Ron Sparks said he can “do” for Covington County because he knows Covington County.

Sparks, a Democratic candidate for governor, is currently the state’s commissioner of agriculture – a position he has held since 1999. He was initially slated for a face-to-face interview with The Star-News Friday; however, scheduling conflicts prompted a telephone interview instead.

“I know Covington County,” Sparks said. “I’ve been working with Covington County citizens for years. I know the area, and I know the people who live there.”

Sparks said he intends to fight for revenue for education; target infrastructure and create jobs.

“Things that I know are important to every Alabamian,” he said. “And I’ve got a plan to do that.”

Sparks spoke of his proposed $1.4 billion highway jobs plan that he said will improve roads, ease congestion and create jobs.

“We have to start building infrastructure from North Alabama to South Alabama,” he said. “We’ve got to start looking at alternative fuels. We’ve got to continue to recruit industry into Alabama. I’ve got a plan that create jobs and put 38,000 people to work.”

Sparks said if elected, he will “hit the ground running.”

“When I walk into the governor’s office, I’m going to be doing the same thing that I’ve been doing the last seven years as agriculture commissioner,” he said. “I have a plan.”