CAIRO — Al Ball made history Jan. 3 when he was elected chairman of the Grady County Board of Commissioners.

He is the first black commission chairman in the county’s 100 year history.

“It’s historic, and I think it is time,” said Ball on Thursday. “I am also happy with the fact that Grady County is making strides to try to live up to the values that we as Americans feel are important in terms of equity and fairness, a person’s ability as opposed to who he is.”

His appointment also means something to the general public, said Ball.

“Our school kids and young people can see what they want to do in life, that it is possible as long as they have the qualifications to do it,” he said.

Ball came onto the board in April 2003 to finish out the unexpired term of District 4 Commissioner Howard Copeland, who died in office.

He was elected to a four year term in November 2004 and served as vice chairman in 2005.

Ball said he is glad Grady County rotates the chairman position rather than having a county-wide elected chairman.

“I think each one of the commissioners is capable of serving as chair and none of us have more power than the other,” he said. “I like the position rotating chairs, and I wanted to take my turn.”

Ball, retired, worked 16 years in the Grady County School System and works with Boys to Men, a mentoring organization for youths.

There are several priorities Ball has for 2006, including Tired Creek, the SPLOST referendum, grant funding for projects and encouraging public participation in local government.

The Tired Creek project, an approximately 3,000-acre plot of land planned for recreational development, has been ongoing for decades.

It began in 1969 when local businessmen and the state decided Grady County was a great area for a state park.

The Department of Natural Resources agreed and funding was acquired, but in 1974 times got tough and the DNR decided not to build anymore state parks at the time.

The project was dropped until 1993 when the board decided to try its hand at getting the recreational site off the ground.