Shelby touts education during visit

By Staff
Melissa Cason
U.S. Senator Richard Shelby made his annual stop in Franklin last weekend at the A.W. Todd Centre.
Probate Judge Barry Moore, Russellville Mayor Troy Oliver, Hodges Mayor Ed Crouch, Red Bay Mayor Bobby Forsythe, and Russellville Councilman Jeff Masterson were among the members of the public who attended the meeting with Shelby.
During the meeting, Shelby reassured the audience that the current global recession would end at some point and Franklin County needs to be ready when the economy turns.
Shelby said the small town banks are in trouble. Two to three hundred banks are expected to close their doors this year.
Education was the big topic for the local crowd. Technical education is needed in this area because not every student will want to go to college.
The recently passed healthcare bill was also a big concern with the crowd.
The bill passed the House Sunday night.
Shelby also touched on immigration. Moore told the crowd he estimates there are about 9,000 immigrants in Franklin County, and it is believed that only 10 percent of that number represent those who are here working legally.
Shelby also emphasized the importance of the 2010 Census.
Moore called an error in the census as a 10-year mistake because everything is decided by the census.
Franklin County was the third to last stop on Shelby’s tour of the state. Over the years Shelby estimates he has held 1,600 meetings throughout the state during his years in office. Shelby seeks another term this election year.