campaign for Pike Co. board

By BETH LAKEY

Staff Writer

May 17, 2000 10 PM

Larry Penn is running for re-election to the Pike County Commission District 3 seat because he wants to continue what he started four years ago.

In 1996, the Republican prioritized the needs of the county as follows: balancing the budget, hiring and equipping more deputies for 24-hour service, better roads and bridges, an agricultural center and making the courthouse and jail handicapped accessible.

And, he believes the commission has worked hard to reach those goals.

"I feel that we turned the commission around 180 degrees from what it was when I took office," Penn said. "This commission has worked with other entities and, doing so, we have brought the E-911 and early warning sirens in the county, hired a full-time EMA director and, just in this year only, we have obtained over $500,000 for our roads in addition to what we were getting from the federal government, already."

Now, Penn has set new goals.

He wants to see the Walnut Creek project become a reality and bring more industry into the county.

The Walnut Creek issue was dropped during his first year in office because of controversy.

"I tried to revitalize it, but with the environmental issue and matching funds we would have to make, the county would have to ask for a one-cent sales tax increase to get it off the ground," Penn said. "But, if the parks and recreation bond goes through, then, maybe, some money could be allotted toward this project through the state and federal government."

Penn has also been working to build an industrial park for the county as a way to bring more industry to the area.

Most importantly, Penn said he has worked to address the concerns of his constituents.

"I want to continue to meet the needs of the people in District 3," Penn said. "I think this commission has proven to the residents of Pike County that we can work harmoniously together and bring professionalism and integrity to this office."

A Pike County native, Penn was raised here by his parents, Mae and the late Bobby Penn. His two sisters, Pam Nix and Missy Strother also reside in Pike County.

Penn has been married to his wife, Kay, for 29 years. They have three daughters, Stacey Penn Johnson, Mandi Penn Savoie and Larri Kay Penn, who have all attended Troy State University, and two grandchildren, Mackenzi Johnson and Reed Johnson.

Penn, who is a timber buyer for Bracewell and Grant and a real estate sales associate, has been in the military for 29 years. He spent four years in the Navy and, then joined the Alabama National Guard. He is currently with the 1670th Transportation Company Detachment in Troy and is a platoon sergeant with 52 individuals under his supervision.

Penn also graduated in the first Leadership Pike class, has served as chairman of the Republican Party in Pike County, president of the Pike Radio Amateur Club, past chairman of the Pike County Commission, been on the Citizen Advisor Committee in Troy and is a member of Park Memorial United Methodist Church.