The Concordia Sentinel
Today is Thursday, May 23rd, 2013Subscribe Today!
Home · News · Columns · Editorials · Frank Morris Murder · Sports · Obituaries · Sentinel People
Main Menu
• Home
• Links of Interest
• Polls & Surveys
• Public Notices
• Read Our E-Edition
• Recommend Us
• RSS Feeds
• Search Our Site
• Site Statistics
• Story Archives
• Top 5 Most Popular
• Contact Us

Ads by Google

Current Poll
Who do you think should manage Ferriday water?
JCP
GENTS
Someone else
I don't care

View Results
Story Archives: Candidates outline ideas at Concordia forum


Candidates outline ideas at Concordia forum
by Joey Martin - posted Thursday, February 7th, 2008 @ 8:19 amE-mail Story E-mail Story | Print Story Print Story 
Eleven parish candidates for political office addressed several issues at a candidate forum held at the Vidalia Conference and Convention Center Thursday.

Vidalia Mayor Hyram Copeland talked about bringing in a port to further improve the city.

"When I came into office there were empty store fronts and for sale signs on the streets," Copeland said. "We made a commitment and we've brought in two Fortune 500 companies and 100 new businesesses and created 1,400 jobs over the past several years. By working together, we have collected $25 million in grants to replace outdated systems that were in immediate need of repair."

Copeland said his strength is his determination.

"I've been told several times that things were not going to happen, but I went to Washington and Baton Rouge and made sure they did happen," he said We've brought the utility rates down and we're doing everything we can to continue to bring them down. When I came in a made a commitment to move this city forward. My motto was to make Vidalia a place to move to, not from."

Mayoral candidate Bill Murray said there are untapped resources around town and he wants to establish stability and a fiscally responsible government.

"I have a master plan and as I aggressively pursue future development and future jobs I will inform the people of every aspect of that project," Murray said. "The people will be a source for ideas."

Murray said his strength is his honesty and integrity.

"The people will be fully informed of every aspect of each project and it will be well understood how that project will affect their personal economics," he said.

Glen McGlothin, who is running for Mayor of Ferriday, was the lone representative from Ferriday.

When asked about Ferriday's water situation, McGlothin said he would talk with the Police Jury and Concordia Water Works District I about digging a well in Lake St. John and paying Concordia Water Works District I to run water though a pipeline to the town.

When asked about traffic stops, McGlothin said his officers would still write tickets, but not necessarily for cracked windshields and inspection stickers.

"The state will take care of that," McGlothin said. "My officers will treat people with dignity and respect and not have an attitude. It says on that car that the police department will serve the people and I expect them to be a servant of the people."

McGlothin said his strength is his enthusiasm.

"The museum was my idea, but it took a lot of people to make that idea work," McGlothin said. "I love Ferriday and there are a lot of projects that need to be completed and done."

Audrey Gray, who is running for Alderman, District 1 in Vidalia, said her district has a lack of representation.

"I am a responsible person and a good listener," Gray said. "I am also a hard worker."

Gray is running against incumbent Triand "Tron" McCoy, who was at the forum, but did not reply to the invitation.

Vidalia District 2 Alderman Vernon Stevens, an incumbent, said he has always returned calls from citizens and wants to continue to help the area grow.

"I want Vidalia to be a place where our young people can stay and not have to go off to work," Stevens said.

Stevens is being opposed by Corinne Randazzo, who had planned on attending the forum, but was unable because of illness.

District 3 Alderman Maureen "Mo" Saunders, an incumbent, said she believes her strength is relating to people

"I'll always try to be fair," Saunders said. "I may not be able to solve every problem, but I will do my best. You have to have a good team and I believe we work well together to do what's best for the young and old in Vidalia."

Kathy Nunnery, who is running against Saunders, Ricky Knapp and Jon Betts, said she cares a lot about Vidalia.

"I want to see that things are done right," Nunnery said. "I want to see us come together and get new volunteers. I think it is important to be available to the people who elect you."

Sandy Clayton, who is running for alderman in Clayton, was the lone representative from Clayton.

"I'm tired of the way things are being done in Clayton," Clayton said. "There's a lot that needs to be done and it can start with me."

All four candidates for Chief of Police of Vidalia were present at the forum.

"I think our town is very safe," said Police Chief Billy Hammers. "The more people you get and the more businesses, the more crime you are going to have. We're continuing to try and improve everything we do."

Ronnie "Tapper" Hendricks said he would implement a zoning process.

"I would have four different zones and put an officer in each zone," Hendricks said. "An officer would be walking the street even on a nice sunny day and people would come to know that officer on a personal basises. My officers will be very visible.":

Sam King said a new style of leadership is needed in the police department.

"We need to get the police officers more money and that would get them more motivated," King said. "We don't need two assistant police chiefs."

Ricky Williams said the officers need more training.

"We need to have a narcotics investigator," Williams said. "And we need to have more trained officers in our schools. A school shooting in this town would be disastrous."
Search Our Site

Frank Morris Murder Series

Advertising

Local Weather
© 2002-2013 The Concordia Sentinel - All Rights Reserved
Web Site Design by Panther Networks, Inc.