VIDALIA — Three candidates will vie for the district 1 alderman seat in Vidalia, including the incumbent.

Candidates are Frank Duson, Audrey Johnson Gray and incumbent “Tron” McCoy.

Frank Duson

Messages during the past two weeks to Duson for his participation in a district 1 article were unreturned.

Audrey Johnson Gray

Gray said her decision to run for district 1 alderman is all about the community she hopes to serve.

“It’s not for me, it’s for the people,” Gray said. “I feel the community needs a voice to stand with the people, and I am that voice because I am very personable and available for the people.”

Gray said renovations to houses and streets in district 1 are the main issue she would address if elected.

“My district is 50 years behind renovations. Nothing has been done that can show progress,” Gray said. “Buildings are run down, and the streets aren’t drivable. Everything that is being done is leaving the district.”

Gray said uniting the community is the only way to achieve shared goals.

“You have to bring the people together instead of one person fighting against each other,” Gray said. “It’s not what I want done, it’s what they want done, so I’ll work with the people to accomplish what they want to see get done.”

Gray said she wants to remind voters troubled with the political system that she is there to listen.

“Just know that someone out there still cares,” Gray said. “They can always reach me, whether I’m in the seat or not. Whatever they need, I’m still there to help.”

Triand “Tron” McCoy

Two-term incumbent McCoy said his campaign focuses on experienced leadership and the completion of several projects, including a revitalization to Martin Luther King Street, that will move Vidalia forward.

“There are several projects that we’re working on that, for the next four years, are very critical for the future of Vidalia,” McCoy said. “My goal is to better district 1 and the City of Vidalia as a whole.”

McCoy said education and economic development are among many other things things he would continue pushing forward if re-elected.

“Vidalia is heading in the right direction, and we must make sure that our community can keep up,” McCoy said. “We have room to grow, and that’s what we’re working on right now.”

McCoy said the work he’s done to build a strong working relationship with the current board and mayor is something that will allow him to move forward with future and current projects more quickly.

“Keeping the current board intact is critical for this city for the next four years,” McCoy said. “It’s all about the collaborative effort, and (the board) understands that I understand the need of the people.”

McCoy said he wants to remind voters of his deep roots in Vidalia and the common goals he shares with his community members.

“I was born and reared in Vidalia, so I feel all the aches and pains when there’s a shortfall somewhere,” McCoy said. “I’m fully invested in this community.”

The election is on March 24.