VIDALIA — While neither candidate is a stranger to Concordia Parish, both candidates running for police jury district 3, place B stress the importance of drainage and road work in their campaigns.

The two candidates are incumbent “Whest” Shirley and Raymond “RC” West.

“Whest” Shirley

Three-term incumbent Shirley said his long-term investment in the community ultimately led to his decision to seek re-election.

“Vidalia has always been my home. I think we have a great town here, and I think there’s still a lot of opportunities here,” Shirley said. “I’ll always be here, and I just want to continue to stay on the right track that we’re on.”

Shirley said infrastructure projects on the horizon, like the Airport Road project, are things he has pushed for in the past and wants to see accomplished.

“We’re just getting started with those projects,” Shirley said. “We’re going to be breaking ground in a few weeks and get that project off the ground.”

Shirley said apart from road infrastructure projects, drainage projects, including flood prevention, is a top priority for district 3 and the entire parish.

“It’s better than it was 10 years ago, but we still have some ditches we need to work on and try to get some water off these people and prevent some tragedies we avoided during this past flood,” Shirley said. “The flash floods really bother me because when it rains all night, it gets pretty bad around our area.”

Shirley said he hopes voters will remember his experienced leadership when they hit the polls.

“We appreciate your support and hope you get out and vote on Saturday,” Shirley said.

Raymond “RC” West

West said his decision to run for the district 3, place B seat started three years ago.

“The main thing I hear from the people is that they want somebody to represent them,” West said. “They want someone they can call and get a hold of at anytime, and I’m that person.”

West said apart from being available at all times, serving the community is vital to any elected position.

“The way I look at it, the taxpayers pay the salary, and they should get what they pay for,” West said. “They should have someone to represent them and stand up for them.”

West said drainage and road infrastructure would be on the top of his list if elected.

“If you have a ditch clogged up with tall weeds, that’s going to restrict your flow of water,” West said. “We need to keep our ditches cleaned out so they can do their jobs.”

West said the Airport Road project, along with a project to install a new roof on the Old Courthouse in Vidalia, are things he would seek to complete.

“If I’m elected I’ll work with the other police jurors to get those projects done,” West said.

West said he wanted to remind voters that he would help give the community a voice.

“I’d be an honor and privilege to serve the people of district 3,” West said. “I honestly appreciate them voting me.”

The election is Saturday.