Editor’s Note: This is the fourth in a series of interviews with some of the local candidates running for office. General election voting is Aug. 2.

“With my knowledge of county government and business, I can help move Franklin County forward,” said Eddie Clark, candidate for Franklin County mayor. With insight honed by nearly 19 years of service on the county commission, 14 of those years as chair, Clark brings the vision of experience to the challenges facing the community.

Clark served an appointed term and two elected terms as county commissioner from 1983-1990, 1988 and 1989 as chair. He didn’t seek election again until 2006 and has served as commissioner for District 4, Seat A and as chair of the commission ever since.

“In spite of all the county’s done in the past 12 years, we’ve gone 10 years without a tax increase,” Clark said. He remains committed to continuing “to manage the county in a conservative way.” He identified four issues that needed to be addressed, but stressed, “The county is moving forward. With proper management, we can live on our growth.”

Clark advocates giving “aggressive attention” to county roads, pointing to 64 miles of gravel roads he wants to see paved.

He also favors active recruitment of industry and to that end supports constructing a spec building in the industrial park. With a ready-to-go building, a site-hungry business “can get in quicker,” he explained.

In the hope of addressing the problem of the aging middle schools without a tax increase, Clark said, “If we wait until the high school debt is paid off in four years, we’ll have the $48 million to build two new middle schools without raising taxes.”

“The middle schools are sound enough to continue for another four years,” Clark insisted. In answer to speculation building now would require a 10 percent property tax increase, Clark said given the current value of the penny, a 10 cent increase wouldn’t be sufficient. “To generate the two million per year needed until the high school debt is paid off would take a 20 cent increase,” Clark stressed.

Asked about the most pressing need facing the county, Clark answered without hesitation, “Solid waste disposal. It’s costing us $46 dollars a ton now, and the cost will increase.”

He cited landfills closing and needing to move waste longer distances as the cause.

“Addressing solid waste disposal can’t be put off,” Clark said. The solution: amp up the county’s recycling program. “What the county is paid for recycled material isn’t much,” he conceded, “but for every ton recycled we save $46.”

In Franklin County, the county mayor can also serve as county commission chair, but Clark said, “If elected mayor, I’d prefer not to continue as chair of the commission. The chair can’t argue for a position,” he explained. While the mayor doesn’t have a vote on the commission, “he can address and clarify issues.” They mayor also has veto power.

Born and raised in Franklin County, Clark worked in manufacturing for several years after graduating from high school then joined his brother as a partner in C & D Appliances. In 1985, he bought out his brother and today is the sole owner.

Clark and his wife Pat have three daughters, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

He points to his aptitude for working with the commissioners and fostering unity on the commission as an asset to his serving in the office of mayor. He also has an insider’s knowledge of state laws—“I know what we can and can’t do.”

But finally, what is the main reason Eddie Clark wants to be Franklin County mayor? “I love Franklin County. I’ve been here my entire life.”