Carrol Franklin announces candidacy for Ocean Highway & Port Authority District 4

Press Release
Incumbent Carrol Franklin
OHPA, District 4
July 30, 2018 10:00 a.m.

Carrol Franklin seeks another term on OHPA, District 4.

My Name is Carrol Franklin and I am running for re-election for Ocean Highway and Port Authority, District 4. I would like your vote and support.

I am a resident of Hilliard and Nassau County since 1958. And am a product of the Nassau County School system. I am married to Judy Wade Franklin and have two sons, Garrett and Gregory. I am a combat military veteran serving proudly in the US Army in 1968 – 1970, serving in Viet Nam in 1969 and 1970 in the Mekong Delta.

I am owner of Franklin Mini Storage in Callahan and Hilliard and have been successfully self-employed for over forty seven years. Forty of those years in the Tire and Auto Parts industry and during that time I also built and operate two mini storage facilities. I operate my businesses with a hands on approach.

During my term on OHPA I have negotiated with the Army Core of Engineers and gotten a refund of over $50,000.00 on a mistake that was made years before I was elected to the board. And proudly, I was part of the board that got the largest amount of the debt paid off of over $18 million dollars. Some years we made just the payments, but most years we paid double payments. Under my guidance this debt was paid off several years early.

I have worked very hard to keep the US Customs and Border Patrol Office here on Port property with up to three full time agents on site. There had been a push to move it off site. It is imperative in my opinion for the office to stay local to be able to check all ships and cargo going and coming for anything that would be illegal or dangerous in a timely manner and to make sure all passports, visas, and health records are up to date.

The Port of Fernandina is one of the oldest Ports in the US and one of 14 deep water Ports in Florida. We do regular safety inspections and I will show up unannounced to do my inspections so that I can insure that our Port is safe and is kept at a standard that is safe and clean for Nassau County residents. Our Port has a lot to offer this part of the world , and I am proud to be part of it.

I feel that with my business experience as well as Port experience that I am the best person for the office of Ocean Highway and Port Authority and it would be my honor and pleasure to be able to serve on the board again. I humbly ask for your support and your vote. Please vote for me, Carrol Franklin, as your next Ocean Highway and Port Authority, District 4.

Editor’s Note: Carrol Franklin faces Jeanne Scott for a seat on the OHPA, District 4.  All eligible voters can cast their ballots on August 28.