Columnists, Opinion
 By  Lauren Wester Published 
8:07 am Thursday, May 3, 2018

Educate yourself, use your voice

One question I have been asked and that honestly floats around in my own head sometimes is “How can I get more involved?” or “How can I know more about my community?” The answer is pretty straightforward: do your research, search your local paper, ask around, utilize social media. In short, educate yourself.

That same philosophy can be applied to those seeking to become more involved in the political realm, also. You can’t be a fully engaged citizen of your community if you don’t know who is running it, what they believe and what you would like to see them do.

With the upcoming June primary election, Franklin County has provided its citizens with opportunities to meet and learn about the candidates for local and statewide elections. These are important opportunities citizens need to take part in to be informed about what is going on in their local and state government.

I often hear people complain about issues going on in the community or problems they have with local leaders, and they ask what can be done about them. The solution is to become active.

Go to the political rallies or meet-and-greets. Ask questions. Find out what the candidates believe, decide who shares your values or views and support that person.

We have the right to vote – use it. Use your voice, and follow through with your actions.

Also on Franklin County Times
First Metro Bank donates $250K to hospital
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 8, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Russellville Hospital has received a $250,000 donation from First Metro Bank through a state tax credit program. “All rural hospitals a...
PC grad had role in Artemis II launch
Main, News, Phil Campbell, ...
By Bernie Delinski and María Camp 
April 8, 2026
PHIL CAMPBELL — Noah Williams stood in a grassy field at Kennedy Space Center on April 1 about seven miles from the Artemis II launch pad. It was the ...
Locals react to US’s 10-day space flight
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 8, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Rocky Stone, former Russellville High School principal, called last week’s Artemis II launch a “milestone” in the United States’ space ...
Gray hired as UNA director of bands
News
Alyssa Sutherland For the FCT 
April 8, 2026
FLORENCE — Joseph Gray has been named the next director of bands for the University of North Alabama. He will also serve as an associate professor of ...
Protect local deposits which power growth
Columnists, Opinion
April 8, 2026
Most conversations about new digital payment tools often miss a crucial reality: When money exits community bank deposits, local lending is directly i...
Meeting highlights service, awards
Columnists, News, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
April 8, 2026
Members of the GFWC Book Lovers Study Club reported more than $2,700 was raised for community causes, and the chapter received multiple awards during ...
Waypoint Church hosts Easter egg hunt
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 8, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE – Waypoint Church held an Easter event at Sloss Lake Friday afternoon. The free event included photos with the Easter bunny, music (inclu...
Band turns life’s stories into songs
Features, News
Chelsea Retherford For the FCT 
April 8, 2026
For the band OTIS, the road isn’t just for touring and performance. Between shows, in parking lots and back rooms, the band gathers stories from the p...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *