CLAYTON &045;&045; While other towns have a full slate of candidates, there is only one local election to vote for in Clayton this time around &045;&045; chief of police.

Alderman Willie &uot;Bill&uot; Evans is challenging incumbent Chief of Police, Clarence &uot;PaPa&uot; Skipper.

Incumbent Mayor Wilbert Washington ran unopposed and will begin his fourth term as mayor in July. For aldermen in Clayton, residents run at large for the five positions. Only five people qualified so the new aldermen are Linda Delaughter, Gail Duncan, Irene Jefferson, Donna Keith and Lola O’Briant.

Willie &uot;Bill&uot; Evans

Evans said he is running for chief of police &uot;to give the citizens of Clayton a better quality of service, which they so vitally need.&uot;

Evans has served Clayton as an alderman and said, while he has no law enforcement experience, he does know the town and state laws governing the municipality.

Evans said the main crime problem in Clayton is the law is not being enforced. Evans said his solution would open communication with the townspeople and take the necessary actions to resolve any problems.

However, Evans said he would, if elected, put emphasis on the elderly and the youth of Clayton. Evans said he would check on the elderly while patrolling the town. Evans said he would be a counselor to keep youth out of trouble.

Evans said he will tell the youth the importance of attending school and church to &uot;build them morally and spiritually.&uot; And, Evans said he would be willing to work with other parish agencies, as well as agencies from Catahoula and Tensas parishes, 100 percent to enforce the laws. &uot;I am willing to work with them hand in hand to combat whatever problems may exist,&uot; he said.

Skipper did not return calls before press time.