A widow with 25 years of experience doing clerical work for elected officials has jumped into the political arena as a candidate for the office of Morgan County Commissioner of Licenses.

Hilda Etienne

Hilda Etienne, administrative assistant to Morgan County Sheriff Ana Franklin, announced she will qualify for the position with the Morgan County Republican Executive Committee on Feb. 7, the final day of qualifying for the June 3 Primary Election.

Her entry in the race brings to three the number of candidates seeking the six-year term, which is currently held by Sue Baker Roan.

Etienne said she decided to run for the office about six months ago after being encouraged to do so by some of her friends a couple of years ago after her husband, Johnny Etienne, died.

“I’d never given any thought to it until they planted the idea in my head,” she said. “They knew me well—my personality, my love of people and work experience—and convinced me that I am well-prepared for the job..”

Etienne joined Sheriff Franklin’s office staff in 2012, after working in the license commissioner’s office for six years. Before that she worked as a bank bookkeeper and administrative assistant to four other Morgan County sheriff’s, beginning with former Sheriff Buford Burgess in 1984.

“I feel my 25 years of administrative experience qualify me to provide the citizens of Morgan County dedicated, competent and courteous service as their license commissioner,” Etienne stated. “If I am elected, I pledge improved and expanded service, reaching out to the elderly and handicapped in particular and reducing waits in line to receive service.

“I have reviewed the duties and responsibilities of the license commissioner with a friend who serves in that position in Tennessee,” Etienne added. “He shared his experience and expertise and gave me some ideas on how to make the office more useful to the public. One of the things he suggested was drive-through service for the elderly and handicapped.”

Etienne is a native of Tennessee and a Baptist. She and her late husband resided in Decatur for 40 years. She now lives in Hartselle. She has two adult sons and eight grandchildren.

Etienne plans a kickoff fundraiser at Decatur Elks Lodge on March 1 from 6 to 10 p.m. Michael Dean & Memphis will provide entertainment and rib and chicken plates will be available.