By: Johnny Turner
Limestone County is the fastest growing county in the state and District 2 is “ground zero” for that growth. Our county is growing at about 3.6% a year, about 4000 people a year. Over the next decade we are expected to grow another 26%.
A driving factor to that growth is the federal spending in the Metro Huntsville area. When you combine that with the corporate investments, a trained workforce, good education, interstate and rail conditions you have the ingredients for explosive growth. Then you add in proximity to Birmingham and Nashville, and you can see the challenges as well as the opportunities.
Many people think of the county commissioner as the person who takes care of the roads. That is true, but there is much more to the job. In my opinion, the most important aspect of the job is setting policy and forming the budget for the county. Along with that, I see my job as a commissioner as an advocate for the county. I frequently travel to Montgomery in that capacity and stay in contact with our elected officials. While going to DC on a regular basis is more difficult, I regularly talk to the district liaisons with the offices of Congressman Strong and Senator Britt. It is important to get state and federal funding to assist with projects in our county.
But back to the roads; it is estimated 82% of our workers commute, and the average commute time is 30 minutes. That increased traffic puts a stress on our road system. So along with regular maintenance, such as fixing potholes and resurfacing roads, my district is faced with dealing with roads and intersections approaching capacity. An example of that is the Capshaw and East Limestone intersection. Capshaw is a major route that is used to avoid Hwy 72, and during the school year, traffic there can be heavy. We have been waiting on a grant from the state to assist with the project, but that has dragged on. I made the decision to move forward with the project. My thoughts are that traffic isn’t going to decrease and neither will the costs. I expect that project to be completed in the summer of 2026. That project alone will cost approximately 1.4 million.
In addition, we will be working on Barksdale Road and Ed Ray Road next year with Rebuild Alabama money. I would also expect about another 5 miles of roads to be resurfaced. With 187 miles of road in our district, that means we can resurface roads about every 19 years. That’s not including upgrades to intersections, adding turning lanes, and other upgrades to existing roads. While I would like to see more, that is what our current budget allows. Each mile of road resurfacing costs about $100,000. Almost all road work is paid for by revenue generated by gas taxes. So, please fill up in the county whenever possible.
District 2 has 5 full time employees led by Ben Pepper, the district road supervisor. The equipment the crew runs includes everything from pickup trucks to some that is highly specialized, such as the Mantis. The Mantis can get to places and do things that a bush hog cannot, and takes a specially trained operator to get the job done. Each of these workers are experienced in using heavy equipment and have a CDL license. By contrast, my background is the corporate and political world, and I certainly am not an expert in running heavy equipment or paving roads. However, because our district has such a skilled and experienced workforce, I feel very comfortable with the work that these guys do. I think we make a good team.
We also have a part time litter employee that heads up our litter patrol. We pick up trash on the roadways two to three days a week. By utilizing labor from the jail, we can do this very efficiently.
Our shop is located on Pepper Road, and in addition to being a shed for equipment, we have a place for residents to dump their yard debris. While we can’t take construction debris, it gives an opportunity for people to get rid of tree trimmings and other yard debris. We also have a drop off location for old tires. We do ask that people stack them neatly in the proper trailer, and so far they have.
I have been in office about a year. It has been frustrating at times but also very rewarding. There are times people disagree with me, and I am willing to listen. I have told folks I may not always be right, and we may not always agree, but my goal is to be the most transparent elected official in the county.
Lastly, on a personal note, I am 64 years old with a beautiful younger wife, Amber, and a precious daughter, Charlotte, who turns 7 in December. I retired from the federal government after spending 12 years working for Congressman Brooks. Before that, I had spent my career in the corporate world. I also spent several years on the board of a community bank, which I find helpful in evaluating financial decisions.
It is my honor to serve you. I know full well that the taxpayers pay my salary and that I work for them. Thank you for the opportunity, and if you wish to reach me you may email or call me.
By: Johnny Turner
