Green wins Democratic nod

Tears welled up in Connie Green’s eyes Tuesday night as she talked about her run to fill the seat once held by her late husband.

“There were a lot of things that Mike helped get started for Franklin County and I want to see those completed,” Green said, referring to former Probate Judge Mike Green, who passed away in 2007, just months after beginning his second term in office.

Green won the Democratic primary Tuesday by defeating current District 1 Commissioner Stratt Byars and Russellville resident Chris Nichols. Green avoided a run-off by capturing more than 55 percent of the vote.

“I am just overwhelmed by the support we received throughout the campaign and then again today at the polls,” Green said.

“This feels wonderful and I am so thankful.”

Green will face current Probate Judge Barry Moore in November’s general election.

Green said that her experience as a business owner and watching her late husband in his job as probate judge has prepared her for the tough times ahead, if elected.

“Right now economic development is very important,” she said.

“You have got to be there to grab it when it comes. If we can land some industries, that will create jobs and revenue for us to do so many things. The conditions of our roads is important to people and we need to generate the kind of revenue that will allow us to make repairs.”

She said that completing many of the projects started by her husband would be a goal as well.

“People thought Mike was doing a good job and that’s why he was elected to a second term,” she said.

“I want to finish some of what he started.”