FERRIDAY, La. – The candidates for the Concordia Parish Police Jury’s District 1, Place A have very different platforms indeed.

Incumbent Carey Cook, like many others running for police juror in different districts, said drainage and roads are his constituents’ biggest concerns – but that the current jury is doing much to address those issues.

&uot;We’re doing regular maintenance … and have done many good projects even though funding went down and we’re operating on a bare minimum (budget),&uot;&160;Cook said.

But challenger Elijah Banks is running on a multi-plank platform that includes plans to address issues from recreation to public works to economic development.

&uot;If I&160;can accomplish just part of that in the next four years, I&160;think that will be a big step,&uot;&160;Banks said.

Cook pointed to several things the jury has accomplished in his 14 years as juror. Those included starting Vidalia Canal improvements, naming a committee to conduct a drainage study, building new bridges and repairing roads.

But Cook still believes some areas still need addressing. For example, he would like to give the jury’s employees raises as soon as the jury can find the money for it.

If elected, Banks’ first priorities would include brainstorming ways to attract new industries and pushing for a committee to be appointed to look into organizing another festival to attract tourists to the parish.

He would also push for year-round recreation programs for youth, a new schedule for public works maintenance and stocking area lakes and rivers with more fish.

&uot;I&160;truly believe we can get this area moving again,&uot;&160;Banks said.