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VALLEY — Troy Davis talked about his candidacy for the office of Chambers County Probate Judge at Wednesday’s noon hour meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Valley.

He’s 32 years old and a lifelong resident of Chambers County. He and wife Chelsea are the proud parents of a five-month-old son, Brooks. Troy is nearing a degree from Southern Union State Community College in business, business management and mechatronics. He’s currently a supervisor for Baxter Healthcare in Opelika and has worked there for the past seven years. Chelsea is a pre-K teacher for the Phenix City School System.

Davis was introduced to the club by State Representative Debbie Wood. He is challenging Paul Story, the incumbent probate judge, in the March 5th Republican Primary.

Davis said that he is a community-minded person. “I am always looking for ways to help my family, my neighbors and the community. I hope to earn your vote on March 5th,” he told members of the club.

He shares a love of children with his wife. “I want today’s children to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment and to go on to successful careers,” he said. “I am concerned with the mental health situation in Chambers County. I want those who are struggling with mental health issues to have the proper treatment they need.”

Davis wants to make sure everyone who enters a county office is always treated with courtesy and respect. “This should happen every time you go there whether it’s to buy a tag for your vehicle or to discuss a will or an estate. I want everyone to be treated right when they go to vote. I want everyone who is legally registered to be able to cast their vote in a prompt, efficient manner.”

A graduate of Valley High, Davis was raised with a strong work ethic. He has family members who worked in the local mills and believed in hard work and treating everyone fairly. “I have always been the kind of guy who rolls up his sleeves and sees that the job is done right.” he said. “I pledge to the people of Chambers County that I will serve with integrity and make sure the job is done right.”

A member of the club asked Davis if he was for Auburn or Alabama. He laughed at the good-natured question and said he could honestly answer in a non-partisan way. “I’ve always pulled for the Miami Hurricanes,” he said. “I’m sure my father influenced me with that, and I was born in a year they won a national championship in football.”

He added that his wife was a big Alabama fan and he was all right with that. “I think Alabama just got a good coach in Kalen DeBoer, and I think Hugh Freeze will do a good job for Auburn. I can identify with Auburn in that I’m something of an underdog. I’m really proud that my alma mater won a state championship in basketball this past year. That was a huge thing for Valley and Chambers County. They join Lanett and LaFayette in having won state titles in that sport.”

Another member of the club asked Davis if he preferred the county being on Eastern or Central time. He said he was accustomed to being on Eastern but would have no problem with going to Central. “I grew up on County Road 222 in Fredonia, and we went with Eastern time,” he said. “We chose to be an hour ahead of most of the state of Alabama.”

Davis said he went to school in Five Points in the elementary grades before going to Valley High. “I have worked for as long as I can remember,” he said. “Before I got my first job when I was a teenager I had daily chores to do.”

Taking on responsibility at an early age has helped him lead a very busy life. “I am working a full-time job, taking classes at Southern Union in Opelika and campaigning for office all at the same time.” he said. “It’s a wonderful time in my life. My wife and I have a newborn baby, and we are enjoying getting out and meeting people. I have spoken at a number of civic clubs, and we’ve been getting out to community events. We always feel welcome when we get out to meet people, and we appreciate that.”

The company he works for, Baxter Healthcare, is currently going through a shutdown. Davis will be one of an estimated 500 people who will be losing their jobs. “Competition with China did us in,” he said. The plant is located on Jeter Avenue in Opelika and was a manufacturer of dialyzers for dialysis treatments. The company came to Opelika in 2005 under the name Gambro Renal Products. “Baxter leadership emphasized to us that the outcome was not a reflection on the quality of employees and business climate in Opelika,” city officials said. “It was brought on by global market conditions and overseas competition.”

Whether he wins or not on March 5th, Davis is a good man looking for a job.

The Kiwanis Club of Valley has invited the candidates for probate judge and superintendent of county schools to speak this month. Last week the incumbent probate judge, Paul Story, spoke to the club. Over the next two weeks, the two candidates for superintendent will be speaking. Sharon Weldon will be talking to the club on January 24th and incumbent Casey Chambley the next week.