By: Oniska Blevins

Leadership Selma-Dallas County got an early start to the day Wednesday morning, as the organization welcomed five of the six Dallas County probate judge candidates to their annual Alumni Breakfast. The organization added a forum to the breakfast this year offering candidates a platform to express their interest in the position.

“Leadership Selma-Dallas County wanted to be able to have a very neutral non-biased moderator to facilitate a discussion with the candidates so that people may be informed about [the candidates’ platforms],” Nelson said.

Franklin Fortier, Robert Green, Clifford Hunter, Henry Moore and Jimmy Nunn were present at the event. Nick Switzer was unable to attend, due to work obligations, but sent his regrets.

With less than a week before the primaries on June 5, community members and leaders alike were interested in what the candidates had to say.

Morgan Saintjones, training programs specialist and moderator the forum, said this was a chance to discuss important issues.

“We’re gonna discuss some issues that we think are plaguing Alabama, as well as, more specifically, Dallas County,” Saintjones said.

Some of the issues discussed were mental health, economic development and crime.

“We’re just trying to get as much information as we can and how [the candidates] can be beneficial to the community at large,” Saintjones said.

Candidates were asked a total of nine questions. Six of those questions were provided to them beforehand and three were from the audience.

“Sometimes our politicians are detached from the community, and so we really want them to have an opportunity to share their messaging so we can know what to expect from them when they get into office,” Saintjones said.

Saintjones timed the candidates as they answered each question within 60 seconds or 90 seconds, depending on the question.

Saintjones asked: “What unique qualities would you bring to the position that sets you apart from the other candidates?”

Sitting in alphabetical order, each candidate took 60 seconds to tell the audience about their specific qualifications and what they would bring to the position of probate judge.

First, Franklin Fortier said his more than 17 years of training in Civil Rights, Master’s Degree in Organizational Development, cooperate America background and his many years in media sets him apart and makes him an ideal candidate for the position.

With more than 30 years of service, Green spoke about how his experience managing budgets, grant writing and previous work with several mayors set him apart from the rest.

Former county commissioner Hunter expressed interest in putting the people first, and how his continued proven leadership qualities are just what Dallas County needs to get the job done.

Moore believes his solid fiscal management skills is one of the main reasons he’s perfect for the job.  He said his resourcefulness and legal knowledge is what is needed to be a success probate judge.

Lastly, Nunn spoke about how his experience as an attorney for the last 21 years, and his experience as the attorney for the city of Selma, has made him accessible to the public. Nunn said that accessibility is key for the probate judge position.

The forum concluded with announcements from Leadership of Selma-Dallas County president John Solomon.