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July 20, 2010

Democrats select county commission nominee

Veteran sweet potato farmer Keith Smith has served on state, national board

By David Palmer The Cullman Times

Gold Ridge farmer Keith Smith, a past president of Sweet Potato Council of the United States, has been chosen as the Democratic Party’s nominee to vie for the Place 1 seat on the Cullman County Commission.

The local Democratic Executive Committee met at 5 p.m. Monday at the Cullman County Courthouse and unanimously selected Smith to campaign for the seat, said Champ Crocker, local party chairman for the Democrats.

Smith, 53, will replace Philip Widner, who was the party’s nominee after the primary. However, Widner accepted a job in Jackson County and recently announced he was giving up the nomination to focus his attention on the new position.

Smith will face Republican Darrell Hicks in November, meaning both candidates for the seat will have ties to the farming community.

“Keith’s very excited about it. He’s known in a lot of circles because of his involvement in farming,” Crocker said. “I know that he’s held several leadership positions and he’ll be a strong candidate for the people.”

Smith planted his first crop in 1973 while working with his grandfather and uncle. By 1978, following the death of his relatives, he was farming “on my own.”

Smith farms sweet potatoes, chickens and various row crops. His Cullman County farm includes about 350 acres on land that his great-grandfather farmed. The Farm/City Family winner has served 10 years as president of the Alabama Sweet Potato Association and recently completed a five-year term on the national council, which also included a year as president. He has also served 10 years on the East Cullman County Water Board.

Knowing that November’s general election is not far away, Smith said he started campaigning Monday.

“As soon as I left the courthouse I began shaking hands,” Smith said. “I’ve got some ground to make up, but I’m looking forward to running and winning this election. I’m going to be honest in everything I do and serve the people of the county fairly.”

Smith said he favors the Duck River project for improving the water supply. He said he also believes the commission should conduct its business openly for the public’s benefit.

“I’ve always had an interest in serving, and now the opportunity is here. We’re going to meet a lot of people and talk about the issues, and try to win this election,” Smith said.

Widner’s departure from the race was preceded by Republican Jerry Parker’s elimination from his party’s nomination because he failed to file some campaign papers on time. The local Republican Party plans to meet Thursday and choose its new nominee for the Place 2 county commission race. The runner-up to Parker, Stanley Yarbrough, will be among those interviewed.

Widner sent a letter to The Cullman Times Monday. The full letter will publish in the Wednesday Opinion section, but in part it reads: “Several reasons, both personal and professional, have led up to my decision and I sincerely regret not being able to see this thing through and have the opportunity to serve as your Commissioner. All the support and encouragement I have received has been very humbling and I truly appreciate everyone’s efforts.”



* David Palmer may be contacted at dpalmer@cullmantimes.com or 256-734-2131, ext. 213.

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