VIDALIA — The race for the district 2 seat on the Concordia Parish Police Jury is a crowded affair.

Five candidates, including the incumbent, will compete for the seat. Incumbent Willie J. Dunbar, Anthony “Bro Man” Lewis, Fred “Coach” Marsalis, Richard White and Betty Albert Wilson will face off Saturday in the primary election.

Willie J. Dunbar

Three-term incumbent Dunbar said his campaign is based around his experience assisting the community in the district 2 seat.

“I’m working for the people, listening to the people and always have an open door policy,” Dunbar said. “If a person has a problem, I always go and investigate and see what I can do to represent them.”

Like many districts within the parish, Dunbar said the main issue facing district 2 is drainage.

“We have a lot of draining problems and problems with the water not flowing out like it should,” Dunbar said. “One of my main concerns is the canal because once the canal gets full, it would back up into our district.”

Dunbar said recreation and education are among other issues he would like to see his district and the parish continue to address.

“These kids have to have somewhere to go and play because when they have a lot of time on their hands and nowhere to go, they get into trouble,” Dunbar said. “We need to keep fighting for education and make sure we can improve that.”

Dunbar said he wants to remind voters of his commitment to district 2 as they cast their votes.

“I’ve kept the promises that I will be working for the people and look out for the district and the whole parish,” Dunbar said. “I want the voters to consider me their candidate for the next four years.”

Anthony “Bro Man” Lewis

Lewis said his campaign is based around forward progress for district 2.

“I’m running to make a difference in my district,” Lewis said. “There has been a lot that hasn’t be done, and I want to see some of those things get done.”

Lewis said drainage is at the top of his list of things that need to be addressed within district 2.

“What I’m pushing for is the drainage because the summer before last my house flooded, and we had other candidates in there that said they were going to fix this, but they never did anything,” Lewis said. “We have so many problems as far as drainage is concerned.”

Lewis said the Neighborhood Watch program is something he would like to see started back up in his district and the whole parish.

“We used to leave home and not have to lock any doors, but now you can’t even go out to your car without locking your door,” Lewis said. “The Neighborhood Watch plays a big role in citizens feeling safe in their community.”

Lewis said he wants to remind citizens of district 2 that he will be there to serve them if elected.

“I want to show the people that I can make a difference and do the best that can be done,” Lewis said. “If just want a chance to prove myself. I’m like the president, I can’t promise anything, but I will fight hard for my district.”

Fred “Coach” Marsalis

No stranger to Concordia Parish, Marsalis said his experience working with citizens in the parish makes him the best candidate for the position.

“I’m very familiar with the duties and obligations, listening to the people and being able to respond to what needs to be done,” Marsalis said. “I’m a strong supporter of Vidalia and Concordia Parish and I can see that things are strong, but we need to continue on the right path.”

Marsalis said drainage issues need to be addressed immediately and not just when problematic areas act up.

“Back in the time of the flood, we had tremendous water concern, and there was not a lot done about it,” Marsalis said. “I have been in constant contact with the mayor and state senators and people just don’t know what happened.”

Marsalis said the issues require more attention than just a simple ditch being dug.

“I think the board has gotten a little laid back, and I’m trying to get some answers because just digging ditches wont alleviate some of the major issues we have in our district,” Marsalis said. “There is tremendous infrastructure work that needs to be done, and if we really get out and advertise the parish about the things that are concerning us and get the people involved, we can get the work done.”

Marsalis said his experience with city officials and citizens can ensure progress for district 2 and the entire parish.

“I’ve worked closely with the city of Vidalia, the mayor, the aldermen and city officials,” Marsalis said. “We have the experience and we know the things that need to be done.”

Richard White

White said his previous experience of working as a motor grade operator for the police jury gives him the advantage of knowing the entire parish, not just district 2.

“All the jurors that are running just now know this area, in district 2, but I know the whole parish,” White said. “I know the whole parish and the people in the parish know me.”

White said drainage and recreation are the main issues facing district 2.

“I want us to be digging down south where the water can run off,” White said. “These kids need somewhere to play because right now they’re just running up and down the roads.”

White said he wants to remind voters that issues important to them are the issues he will address.

“I want the voters to realize I’ll do my best, and I’ll do everything the law allows me to,” White said. “I’ll push every issue that I can if I’m elected and try to make the neighborhoods a better place.”

Betty Albert Wilson

Messages during the past two weeks to Wilson were unreturned.