Dallas County Commissioners sworn into office in ceremony Wednesday, pledge unity with city

The new Dallas County Commission was sworn into office in a ceremony on Wednesday at the Dallas County Courthouse downtown.

Commissioners, who were elected in a July 14 runoff election, took the oath of office and voted on several items in an organizational meeting that followed, including plans to contract with tree removal companies to clean up widespread debris left from the devastation of Hurricane Zeta on Oct. 29.

A common theme in the acceptance speeches from commissioners was hopes the county can work with the cities to accomplish more together.

Newcomer Jan Justice said she plans to work with Selma, Valley Grande and Orrville as “a bridge builder to make a difference.”

Commission President and Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn noted how many Selma elected officials were present for the swearing in ceremony, saying it shows desire for unity.

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Selma officials there include Mayor James Perkins Jr., Councilwoman Jannie Thomas and new Councilman Clay Carmichael.

“We are one,” Nunn said. “The county can’t make it without the city and the city can’t make it without the county.”

Commissioner Vivian Rogers became the first Black and first female to hold the District 2 seat, which is a predominately white district.

Jan Justice was new to the District 4 seat, Curtis Williams returned to his District 3 seat and Connel Towns took over District 1, a seat he held in the past.

The Commission will meet again on Nov. 23 at 4 p.m. and then meet once a month on the first Monday until COVID is over and then will return to two meetings a month.