Voters across Dallas County will head to the polls in march to cast their vote in not only the presidential primaries, but for many local offices as well.

The deadline for candidates to qualify was Friday, Nov. 8 – with all of the candidates now confirmed, it appears that all four incumbent Dallas County Commissioners will be challenged by at least one or more other candidates.

District 4 Dallas County Commissioner Larry Nickles will face off against the greatest number of candidates in March.

Jerry Phillips, Barry Allen, William Lumpkin and Jan Justice will all challenge Nickles for his District 4 seat, which he has held for three terms, a total of 12 years.

“It’s great to represent God and his people,” said Nickles on serving as commissioner.

Nickles said that he’s seeking reelection because he has “unfinished business” to attend to.

If reelected, Nickles has a list of goals and objectives in mind to see Dallas County grow.

Nickles would like to continue to work with the Selma-Dallas County Economic Development Authority (EDA) to bring industry to Dallas County.

“We want to continue to work hard to bring in industry with them,” said Nickles. “They do an astronomical job.”

The continued support of the Dallas County Sportsplex is also high on Nickles list of priorities.

Nickles said that he has seen first-hand the positive impact that the relationships formed through extracurricular activities can have on young people’s lives.

“It’s important for children to have something to do in the summer when they have nothing to do,” said Nickles.

In addition to the positive impact on young people’s lives, Nickles believes the Sportsplex can bring money to Dallas County through tournaments held at the facility.

Additionally, Nickles would like to see more money brought to the county through recreational activities, like hunting and fishing, and tourism through Dallas County historical assets like Selma and Old Cahawba.

“I’ll do the best that I can,” said Nickles. “I believe I can fill those shoes.”

Nickles believes his experience as a business owner makes him an asset to the Dallas County Commission – he has been in the auto parts business in Orrville for 48 years.

Nickles said that being a commissioner is a lot like being a business owner, which consists of administration and anticipating future needs.

“We’re revenue officers,” said Nickles. “And we try and do the best that we can with your money.”

Nickles said that his working relationship with the rest of the Dallas County Commission and Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn is a wonderful thing.

“We have a 100 percent great relationship,” said Nickles. “Each commissioner has a district but, when a need arises, it doesn’t matter what district it’s in. We work together to see that that need is met. It’s important that the entire county is covered as a whole [and] we can only do that by working together.”

Nickels believes responsibility is the most important quality in an elected official and one he prides himself on exercising.

“As a commissioner, you’re on call 24-7,” he said.

Nickels said he once had to visit a road that had gone out on his wedding anniversary.

“I listen to the needs of the people, and what I can do to help each and every one as an individual,” said Nickles. “I’ll show up weather I can help or not.”