Candidates mingle with community at EFVFD fundraiser

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Community members filled East Franklin Volunteer Fire Department Friday night as the fire department hosted its annual Candidate Supper to allow community members a chance to meet local candidates while raising money for the fire department.

The supper featured William Earl Bishop’s smoked chicken and pulled barbecue plates, with money raised going toward the repair of the pump on Fire Engine 3.

“These guys are just like undertakers,” said Franklin County revenue commissioner candidate Charlie D. Nelson. “They are out there all hours of the night, taking away from their family time. Anything we can do to help them and support them and their cause is a great thing that I am all for.”

Incumbent Franklin County revenue commissioner Veronica Copeland Stancil said the East Franklin Fire Department holds a special place in her heart since it is her local fire department.

“I had an accident Jan. 1, and they were the first on the scene,” Copeland Stancil said. “Fire departments hold a very special place in my heart, especially with my job as revenue commissioner, since we are the ones who collect the fire fees.”

At the candidate supper, candidates or their family members representing them had the chance to speak to the crowd before meeting with individuals throughout the night.

“My favorite part is just getting to meet with so many people and see so many people,” said Franklin County revenue commissioner candidate Stratt Byars.

Copeland Stancil said she enjoys the chance to meet with the people who she works with as revenue commissioner who might not know who she is.

“I think it’s important because these are the people that you do business with throughout the year, and it’s good to put a face with the title sometimes,” Copeland Stancil said.

Nelson said he is thankful to the East Franklin Volunteer Fire Department for hosting the event and hopes to see more events like this throughout the county in the future.

“The county is so big, it is just hard to get to meet and see everyone throughout the campaign,” Nelson said. “This event, which I wish Franklin County had more of, things like this bring us all together as a county. I think it’s good for the voters to get to see all of us that are running for office and get to know us.”

The polls will open for voting in Alabama March 3.