Strategic Partnerships, Inc. salutes you, public sector officials: The Profiles in Power section spotlights and recognizes powerful figures across America’s public sector landscape. This week’s Profile in Power is County Judge Neal Franklin in Smith County.
My public service highlights and education:
I was born in Tyler and attended Tyler Independent School District. I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University. My first career was the Fire Service, where I served Dallas and Tyler Fire Departments, retiring as the Tyler Fire Chief after 25 years. Next was General Manager for Hospital–Based EMS. Finally, I was elected Commissioner and then County Judge for Smith County.
What I like best about public service:
Collaboration with others and making things happen together. We all face challenges, but when we work together, the challenges often become opportunities. I do my best to let my fellow employees and the citizens know how much I love and care about this community.
Some of the best advice I have ever received:
Ronald Reagan once said, “There is no limit to what a man can do and where he can go if he does not mind who gets the credit.” I have this quote on my office wall as a daily reminder.
Something I wish more people knew about my division of government:
County government is unique in the fact that we are made up of so many elected officials. Constituents often believe that the County Judge is the ultimate power within the County. This is just not the case. I cannot tell another elected official how to conduct their business.
A current project I’m working:
We are very busy with the construction of a new courthouse. We are also working with multiple other counties and our state representatives to form a Groundwater Conservation District. Also, working with our COG region researching data centers, battery storage facilities, etc.
One thing outside government service that people may not know about me:
I love old muscle cars. I owned a Camaro and a Corvette in the past but no longer. I plan to buy one in retirement someday. I guess I will be one of the old grey-haired codgers riding around in a red convertible someday with my rock music turned up too loud.
