Jeff Jacques Sworn In as New County Commission Chairman

Franklin County now has a new County Commission Chairman.

Jeff Jacques was sworn in Tuesday morning by Franklin County Probate Judge Ken Eavenson.

Jacques won the seat on November 8 over two challengers, Doug Kidd and Courtney Long garnering 4,341 votes.

After his win, Jacques said he was grateful to the citizens of Franklin County for their support.

In an interview with Jacques in September Jacques said one area he will work towards is having the goods and services necessary inside the county so citizens don’t have to leave Franklin County to obtain them.

“Where a citizen of Franklin County wouldn’t have to leave Franklin County to obtain services whether it’s healthcare, employment, a good or service or anything else that they desire unless they chose to”

Jacques previously served as a county commissioner for 16 years and then took a break for a few years. But his desire to serve the community never left him. That’s why he’s once again seeking public office.

“I just have a sincere heartfelt desire and spiritual burden to continue serving the citizens of Franklin County if they deem that that is appropriate. This decision was made with much prayer, with the support of my family. Because I am so blessed to have grown up in Franklin County and enjoyed the quality of life that I did.”

Jacques says he recognizes Franklin County is growing and believes taking a proactive approach to manage growth is tantamount. He says having infrastructure strategically placed in the county such as water and sewer, and fire and EMS protection is an important way to accommodate this growth. Jacques says he also wants to work for a balance between the rural way of life and growth through common-sense land-use regulations.

“And that allows the county to maintain the rural integrity of which we’re also proud of. It also allows for residential growth in a specified area, and then as important, retail, commercial, and industrial growth to be placed in targeted areas that yield a tax base, yield jobs, and very good partners in the community.”

You can hear the complete interview with Jacques during Community Forum on Sunday at 12:03.