Dallas County Probate Judge Kim Ballard recently announced to more than 200 supporters gathered at the historic Henderson House that he would seek re-election in 2012. Ballard said he made the decision to run again prayerfully and after discussions with his family and friends.

“I will continue my open door and conservative policies,” he told the overflow crowd. “Working together we have accomplished a lot of positive things in the past six years in spite of terrible economic times.”

Ballard said regardless of the economic challenges facing the county, no cuts in services have been initiated, they’ve not lowered any employee’s pay or benefits and have not had any layoffs.

“The morale here is higher than it’s ever been and these guys have not received a pay raise in three years,” he said. “There’s not a day that passes an employee doesn’t thank us for the job they have.”

Ballard also serves as chairman of the Dallas County Commission, and he credits the relationship he has with the commissioners for guiding the county through tough times.

“Working together with the four commissioners and the county department heads we have completed an expansion at the Juvenile Detention Center, and have added capacity of approximately 70 bed spaces at the Dallas County Jail,” Ballard said.

“And we did this without borrowing any money. The county is in sound financial shape, is debt free and we’re not delinquent on one invoice to anyone, anywhere.”

Ballard also said the county recently received an “unqualified audit,” meaning no irregularities were found in the county’s finances, policies or procedures.

Ballard is married to Karen Hampsher and they have three grown daughters — Tonya Gandy, Terri Cook and Shelly Patterson; and they have three grandsons; Matthew Gandy, Ryan Cook and Carson Cook. Ballard has lived in Dallas County for 44 years, was elected to serve two terms on the Selma City Council and was elected to three terms on the Dallas County Commission before being elected Probate Judge in 2006. Ballard and his wife are members of Valley Grande Baptist Church and he serves on many boards including Team Selma, Alabama — Tombigbee Regional Planning Authority, West Central Alabama Rehabilitation, Coosa — Alabama River Improvement Association and is ex-officio of the Selma-Dallas County Economic Development Authority and the Craig Airport Authority. “I love Selma and Dallas County and will be here for the rest of my life,” he said. “I thank God for putting me in a position that I can help make life better for others and I look forward to serving another term.”