For Franklin County resident Justin Boyles, being able to serve his community and give voice to the younger generation has driven him to run for the county commissioner’s seat in District 3.
Boyles will run against incumbent Rayburn Massey on Tuesday, November 8 to represent the citizens of District 3. Boyles, 30, is a graduate of Russellville High School and a lifelong Franklin County resident. Boyles has a personal devotion to the residents of not only his district but the entire county as a whole.
“The county is ready for a change, and the right way to make a change is to bring in the younger generation to bring newer and fresher ideas to the county,” Boyles said. “I am not a politician, but I see a need for change in our communities, and this is the best time for me to make that change throughout the county.”
Boyles attended Northwest-Shoals Community College before attending the University of Alabama and graduating from UNA with a degree in business. He recently purchased CJ’s grocery/gas station in Belgreen, and one part of his campaign will be to focus on helping balance the budget for smaller schools like Belgreen.
“Our schools are at a disadvantage when it comes to competing with other school systems,” Boyles said. “It’s time that we level the playing field so we can make some serious advances. We need to start making the smartest decisions for our students and make sure they have the best opportunity to succeed.”
Boyles said he won’t make any campaign promises but will strive to serve the public in the best way he knows how.
“I have always been told to be careful not to promise anything you can’t deliver on, and that’s what I am going to do,” he said. “Instead of giving out empty promises, I will take the public’s questions and concerns and make them a priority until those questions are answered.”
One of the things Boyles wants voters to know is that, if he is elected, the voters can come to him with any problem any time of day.
“If I am elected, I will be 24/7 accessible to the citizens,” he said. “I will answer any questions or concerns they have, and if I don’t have the answer I’ll find out the answer. I feel as though a lot of officials throughout the county aren’t accessible enough, and I want to change that for the benefit of the people.”
When asked if his youth should play a factor in the public’s decision when they go to the polls, Boyles said he hopes it will be a factor and he hopes people view it as a change for the better.
“Yes, I am the youngest person running for a position with the county,” Boyles said, “but that doesn’t mean I am not qualified. I have nothing against my opponent, and I think he is a good person. But, in all honesty, I believe it is time for a change in the way we do things, and that time is now. Everyone I have talked to has said they’re ready for things to be kind of shaken up, and I’m here representing those people and what they stand for.”
Boyles is also hopeful that people will vote for the person they believe to be the right candidate rather than voting strictly based on party affiliation.
“I think a lot of times we lose sight of what’s important and the key issues at hand when it comes to electing people to represent and serve us,” Boyles said. “I am encouraging people to go out and vote because it is their right as a U.S. citizen to vote. But at the same time I want them to take the time to sit down and think about who the best person for the position is and what each candidate has to offer.
“Vote for the best person for the job, not based on party. I hope the people of Franklin County see me as the best person for the job, because I would be honored to serve them.”
