Moments before he presided over the swearing-in ceremony for Rep. Jamie Kiel (R-Russellville), Franklin County Probate Judge Barry Moore reflected on how the political climate in Franklin County has changed in recent years.
“As far as I have researched, this is the first time a Republican has held the District 18 House Seat,” Moore said. “This is a huge accomplishment for the Republican Party and a result of Representative Kiel's hard work and dedication and that of his supporters.
“The Republican Party in Franklin County has sort of been the forgotten party for years. Years ago, you couldn't get elected as a Republican, but times have changed at the county, state and federal level. Representative Kiel is a bright young man who will make smart decisions. I'm honored to be here today and excited to be working with him. We can get a lot accomplished by working together,” Moore added.
Moments later, Kiel repeated the oath of office read by Moore in front of a crowd of family and supporters in the Franklin County Courthouse main courtroom.
“It's an honor to be up here and a double honor because you are here,” Kiel told the crowd. “I see folks here we go way back with and folks we just met as we began this journey.
“A lot of you worked really hard. It does not escape me that I didn't get here by myself and that I'm gong to need all of you as we go along,” Kiel added.
Kiel's pastor, Neil Rogers of Tharptown Baptist Church, opened the ceremony with a prayer.
After Moore addressed the crowd, Red Bay Mayor Charlene Fancher and Franklin County Superintendent of Education Greg Hamilton spoke, with both stressing the importance of teamwork in improving the quality of life in House District 18. Fancher discussed the importance of family when someone launches into political office.
“I'll offer you some words of assurance. Thank your family because serving comes with sacrifice,” Fancher said. “You can expect a lot of work to go on behind doors that nobody else sees.
“You cannot succeed without teamwork. It's a time for all of us to roll up our sleeves and work together. We are linked together in House District 18. You have to go through point A to get point B. It's all about promoting each other,” Fancher added.
Hamilton said Kiel was part of the legislature that decides and approves school funding.
“They approve our budget every year and our needs change year-to-year, so we need a great working relationship with our representatives,” Hamilton said. “Right now in Franklin County, our most pressing need is capital improvements. I look forward to working together with Representative Kiel for a better Franklin County.”
Kiel described his family's schedule as “being on turbo” the last two years since he launched his campaign.
“We did count the costs before beginning this process. It takes everyone to make this happen,” Kiel said. “The work is just beginning. I'm ready to go to work for the people of this district and I hope and pray you'll be involved in this process.”
