Jelani Coleman is a candidate for Dallas County Commission, District 1, and asks for your vote in the primary election on March 1, 2016.

“District 1 is special to me because this is home — the place where I was born and raised. This district has proven to be my foundation and structure,” Coleman said.

He is the son of Gloria Coleman and Gregory Olds and the youngest of three sons. His grandparents are Russell Allison Jr. and the late Ida R. Allison. Coleman is a graduate of Southside High School.

“I want to lead this district because I believe in my heart that, together, we can show not just Dallas County, but the entire state of Alabama what happens when we are unified. We can prove that it is possible to live and work together in unity,” Coleman said. “Over the years many people have gotten to know me. They know I buckle down. I tune in. I attempt to unite individuals, not set them against one another.”

Coleman said he wants to bring fresh ideas and a new perspective to the county commission while addressing crime and poverty in his district.

“We cannot have leaders in office that will stand on the sideline while crime and poverty is wining in the county. We can no longer afford to sit back and do nothing while parents are worried about their children’s education and future,” Coleman said. “We need a commissioner willing to make a moral decision that proper infrastructure must be in place to help the County’s struggling economy. Together we can not only hope again but we can win again. We can beat poverty and crime and finally have some decent roads to drive our cars on again.”

Coleman said this spring’s election is important for the future of the county.

“This election is so important. This election is about the future and my question to District 1 is are we going to continue to go down the same road, or are we going to say enough is enough and elect Jelani Coleman and start a new direction? I pray you chose the latter,” Coleman said.