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Community Heroes Series
From the May 2005 issue of Alabama Living magazine
Interview
by Kay Marshall
KM for TEC: What are your goals for 2005?
Franks: “To complete our
new industrial park which is located just off Corridor X. I believe
our industrial park will help us get prepared for growth and create
more jobs for this area.”
KM for TEC: What goals do you have for Marion County?
Franks:“My goals are to
see our area have enough good paying jobs to offer our citizens,
so they won't have to leave our county to look for work, and to
support the businesses in our areas, and try to recruit new ones.
Finally, to work together to help create the infrastructure, and
prepare the sites for industrial development so our community and
county can grow.”
KM for TEC: What, in your opinion, what is the greatest detriment
we have in Northwest Alabama?
Franks:“Well, our roads
and highways play a big role in recruitment, and I believe that
if there is a North-South Freeway - Marion County will be a great
location for recruiting new industries. I also believe that our
inability to work together as a whole county (and without it becoming
too political) is another hold-back... but we’re all working
on that issue.”
KM for TEC: What would be your solution for pulling ALL of the
communities within Northwest Alabama together to work towards the
task of job creation?
Franks:“We have all got
to work together in order to recruit new industry. Everyone needs
to keep a positive attitude, and be willing to help one another.
If we all can focus on joining together to pull our county closer
we will see results. We will need to put politics aside and work
for a common goal, and lay down some specific ground rules to follow.
And we need to remember that If we don’t succeed the first
time, to keep trying and stay positive!”
KM for TEC: What is Brilliant’s greatest assets?
Franks:“Our greatest assets
are the citizens who live in our community, and their willingness
to work together to achieve our goals. Our police department, and
volunteer fire department, are outstanding! And they’re willing
to help in any way they can. Another asset is all of the businesses
located in our town. Tullahoma Industries which located here two
years ago, will soon be employing three-hundred people.
Our park advisory board, the beautification committee, our newly
constructed park -which consist of a new walking trail and play
ground for the children, three ball fields and a picnic area- are
also considered great assets to Brilliant. Also, the old Brilliant
Depot is being renovated for a coal mining museum which will feature
a coal mining monument honoring coal miners in Northwest Alabama.
And don’t forget that on Memorial Day weekend Brilliant is
host to our annual Coalfest.
Very high on our list of assets are Brilliant High School and Elementary
School - they are the heart of our town, and the biggest hidden
secret in Brilliant. Because we are a small community, our teachers
take a lot of pride in their students to see them succeed in school
and life. Our students have become doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers,
and many different professions. I am very proud of our two schools
and what they have to offer.”
KM for TEC: Any additional comments for our readers?
Franks:“I would like to
express my appreciation to the present and previous council for
working together to make our goals achievable.
- I want to congratulate Tullahoma Industries and their employees
for their hard work and dedication. Tullahoma Industries was awarded
a $135 million dollar contract for army combat uniforms over the
next five years. I would also like to mention they are taking applications.
- Our beautification committee has our town looking great and everyone
is very proud.
- Brilliant has one of the largest attended senior centers located
in Northwest Alabama, we welcome you to visit our senior center
which is located in the housing project community building on Center
Street.
Brilliant, and Marion County, is a great place to live and raise
children. For those who have never visited our town, and those who
have... I want to personally invite you to come see us, and let
us welcome you to our town!”
Kay
Marshall is the Internet Projects Coordinator and Editor for TEC
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