Franklin County Run-off Candidates Meet for 2nd Political Forum

The candidates running for four Franklin County seats in next Tuesday’s run-off election held forth last Thursday on their platforms one last time during a Republican Party-sponsored political forum at the Franklin Springs Community Center.

Voters are choosing candidates in the Frankin County Sheriff’s race, the race for County Commissioner for Districts 1 and 2, and the County Commission Chair race.

Questions were submitted by the public and the forum was moderated by John Hylton.

In the race for County Sheriff, candidates Scott Andrews and Brian Stovall are running.

In addressing the county’s drug problem the candidates were asked what they would do to clean up drug trafficking in Franklin County.

Pointing to his years of training in interdiction patrols, Scott Andrews said concentrated patrols in the areas where drugs and drug trafficking are prevalent as well as more training for deputies is key.

Brian Stovall agreed that concentrated patrols are necessary as well as seizing drug dealers’ assets and stepping up patrols on the Interstate.

Franklin County has been in desperate need of a new county jail for some time.

Citizens asked both candidates how they would go about getting the funding for that project.

Stovall pointed out that the County is currently spending thousands of dollars every month to house jail inmates in other county jails because the Franklin County Detention Center is too small and in desperate need of repair.

Andrews said he doesn’t want the County to raise taxes to pay for a new jail but will work with the county commission to come up with a plan.

Again, the Run-off Election is next Tuesday, June 18.  Early voting continues this week from 8a to 5p through Friday at the Franklin County Board of Elections office in Carnesville.