Gov. Kay Ivey ordered all flags flown at half-staff in Baldwin county to honor former commissioner Frank Burt. Burt, who passed away in his home on October 31, served 30 consecutive years on the Baldwin County Commission. He served from 1988-2018.
In a memo written on November 3, Ivey stated, “Let us remember Commissioner Burt’s decades of dedicated service to the people of Baldwin County Commission from 1989-2018. Commissioner Burt was well known as a very dependable leader and was a humble servant to the citizens he represented. I offer my heartfelt condolences and prayers to his loved ones, the Baldwin County Commission, and his beloved community.”
Burt was the county’s District 1 representative, and the county has been governed by a four-member commission since 2004. Burt started politics as a Democrat but served most of his tenure as a Republican, switching parties in the mid-1990s after U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby switched over as a Republican in 1994.
“He came from the county when it had nothing to where it’s at today. I remember him telling us stories about the (commission) being worried about how they would pay their bills and stuff like that. But they worked hard to get it to where it’s at today,” Charles “Skip” Gruber said. He added, “Frank, one thing about him is that he had his heart into it.”
Senator Chris Elliot, who was known for disagreeing with Burt while working on the commission, commented, “He loved his country and county more than anyone I know. He’s a true patriot. He’s a good guy. He’ll be missed.”
Elliot wrote on Twitter, “Baldwin County cities, businesses, schools, please take a moment to honor former Commissioner Frank Burt today by flying your flag at half staff.”
Baldwin County cities, businesses, schools, please take a moment to honor former Commissioner Frank Burt today by flying your flag at half staff. @AlabamaCounties #alpolitics https://t.co/UjhU59ayUb
— Senator Chris Elliott (@SenatorElliott) November 5, 2020
Flags will be flown in Baldwin County today in honor of Burt, followed by a 3 p.m. funeral service at the First Baptist Church in Bay Minette. The family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. at the church.
