Six candidates in race for Dale Co. Commission seat 4

OZARK—Six men running for the Dale County Commission District 4 seat addressed specific needs for the county and why they should be selected for the position.

The Republican candidates are the following: Mike Heath, Allan Kelley, Eddy Parker, Kenneth Phillips, Wes Strickland and Junior Watson. The primary election is March 13.

No Democrats qualified for the race.

While none of the candidates said they’ve regularly attended the county commission meeting, they said their experience throughout the community made them aware of at least some of the issues facing Dale County.

Heath, who works with the state Department of Conservation, said his experience as a computer systems analyst allows him to analyze problems, develop solutions and perform cost analyses – all qualities he believes will assist in his duties as a county commissioner.

He said one thing he’d like to see is a more regular mowing schedule of the county’s areas that need it.

“I am not a politician and I hope I never will be. I intend to put the will of the people back in politics. I want to be able to come to a meeting and say that ‘this is what my constituents want,’” Heath said during a recent forum.

“I think the things I’ve learned most are to listen to people and be able to communicate with people the things I think are important.”

Kelley, owner of Allan Kelley Insurance in Ozark, said he sought more information, cooperation and dedication in the county, as well as a better focus on all matters of the county versus just one particular issue.

“For years, from what I understand, the county commissioners have been known as road commissioners, but there are a lot of other things that we need to do. I believe we should be keeping our notices, upcoming agenda and calendar of events as open as possible, and we should have cooperation where the people of the cities, towns and communities are all working together for the betterment of Dale County,” he said.

“We cannot forget that what benefits a city, town and a community will ultimately benefit everyone.”

Eddy Parker, whose grandfather, Roy Parker, was a longtime commissioner, said his focus would be on true leadership of the county departments as well as a focus on expenses, particularly the amount of money residents pay for water services.

“We’re charged one of the highest rates for water and the citizens don’t know what for. Our water department is a very vital element to getting industry. It should be used for such and not as a money maker,” Parker said.

“Also, as a business owner I’ve dealt with budgets, and I feel that as a commissioner, if elected, that we should sit down and develop some long-term plans.”

Kenneth Phillips, a maintenance supervisor with the City of Ozark, said he’s worked for decades in the community to help promote economic development.

“I don’t pretend to know all I need to know but I will work hard. I will have a taxpayer’s agenda, not my own, and I will be a team player who listens to all the residents and employees who have concerns,” he said.

Strickland, who works with Strickland Timber Co., said he has a marketing degree from Troy University. He said he believes the county should be operated as a business without an agenda.

“So many people want to promise. The only promise I can make is to be committed,” he said.

“The ones that haven’t been a commissioner don’t know what goes on in there, so it’s hard to say what goes on until it gets to that point.”

Watson, who works in procurement with the Southern Timber Co., said he’d be an experienced voice for the county on issues pertaining to residents.

“There are several things I’d like to get implemented. We’ve got some roads that need some attention for the buses – the bus won’t even come down our road when it rains,” he said.

“I want to propose some things to the county that I think will benefit District 4 and the whole county.”