James Franks has announced he’s running for the Magistrate District 2 seat.
Franks, 38, is a registered Republican. He is married to Kelli, and they have three daughters Katelyn, Gracie, and Kailyn and two grandchildren Chaselyn and Hudson.
He has 20 years of experience in the commercial inspection and restoration industry, specializing in storage tanks. He spent his first 10 years of his adult career working across the country and overseeing and managing various projects. In the last decade, he’s transitioned to an administrative role as president and CEO of Complete Restoration, LLC.
He said he became a volunteer firefighter after his daughter and sister were involved in a serious accident.
“In short, I do not have any political experience and do not consider myself a politician I am a blue-collar individual who feels called to advocate for meaningful changes in Henderson County,” Franks said. “I am a public servant, and I have been one for years.”
He has an HCC – High School Equivalency Diploma, Dale Carnegie – Sales Advantage; Effective Communications & Human Relations; KCTCS – Kentucky Fire Commission – Kentucky Basic 1 Certification. Health & Safety Institute (HSI) – Trainer Certification: Adult First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, CPR/AED All Ages, Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP), Child and Babysitting Safety (CABS), Use and Administration of Epinephrine Auto Injectors (EAI), Oxygen, Stop Life Threatening Bleeding.
He said he’s running for office because, “I believe Henderson County cannot afford another four years without a firm and unwavering effort to protect public safety concerns from “green energy projects” and the core agricultural community Henderson has been built upon.”
He continued: “As a volunteer firefighter, I participated in a training session led by a State EPA representative outlining the dangers of commercial-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). We learned that, in the event of a fire, our communities are powerless to extinguish these systems or protect citizens from potential toxic plumes. Several local officials were present and voiced concern, even making promises to prevent such projects from entering Henderson County. Yet since then, only one ordinance has been put in place regarding “green energy,” which I believe is inadequate and potentially the deadliest.”
“BESS systems and other renewable energy projects are being proposed across our county, and if allowed, they could permanently alter our landscape with little to no benefit for residents. We are under attack by large power companies chasing government subsidies—and once those subsidies disappear, so will these companies, leaving our community to deal with the consequences.
I am committed to protecting our county’s agricultural roots and ensuring my grandchildren can enjoy Henderson County without risk to their mental or physical health. I also believe that no one should face property devaluation or damage caused by industrial projects placed in once-agricultural or residential areas without proper safeguards and concessions for neighbors. Voting for me is a stand to defend our agricultural heritage, our health, and our property rights. I am highly accessible to my community and deeply committed to serving and protecting every resident.”
He said his top priorities as magistrate would be:
- Prohibit Commercial – Scale Wind Projects
o Implement a prohibition on commercial-scale wind projects.
o Address concerns regarding safety, environmental impact, and community acceptance.
- Cap Commercial Solar Projects
o Limit the expansion of solar developments to protect community landscapes and resources.
o Implement a prohibition on further commercial-scale solar projects.
o Launch a panel of individuals from various aspects of the community to study effects of the solar on infrastructure, wildlife, and environmental concerns.
- Prohibit Commercial-Scale Lithium-Ion Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
o Implement a prohibition on commercial-scale B.E.S.S. systems.
o Address concerns regarding safety, environmental impact, and community acceptance.
- Collaborate with Henderson County Water Officials
o Focus on resolving existing water infrastructure issues.
o Develop sustainable water management practices to support community needs.
- Strengthen Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
o Enhance funding, resources, and training for countywide FIRE and EMS services, strengthening public safety.
- Fix Radio Communication Dead Zones
o Work on improving communication infrastructure to enhance safety and coordination among emergency services.
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