Businessman David Cottles said he wants to help ensure fairness and honesty in local government.

Cottles will oppose Ted Snell in the July 20 Democratic primary for County Commission District 4. The winner will face Republican candidate Frank Loeffler in November’s general election. The seat is currently held by Palmer Rich, who announced he is not running for re-election.

Cottles said he believes local government officials should be forthright in their decisions and how they reached them. He said if elected to the Board of Commissioners, he would strive to embody the traits of accountability, credibility and responsibility.

The county’s public safety departments, such as the Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Medical Service and Fire and Rescue, “put their life on the line 24/7” and should be given all the equipment and resources they need, Cottles said.

Cottles is also interested in the possibility of creating a county fire station and EMS substation on the east side of the Flint River, as part of a larger goal of improving response time to remote areas of Decatur County. He said he supports volunteer firefighters and called the county’s recently created inmate firefighter program a good asset.

Other issues Cottles wants to work if elected include recruiting new industries, creating jobs for citizens, strengthening animal control and listening to citizens’ feedback.

“I will be a voice for the people, and I am willing to stand up and lead,” he said.

Cottles owns his own roofing company and has worked as a contractor for more than 33 years.

He and his wife, Sandra Palmer Cottles, have been married for 38 years. They have three children and two grandchildren, with another on the way.

He volunteers with the Decatur County Prison Ministry and is a deacon at Morningside Baptist Church in Bainbridge.