP) money and have received some funding already, which we will put to good use in the county.

“We have also applied for and been awarded community storm shelters and sirens that will benefit the county’s citizens in times of severe weather. These shelters and sirens will be built throughout a two- to three-year period.

Basically, we just all want to see Franklin County grow for the betterment of our children as well as their children.”

Moore and District 4 commissioner Don Hastings will be the only members of the previous county commission who will transfer over into the new administration that includes District 1 commissioner-elect Chris Wallace, District 2 commissioner-elect Wyman Pounders and District 3 commissioner-elect Rayburn Massey.

The new commission, with the exception of Moore, will be sworn into office today. Moore’s swearing in ceremony will be held in January.

Even with three new faces being added to the commission, Moore said he was confident they would all be able to work together for the greater good of the county.

“One of the first things I want to do is to sit down with the newly elected commissioners and the department heads to discuss their ideas and for the department heads to give updates on what is going on in each of their departments,” Moore said.

“Open communication is a key to any successful administration and an initial meeting like this will give the commissioners an opportunity to discuss issues with each department head and get things worked out right from the start.

“There are many challenges ahead of us, and we will have some tough decisions to make, but I know this commission will make decisions that are best for the county. I think we will all work great together because we will have Franklin County’s best interests in mind in the decisions we make because this is our home, too, and we want to see it prosper.”