By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
U.S. Congresswoman Martha Roby (R) from Montgomery announced that Mrs. Frances Spurlin, who served as a constituent services representative in Andalusia, Ala., has retired after 27 years of service to Alabama’s Second Congressional District.
U.S. Representative Roby said, “Throughout South Alabama, Frances is known for her compassion, hard work, and service to those in need. Frances has been a cornerstone for my team’s efforts to help constituents navigate federal agencies, whether it be the VA, Social Security, Medicare, or help obtaining a passport or VISA. Frances is going to be dearly missed, and I know she leaves behind big shoes to fill.”
Spurlin lives in Opp. She began her Congressional career in 1985 for Representative Bill Dickinson (R). Spurlin continued her service to the Second District under Representative Terry Everett (R). She finishes her service under Rep. Roby.
Frances Spurlin said, “It is bittersweet to look back at the memories over the past 27 years of working for Alabama’s Second District. Our area has been fortunate to be represented by a number of first-class individuals, and I consider myself fortunate to have been a member of their teams. I will undoubtedly miss working with constituents every day, but I look forward to spending more time with my family and grandchildren.”
Rep. Roby honored Spurlin in a Congressional Record entry on December 9, 2013. The entry reads: “Mr. Speaker, I have the distinct privilege of recognizing a valued member of my staff, Frances Spurlin, who will retire on December 31, 2013, after 27 years of faithful and exemplary service to the United States House of Representatives and Alabama’s Second Congressional District.”
Rep. Roby continued, “Frances began her workd as a constituent services representative in Southeast Alabama. She began her Congressional career in 1985 when Representative Bill Dickinson opened a district office in Opp, Alabama. Frances continued her service when Representative Terry Everett assumed office in 1993–and I was honored to have her join my staff when I was sworn into office in 2011.”
“From veterans to small business owners and from farmers to local and state elected officials, residents of the Second District have benefited from Frances’ effective work and compassionate manner. With many cases being time sensitive, Frances never hesitated to go above and beyond to help our constituents cut through bureaucracy and work toward an equitable solution. No matter how big or small, Frances treated each case with diligence, thoughtfulness, and care,” Rep. Roby wrote.
Rep. Roby concluded, “Frances has also served as a mentor to other Congressional staff through the years, instilling her commitment to casework in those she has trained. She has set the example of how to represent a Congressional office with grace, character and ability. I can confidently say that the constituents of Alabama’s Second District have been well served by the work of Frances Spurlin. As she enters retirement, I join my staff and so many others in Southeast Alabama in thanking Frances for her 27 years of public service. To Frances, her husband Gordon, and their family, I wish them health and happiness in the years ahead.”
Rep. Roby has district offices in Dothan, Montgomery, and Andalusia. The district offices are primarily responsible for helping constituents work through bureaucracy at federal agencies including Social Security, Medicare, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among others.
Rep. Roby is seeking a third term in the United States Congress in the 2014 election. At this time ‘The Alabama Political Reporter’ is not aware of anyone (either a Republican Primary opponent or a Democratic Challenger) running against the popular conservative Congresswoman. Roby was a Montgomery City Councilwoman prior to challenging Democratic incumbent Rep. Bobby Bright.
