Ed. Note: Austin Long of Akron submitted the following announcement of his candidacy for Hale County Probate Judge.
“To the Editor:
I am writing to announce my candidacy for Probate Judge of Hale County. I have lived in Hale County for 37 years. As a child, while growing up in Akron, I attended Akron High School. As a young adult, I attended Shelton State Community College and completed a CNA certification, due to my desire to serve others in the healthcare field, and have gone on to have a very successful career. For over 17 years, I have used my healthcare background and desire to help others in my position as volunteer fire fighter, alongside other caring and committed members of the Akron-Sawyerville Volunteer Fire Department. I also serve as a First Responder serving the entire Hale County.
I am the father of one son, Michael Long, and have been a member of New Pentecostal Church in Greensboro, Alabama, for over 30 years. Fortunately, I have had the distinct pleasure of serving as the Youth Department Director. My Pastor, District Elder Lovetta Long, years ago, chose me to serve as her armor bearer, requiring that I walk with a resilient faith, while displaying a great sense of respect and understanding.
I have spent 17 years caring for those in need, while working in the healthcare field. Currently, I am a Preceptor, or instructor, at three hospital-based dialysis units and have had the opportunity to travel throughout the United States, working with several teams to provide dialysis services to those in need of this critical support. Throughout my travels, I always returned to Hale County with the pure thought that this is truly my home.
My purpose in seeking the office of Probate Judge for Hale County is to open up more opportunities for every member of our county. Being a part of the healthcare field gives me a profound perspective on how vital access to good HEALTHCARE is for all. I will seek to inform our county members, while working alongside others who are committed to increasing that access, while providing information that will make our county members more knowledgeable about their own self-care. Also, I will work with the school board to find ways to SUPPORT OUR TEACHERS, showing them that we value their commitment and effort. SUPPORTING OUR STUDENTS is important, as well, in order to ensure that they are ready for success well before graduating high school. SAFER ROADS are another of my top concerns for residents of Hale County. There are still many of us who are driving down dirt roads to get to our homes because resources have not been allocated to fix this problem. Safe and beneficial RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES are important, as well. We are lacking in some areas that I feel, as Probate Judge, I will be able to properly address. I will work to bring ideas into action! I believe in this so much that I am willing to have 30% of my pay set aside for 3 years, to be used for the purpose of seeing these goals fulfilled.
As long as people continue to have hope, anything can be accomplished. There is still hope for Hale County! Hope for growth and greater opportunities for all! Let’s use this hope to move Hale County forward.
It is time to make choices that will greatly improve our community. I believe that I am the right choice for Hale County. If you LONG for a greater Hale County, then I ask that you vote for me to be your new Probate Judge. As I continue to fight fires, I will fight to protect your need!
I encourage anyone with questions or comments to call me at 205-799-1340 or email me at austinlong125@gmail.com.
—Austin J Long III
Supported by the Committee to Elect Austin Long, PO Box 233, Akron, AL 35441
