White
Escambia County Commissioner Larry White has kicked off his re-election campaign for the District 3 seat he has held for the past 24 years.
White will face Republican Scottie Stewart in the November General Election.
"Through innovative planning, sound business management and focused initiatives, we have moved Escambia County forward. We have made major progress in infrastructure improvements."
White noted many of the county's structurally-deficient bridges have been replaced with modern structures and many of the county's major arteries (FAS projects) have been resurfaced utilizing federal monies and ATRIP funding through the Alabama Department of Transportation.
"We have also been able to resurface other 'farm-to-market' roads and rural community streets with the assistance of grants from the Poarch Creek Indians," White said. "We now enjoy a new boat landing on the Conecuh River at Pollard."
White also said the county's budgets are balanced and the commission has continued to reduce its long-term debt since 1994.
"Team efforts have led to the removal of a logjam, the construction of a modern bridge over the Conecuh River on Highway 4, the construction of the four-lane Highway 113 to I-65 and the completion of the four-laning of Highway 31 from Brewton to Flomaton."
White said the commission continues to financially support economic development activities throughout the county.
"Yet, there is much more that needs to be done," he said. "Efforts will continue to search for funds to resurface our worn paved roads and to address the paving of some of our dirt roads that are becoming more populated and more traveled."
"We still have bridges that are deficient for heady loads and need to be replaced," White added. "Improving our infrastructure is also very important for our current businesses as well as for economic development. Without question, the safety of our citizens, especially our school children, is our number one priority."
White said 87 percent of road and bridge funding for Escambia County last year came from state, federal and tribal resources. He noted FEMA funds, justice grants, CDBG grants, Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) and Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding have also been very important to the county.
"For that reason, I have chosen to become an active participant in the activities of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama (ACCA) and the National Association of Counties (NaC.), "White said. "The efforts of these organizations have been successful in protecting county revenue as well as bringing additional funds to counties."
"Escambia County has benefited greatly from the work of the associations," White added. "As a permanent member of the board of directors of the ACCA and an appointed member of the board of directors of NACo., I am positioned to maintain a strong voice for Escambia County in these organizations that influence legislation and policy on the state and federal level that will affect county government and services."
"I feel that my experience and knowledge of county government are most valuable assets as we endeavor to continue the progress of our county," White said. "I ask for the opportunity to continue to work for the good people of District 3 and everyone in Escambia County."
A lifelong resident of Escambia County, White served nine years as chairman of the county commission. In addition to his work with ACCA and NACo, he serves as treasurer of the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission and currently serves on the board of directors of the Gulf Coast Resource, Conservation and Development Council.
White has worked in Flomaton for 43 years as owner and agent of Larry White Insurance and is co-owner of Tri-County Broadcasting, Inc., that include both WPFL and WBZR radio. Along with his brother Earnie, White provides the live action of Flomaton sports on the radio.
His wife of 47 years, the former Karen Diane Kelly, have three children, Kelli, Ben and DeeDee, have eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
