The Dallas County Commissioners were sworn in yesterday in a short ceremony at the Dallas County Courthouse. All four commissioners are incumbents and starting consecutive terms of service.

Commissioner Roy Moore, who was beginning his fourth term representing district two, said the commission’s number one goal would be recruiting new industry to the area.

“We have been successful with bringing industry here in the last four years, the Economic Development Authority has done just a tremendous job and we are doing everything we can to support them.”

District One Commissioner Connel Towns echoed Moore’s sentiments.

“I think this group of commissioners work well together,” said Towns. “Over the next four years we will definitely be [concentrating] on economic development.”

Towns said he is looking forward to working to create more jobs for the community and serving the people of Selma/Dallas County, especially in his district.

Probate Judge and Commission Chairman Johnny Jones called the commissioners “good guys” and said they were a credit to the community.

“I’m excited about the next four years,” said Jones. “I’ve worked with these guys and their interest is for the county first.”

Kim Ballard shared the judge’s excitement.

“I am excited that we are all still together,” said Ballard. “I think that it shows the confidence Dallas County had in the job the commission did over the past four years.”

The district four commissioner said he was looking forward to the coming term.

“There will be challenges, but also opportunities,” he said.

Ballard agreed with his colleagues that industry and jobs were a priority, but also cited crime as a major concern.

“We have to seriously look at this drug issue because it is causing economic and social problems. We have to fight this terrible plague.”