VIDALIA, La. – In running for the Vidalia District 3 alderman’s seat left vacant by Bill Murray’s resignation, Jon D. Betts is fulfilling a dream he has had for several years.

&uot;During that time, I was satisfied with who was in there,&uot; said Betts, 43, who has lived in Concordia Parish since 1979 and in Vidalia since 1989. &uot;But I&160;said that if someone got out (of office) I&160;would run for it.&uot;

More specifically, Betts said the reason he is running for office is to help maintain the quality of life Vidalia now enjoys.

&uot;I know Vidalia to be a good place to live, work and raise a family, and I&160;want to work to keep it that way, so families will move here and choose to stay here,&uot; Betts said.

&uot;Others have made that possible for me, and I want to do the same for others after me.&uot;

Betts said he believes one of Vidalia’s biggest assets is its inexpensive cost of living, despite recent utility rate increases.

&uot;It’s still a cheaper place to live than a lot of other places,&uot;&160;Betts said. &uot;I&160;think we have good town services, and I&160;know that doesn’t come cheap.&uot;

Between now and the April 7 election, Betts said he plans to visit as many District 3 residents door-to-door as possible and to learn as much as he can about the operations of the town.

And if he is elected, he pledged he would be open and honest with constituents.

In addition, Betts believes that his background in business and finance would give him a better understanding of the town’s money matters.

He worked for 14 years as a manager and administrator in the propane and oil industry and is now employed by the Sales Tax Division of the Concordia Parish School Board.