Probate Judge passes away

By Staff
Jason Cannon, Franklin County Times
Franklin County Probate Judge Mike Green died early yesterday of an apparent heart attack. He was 54.
Green was elected probate judge in 2000 and began his second term in January.
He operated a convenience store on Alabama 24 for nearly 30 years before taking office as probate judge.
"Judge Green was as good of a person as I've ever tried to work with," said Commissioner Gene Graham. "He always did what he thought was best for Franklin County. Being in politics, there are some things that an elected official may have to do or may have to vote on that may not be popular with the voters. He didn't care about all that. He wanted to do what was best for the county."
By all accounts Green was very politically popular, winning two terms as probate judge by overwhelming margins.
"He was one of the better judges Franklin County's ever seen," Commissioner Norris Lewey said. "He put Franklin County first. That's why he was so big into this industrial development thing. He wanted to bring more and better paying jobs to the county…he wanted to stop educating our kids and sending them off to some other county to work. He wanted to keep all that right here."
Aside from trying to push Franklin County forward, his fellow commissioners recall that Green was willing to lend a hand wherever it was needed.
"With me being a rookie on the commission, I know I was annoying asking him a bunch of questions while I was trying to get my feet on the ground, but he never made me feel that way," said Commissioner Rayburn Massey, who will now serve as commission chairman. "He was always helpful. He was a good leader. It was a pleasure to work with him."
Commissioner Jackie Bradford had known Green since grade school and said while the county lost a great leader, he's lost a great friend.
"He always put the county first," he said. "In my six years of working with him, that's all he thought about: The citizens, cities and towns in Franklin County. The county's going to miss him…I know I'm going to miss him."
"I've known Mike since way before we ever had a professional relationship," said former Russellville Chief of Police, Donnie McGuire. "He was one of the best leaders Franklin County has ever had."
Gov. Bob Riley will appoint a replacement for Green and that person will serve the 5 and a half years remaining on Green's term.
Yesterday morning, the current commissioners drafted a resolution asking that Riley appoint Green's wife, Connie, to serve the remaining years of his term. However, Riley is not bound to honor their request.
Jeff Emmerson, Communication Director for Riley's office, said interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to Gov. Riley's office at 600 Dexter Ave., Montgomery, AL, 36130 or fax them to 334-353-0004.
There is no time frame set for when a new probate judge will be appointed, Emmerson added.