With Roger Tingler announcing his candidacy for mayor of Covington, at least one person has announced his candidacy for Tingler's old council seat - former Oxford Police Chief Keith Dalton.

Dalton announced his candidacy to the world with a small float at the Oxford Fourth of July parade last week.

"I love Covington and would just love to give back to the community that has been so good to me," Dalton said of his decision to run for a council seat. "I just want a hand in what goes on and the events that will affect me and my family."

A lifelong resident of Covington, Dalton served on the Covington police force from 1987 to 1992 before becoming the police chief of Oxford, a post from which he retired in 1998. He now owns his own business in town called Covington Window Cleaners.

If elected Dalton said he would like to concentrate on the things that bring people to Covington such as recreation facilities, ball tournaments and strong businesses.

But Dalton said he was not running as a one-issue candidate but as someone who would focus his attention on the whole city.

Dalton said he would take a hands-on approach if elected to the council. In addition Dalton said his years as a police officer have given him a good deal of insight and knowledge into the way government works.

While maintaining fiscal responsibility, Dalton said he would work to provide the services that are best and most needed for the city of Covington.

In addition to Tingler's Post 3 East Ward seat, the Post 1 West Ward seat - currently held by Janet Goodman and the Post 2 East Ward seat - currently held by Mike Whatley - will also be up for re-election in November.

Candidates for municipal office have one week - from Aug. 27 to Aug. 31 - to register and qualify their candidacy with the Newton County Board of Elections.

To register for the mayoral race candidates must pay a $360 fee. The fee to run for a council post is $180 according to Donna Morrison, supervisor of elections for the BOE.