Former Candidate Milburn Gross Endorses Frank Barger for Madison County Probate Judge

HUNTSVILLE – Candidate for Madison County Probate Judge Frank Barger announced today a key endorsement from Attorney Milburn Gross, former candidate for the same office. Mr. Gross has more than 20 years of experience practicing law with a focus on Probate Court. Barger is the Republican Nominee for Probate Judge, an office currently held by Tommy Ragland who is not seeking re-election after serving three terms. Barger received 66% of the vote in a three-way Republican Primary Election on June 5. He will be on the General Election ballot Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

“Frank has a unique skill set that no other person in this race possesses. His in-depth experience in all parts of court operation, coupled with his passion for the important work of the court and proven leadership ability, position him to serve our community from day one. I encourage my supporters, and our entire community, to vote for Frank Barger for Probate Judge. There’s no better choice in this race,” said Gross.  

“Mr. Gross understands the importance of having the necessary experience for this office” said Barger. “I am honored to have his endorsement. I look forward to working with Mr. Gross, and the entire legal community, as we focus on tackling issues like mental health and better protecting our seniors and children. This work impacts the life of each family in Madison County.”

As a key member of the Probate Judge’s staff and Elections Administrator, Barger has prioritized technology, transparency, fiscal accountability and improved service to the public. He has received endorsements from the Madison County Farmers Federation, Huntsville Madison County Builders Association, Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS and Fraternal Order of Police. Additional endorsements from state and local leaders and Madison County residents can be found at www.frankbarger.com.

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Madison County Farmers Federation Endorses Frank Barger For Probate Judge

MADISON COUNTY FARMERS FEDERATION ENDORSES FRANK BARGER FOR PROBATE JUDGE

Today, Frank Barger, candidate for Probate Judge of Madison County received the endorsement from the Madison County Farmer’s Federation.  Barger is a life- long Republican and is on the ballot in the Republican Primary on June 5, 2018.  

“I am pleased to announce our endorsement of Frank Barger for Probate Judge of Madison County.  Farmers in Madison County are looking forward to working with Frank.  We know that he will work hard for the people of this county and bring his expertise, leadership, and dedication to this office”, said Madison County Farmers Federation President, Rex Vaughn.   

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Madison County Farmer’s Federation.  I have the greatest respect for their hard work and the vital commerce they create.  Farmers are a critical part of any vibrant community.  I look forward to working for them, and all residents, as Probate Judge.  I will go to work every day using my conservative leadership and management skills to operate the probate office to meet the highest standard, making sure taxpayer dollars are used wisely and efficiently, and that quality services are delivered in a time effective manner.  This is what every resident of Madison County expects and deserves.  Again, I am honored to have the support of our farming community and for the Federation's endorsement,” concluded Barger.   

Frank, his wife of fifteen years, Jennifer Roberson Barger, and their nine-year old son Grant reside in South Huntsville.  They are active members of Latham United Methodist Church, where he serves as Vice-President of United Methodist Men and Chair of Communications.  Jennifer serves as Vice-President of the Northeast District of the North Alabama Conference of United Methodist Women and Children’s Ministry Coordinator.  Both are actively involved with numerous activities at Chaffee Elementary School where Grant is a student in the Gifted and Talented Education Program (GATE). Frank and Jennifer are active members in the Madison County Republican Party.    

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Barger kicks off campaign for Madison County probate judge

AL.com: Frank Barger kicks off campaign for Madison County probate judge

With a heavyweight endorsement, Frank Barger on Thursday announced his intentions to run for Madison County probate judge.

At a campaign kickoff event in Big Spring Park, Barger was introduced by Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill.

And Merrill's endorsement, the secretary said, also came with his wife's, too. Cindy Merrill celebrated a birthday on Thursday.

"You know very well where she stands with Frank Barger if we've taken time today to come out of Montgomery today to drive up to Madison County and to be able to share with you for a few moments about Frank Barger and why we support him in all of his efforts and activities," her husband said.

Barger is a familiar face in the probate judge's office. He has served as elections administrator since 2011 and has worked as a clerk in the office as well.

Incumbent Tommy Ragland has said he will not seek re-election next year.

Barger is running as a Republican. The primary election will be June 5, 2018 and the general election on Nov. 6, 2018.

"It is in the spirit of wanting to give back, on moving forward on needed improvements that need to be accomplished for you and a desire to serve this community in a greater capacity that today I humbly ask for your support as I announce my candidacy for probate judge of Madison County," Barger said.

Merrill, the state's top election official, said Barger has been a valuable resource in his role as elections administrator in Madison County.

"Frank is someone we often encourage other people to contact at the local level," Merrill said. "Frank is someone we rely on to provide guidance, counsel and training for other counties throughout the state. Frank is someone who sets the standards when it comes to elections and election administration.

"Frank is someone I would love to come to Montgomery to be the director of elections for the state of Alabama."

Barger pointed to his experience in the probate judge's office as preparing him for the position.

He touted his work in digitizing records and best practices in retaining required records in the probate judge's office and promised to make the office more serviceable to the community.

"As clerk to the probate judge," Barger said, "I have been directly involved in processing more than a thousand cases - whether probating a will to make sure someone's estate is administered correctly or helping an attorney process a guardianship on an emergency basis, I have been in those situations with you. I have been involved with you. I know what you have experienced."