Curtis Williams wants the people of Dallas County to have an experienced leader and one dedicated to serving the community. That’s why he’s running for the District 3 County Commission seat.

“I believe leadership skills are a combination of listening to define a problem, then taking decisive action to solve that problem,” Williams said. “Many people think that paving roads and cutting grass is all the Commission is responsible for doing, but we provide funding for various agencies and projects, develop plans for different projects, renovation and building construction.”

Williams addressed several issues when declaring his candidacy, including infrastructure, industry and youth. According to Williams, the county has received several infrastructure-based grants since he was first elected eight years ago. Williams pointed to the recent completion of the road and railroad projects at Craig Field Industrial Park, but noted that more work was needed elsewhere in the county. “We need to have more roads paved and more money to pave them,” Williams said.

Williams’ vision for the county includes paving all county roads. “It would cut down on maintenance, on our county crew,” Williams said. “I want to thank (county engineer) Coosa Jones and his staff for keeping up the gravel and unpaved roads.”

Williams added that 25 miles of road have been paved since he was elected.

In addition to paving roads, the commission has also installed water systems in the Five Points, Salem, Cahawba, Orrville and Marion Junction areas. “Where people were suffering from the need of good, clean water, we’ve been able to install water in those areas,” Williams.

Industry was another subject Williams discussed at his declaration. According to Williams, several industries have expanded or located in Dallas County since he first entered office, including American Gum Company, Automatic Welding Services, LP Wood Polymers and Meadowcraft, to name a few.

Concerning county youth, Williams pointed to the summer recreation program, which provides lunches and recreation activities to youth during summer months. Williams emphasized the county’s Sportsplex, which gets youth off the streets. “It’s always packed with parents and children,” Williams said.

Williams said people should vote for him because of his beliefs and experience. “I believe in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and I put Him first in my life,” Williams said. “Secondly, my experience and training will put me in front of any other candidate running in District 3.”

According to Williams, he is the only candidate in the race with four degrees from two accredited universities. He received his history and political science degrees as well as his master’s degree from Alabama State University. Williams earned his master’s of divinity degree from Morehouse School of Religion.

He is pastor of John the Baptist Church in Orrville and Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Uniontown.

Williams, a lifelong resident of Dallas County, has 29 years of experience with the Dallas County School System teaching government and economics.

Williams serves as president of the Dallas County Education Association, is a member of the Alabama Education Association, serves as secretary for the Dallas County District Association, is past president of the Emancipation Proclamation and is a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

Williams is married to Jerolene Turner Williams. They have three children – Latanglia, Curtis Jr. and Rosa Pink.