By Joseph M. Morgan

joseph@southerntorch.com

MENTONE, Ala.—Republican Don Brock announced this week his candidacy for the DeKalb County Board of Education, Place 5. The BOE seat represents the communities of Ider, Cartersville, Valley Head, Hammondville, Sulphur Springs, Fisher and Mentone.

For the past 18 years, DeKalb BOE Place 5 has been held by Republican Terry Wootten of Ider. Wooten announced early last month that he would not be seeking re-election.

“Being a student much of my life, and as a parent of two and grandfather of nine, I understand the importance of education,” Dr. Brock said. “The teachers and staff of our school system do an excellent job, and I want to work to nurture that legacy through the promotion of a positive working environment between parents and teachers. Given the present economic conditions, I will also strive to promote fiscal responsibility and accountability by encouraging easy access to public information. The main part of my platform is increased transparency, responsiveness, availability and communication within the district and from the Board.”

Brock is a mental health counselor in private practice at the Synergy Counseling Center in Fort Payne. Currently living in Mentone, he has lived in DeKalb County for the past 30 years serving as a hospital chaplain and pastor.