VIDALIA — Vidalians will soon choose between two experienced law enforcement officials for the job of Vidalia police chief.

On March 24, citizens will hit the polls to choose either former Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office Lt. Todd Ainsworth or incumbent Police Chief Arthur K. Lewis.

Both candidates said they are ready to lead Vidalia and the police department.

Todd Ainsworth

Ainsworth said he’s running for a simple reason.

“I want to try and make this a better community for our kids because I want this to be a place for them to be raised and, when they get out of school, they can come back and there be jobs here for them,” Ainsworth said. “I want to keep it safe and have something for our kids to come back to.”

Ainsworth said his extensive law enforcement experience makes him the best candidate for the position.

Ainsworth worked his way up through the ranks at the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office, where he began working in 1997 as a line deputy.

Working first as a patrol officer, he was promoted to shift sergeant in 2002 and, ultimately, to lieutenant, the position from which he resigned in order to seek election.

“I’ve had hands on experience in all cases from the simple dog bite to being the first officer on the scene of a murder,” Ainsworth said. “Working with people hands on is something I’ve done with the sheriff’s office for 15 years.”

Ainsworth said making the transition from the sheriff’s office to the city police department wouldn’t be an issue.

“I’ve worked hands on with everyone at the police department,” Ainsworth said. “It won’t be a big transition.”

Ainsworth said drug activity one issue troubling Vidalia and something he would seek to eliminate.

“You have a roundup of (30) people in Ferriday, but you have people here also,” Ainsworth said. “If I’m elected, I will put together a narcotics task force to work to eliminate that problem.”

Ainsworth said programs like the Triad program, which helps elderly citizens in the community, is something he would continue.

“I think it’s a great program, and I will continue that if I’m elected,” Ainsworth said. “I think we could get more officers on that program and have them patrolling more and at different times throughout the day.”

Ainsworth said having full transparency is something he would stand by if elected.

“I will be fair and honest and have an open-door policy,” Ainsworth. “Any and all complaints will be heard from each citizen.”

Arthur K. Lewis

After winning a special election in April with 78 percent of the vote, Lewis said the experience he gained in the past year and during his time at the police department will allow him to continue serving his community.

“I think my background and my records speak for themselves, and I know I’m equipped and ready to handle the job as chief again,” Lewis said. “I just want to make it a better place for the citizens’ children and my children.”

Lewis has 32 years of law enforcement experience; serving four years in the Army as a Military Policeman and 28 years working at the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Vidalia Police Department.

Lewis also said drug activity is an issue he would tackle if re-elected as chief.

“Any city in the United States has those problems, so we’re going to continue monitoring that issue and provide the best possible law enforcement to everyone,” Lewis said. “A narcotics team is a department I would look to add in the future.”

During his time as chief, Lewis started a Neighborhood/Community watch program, a Triad program for the elderly and certified school resource officers.

Lewis said all of those are programs he would continue and hopes to expand upon.

“The Triad program is an excellent program that came about to take care of our elderly population,” Lewis said. “I would like to see that program continue on, and as long as I’m around, it will.”

Lewis said the Neighborhood Watch program is growing with the addition of more officers and that the school resource officers have been an excellent addition for the students and schools’ safety.

Resenting any kind of political career, Lewis said he just hopes voters give him the opportunity to continue serving them as chief.

“I want to be rehired. Re-elected sounds so political,” Lewis said.

“I want to be rehired by the people and just want to work hard for all the citizens in Vidalia so they can have a high level of confidence in their police department.”