Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange said he believes it’s important for him to get out of Montgomery and visit the cities and towns across the state to see what the people truly need from his office.
On Friday, Strange made just such a stop in Franklin County following an appearance at the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police in Huntsville.

Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange said he believes it’s important for him to get out of Montgomery and visit the cities and towns across the state to see what the people truly need from his office.

On Friday, Strange made just such a stop in Franklin County following an appearance at the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police in Huntsville.

“While I was this close to Franklin County, I thought it would be a good time for me to visit with the people here,” Strange said.

“It’s always good for me to actually sit down or have time to talk with the people who are involved in the local criminal justice system and see how I can better help the district attorneys, the judges and the law enforcement community.

“Once I talk to them, I can take those ideas back with me to Montgomery.”

Strange, who was escorted by Russellville attorney Shane James, met with many courthouse officials Friday afternoon during a retirement reception for Franklin County Assistant District Attorney Doug Evans.

“It was fortunate that I happened to be here on a day when they were giving such a nice send-off to Mr. Evans,” Strange said.

“I’m glad that I was able to offer him my personal thanks for his many years of service as a prosecutor. He has been one of the top assistant DAs in our state, and I’m glad I had the chance to meet him and see the kind of legacy he is leaving.”

Strange also met with Franklin County Probate Judge Barry Moore, Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett and others to discuss current events and issues taking place locally.

“I just appreciate Attorney General Strange taking time to come to Franklin County and for showing interest in what’s going on with our people here,” Moore said.

During Strange’s visit, he also spent a good portion of the morning and afternoon in Red Bay touring the Tiffin Motorhomes plant and having lunch with local community leaders.

“I have always wanted to tour the Tiffin facilities,” Strange said.

“The fantastic and steadfast commitment of that family is an inspiration. If we could replicate that family across the state and their commitment to run a quality facility and provide much-needed jobs for local residents, Alabama would be in great shape.

“They provide so many jobs for residents and produce a quality product. I was very impressed with their operations and glad I was able to take that tour.”

Red Bay councilman and Community Spirit Bank president Brad Bolton said they were honored to have Strange visit their city.

“Having another constitutional officer such as the attorney general join other state leaders such as Gov. Robert Bentley come to Red Bay is a testament of the economic impact that Red Bay and Franklin County has on the state,” Bolton said.

“It is obvious that these political leaders are taking notice that our county, our city, and Northwest Alabama in general are important economic engines for our state.

“We are always glad to show off what we have to offer and keep our needs fresh on their minds because you never know how much further folks like the attorney general will go in the future politically, thus sowing seeds now with these type visits could yield economic harvest for us in the future.

“I appreciate Tony Riley and Shane James specifically for making this visit to Red Bay happen.”

James, who serves as Strange’s county contact, said he believed the visit went over well.

“Anytime you have someone in Luther’s position who is available to visit your area, you want to take advantage of that,” James said.

“I think that Luther was very impressed with Franklin County and with the Tiffin Motorhomes plant and what we have to offer here. The next time he sees one of their motorhomes, I’m sure he’ll be remembering Franklin County and his visit.”