Fifteen candidates and one representative answered questions ranging from the racial makeup of judges to the choice of schools for their children at a public forum sponsored by the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday.

Candidates at Tuesday’s forum are seeking seats on the Dallas County Commission, the Dallas County District Court Judgeship, the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court Judgeship and the 7th Congressional District representative.

Candidates had three minutes to speak as well as three minutes to answer each question asked by the audience. At times, the questions and answers drew calls from the crowd.

One question that drew noise was to Dallas County District Attorney Ed Greene, who was asked if he would rehire Parke Keith if elected.

Keith resigned on May 4 after leaving a racial slur on a local attorney’s voice mail.

“On the day I said he was resigning, I said racism had no place in that office,” Greene said. “No, he will not be back in that office.”

Greene noted that he has brought racial diversity and a reputation of excellence to the District Attorney’s Office.

Local attorney Michael Jackson, Greene’s opponent, fielded a question about why he chose to run for district attorney instead of circuit judge. “You can put it off on the judge, but the district attorney talks to the victim and to law enforcement,” Jackson said of sentences handed down by judges. “He talks to everyone.”

Jackson added that he has served as a municipal judge and assistant district attorney. “We need somebody with a plan,” Jackson said. “A plan of action.”

Candidates for district judge, Bob Armstrong, Jimmy Nunn and Nathaniel Walker, answered questions ranging from law experience to school choice. Armstrong was asked why he chose to put his children in a “segregated” school, which he responded to by stating that his oldest child wanted to attend John T. Morgan Academy because of his friends. “Anyone that knows me knows I’m not a racist,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong added that 18 years ago he became a big brother to a

young, black child he met in court and wanted to help.

“He’s part of my family,” he said. “My children have seen that. They’ve lived that.”

Armstrong said he was committed to fairness, justice and being respectful to all who would come before his court.

In answer to a question about “giving away the store” as Selma’s city attorney, Nunn said that people always view the negative. According to Nunn, when he became city attorney the city had 20 cases pending against it. It now only has one, Nunn said.

Nunn added that he would establish mentoring programs, among others, if elected.

Walker, the incumbent, said he believed candidates were making issues out of non-issues. According to Walker, Alabama has 275 circuit, district and juvenile court judges. Out of them, only 17 are black. “If some people have their way, we’ll have no black judges,” Walker said. “Now you tell me something ain’t wrong with that.”

Walker noted that after his first three years in office, Dallas County improved its child support program from 66th in the state to 48th.

Steve Cameron, the only Republican at Tuesday’s forum, Albert Turner Jr. and Kobi Little, representing U.S. Rep. Artur Davis, answered whether education, economic development or healthcare were the most pressing issues.

Turner said that healthcare was the most important and necessitated the creation of competition between prescription drug companies to lower costs.

Little said that economic development would cause improvements in education and healthcare.

Cameron focused on education during his speech and said that prayer should be returned to school.

Fourth Judicial Circuit Court Judge candidates Marvin Wiggins and Farrell McKelvey Wright answered what changes they would enact if elected. Wiggins, the incumbent, said that a better method than prison must be found to deal with non-violent offenders. “If drug users are put in jail, they’re still addicted after their release,” Wiggins said. “It’s not a law enforcement problem. It’s a people problem.”

Wright said that she believed some non-violent criminals could easily have been violent offenders if someone had found the criminal during the crime. “When people are arrested over and over, don’t revoke their probation,” Wright said. “We send the wrong message to the community.”

Seven county commission candidates spoke as well as answered questions Tuesday night. Barbara Barge, running against incumbent Connel Towns for the District 1 seat, said that she was running because of educational concerns. “Blacks have got to have an education,” Barge said. “We’re not born with money.”

Towns said he would focus on funding for schools, a closer relationship with Selma’s government and more jobs for youth if re-elected. “I’d like my work to speak for me,” Towns said.

Darryl Moore, running against incumbent Curtis Williams for the District 3 seat, said he would promote industry, jobs and education as well as crime intervention and prevention if elected.

Williams said he sought re-election because he was the best qualified candidate. “I have worked to ensure Dallas County is represented,” Williams said.

Kim Ballard, who is running for re-election to the District 4 seat, said when people hear news about the county commission, it’s positive. According to Ballard, the county has a balanced budget and a surplus as well as a well-trained, equipped Sheriff’s department.

Larry Nickles, who is opposing Ballard, said he chose to run because of his concerns for the community. “It’s time to stop fussing about what government can’t do,” Nickles said. “It’s time for us to pitch in. We’ve got good schools in our area and good teachers.”