The two incumbent challengers in the District 3 Alderman race don’t have bad things to say about their incumbent opponents, but they both say new ideas and new commitment can go a long way.

Bill Staggs

Bill Staggs doesn’t want to be a part-time alderman.

The republican challenger thinks serving as a District 3 alderman should be a full-time job, and if elected he plans to make it just that.

&uot;I want to be more full time than what is required,&uot; Staggs said. &uot;I want to get involved with the mayor and see if we can get something done.&uot;

Staggs said a lack of jobs was the biggest issue facing Vidalia, and thinks aldermen can do more to bring economic development to the area.

&uot;It’s going to be a hard thing to work on, but you’ve got to go out and look for things to get them.&uot;

Staggs said his age, 72, makes it evident that he’s not interested in running for higher offices after a stint as alderman, and said his business experience as co-owner of Sears gives him an advantage.

He said he would work with the mayor to take advantage of grants to make a great city even better.

&uot;It’s the best little town you could possibly live in,&uot; Staggs said. &uot;Some people can go out and find money that other people can’t find. If it’s out there why don’t we get it? Let’s get it and improve our life and our city.&uot;

Paige Ozburn

Paige Ozburn wants to offer something to the Vidalia Board of Alderman that none of the other District 3 candidates can offer.

&uot;I think the board needs someone who represents people will small children and families,&uot; Ozburn said. &uot;I’m the only one that would still have young children.&uot;

The 36-year-old mother of a 13- and 9-year-old said she’s always wanted to be more involved in the city, but wasn’t willing to run until her own children were older.

&uot;Both of my kids are at an age that I can take a more active role. I have the time to dedicate to Vidalia.&uot;

Ozburn said flexibility in her work schedule at Bryant Hammett and Associates would allow her to get involved with the mayor and board to bring new industries to Vidalia.

&uot;My biggest issue in pursing is industry. Our town is great, it doesn’t have a lot of major issues that can’t be solved. We just need to keep our folks from having to leave home for jobs.&uot;

Ozburn said she’d first like to research how bad the problem is and look at the potential offered by the industrial park.

Ozburn’s votes on the board would come only after research and questioning the constituents, she said.