VIDALIA, La. &045; It’s about the money: one candidate for alderman of District 2 pledges no new taxes, while the other pledges continued economic development.

Jerry Foster

Jerry Foster’s main reason for running is simple: he wants to vote against any new taxes until the town’s tax base grows significantly.

After a tax for recreation improvements was almost put on the ballot earlier this year, &uot;I felt the people who are in there we’re supporting how the people felt&uot; about no new taxes, Foster said.

Foster also said he would favor looking at ways to pay off loans faster to put extra money at the town’s disposal.

But Foster said he would also work to bring new jobs to the area &045; and would like to see a riverfront outlet mall among them.

&uot;It wouldn’t affect the Natchez Mall and would enhance the riverfront, and it’s not a seasonal thing,&uot; Foster said.

Having such outlet stores in Vidalia would prevent people from going outside the Miss-Lou to shop for bargains. &uot;Right now, a lot of people go to Gonzales and Shreveport to the outlet malls there,&uot; he said.

Foster said he would work to &uot;give the district better support&uot; and, as a business owner his whole adult life, would lend a business perspective to the board.

Vernon Stevens

Incumbent Vernon Stevens said that in his next term, economic development would continue to be job one.

Part of that is developing the riverfront, including a conference center. &uot;We have a big potential for attracting small groups here for meetings,&uot; Stevens said.

Stevens said he would continue to work with the mayor and other aldermen to attract new industries.

That task involves meeting with big and small business prospects and voting on economic development-related matters such as the hiring, in recent years, of an economic development director for the area.

&uot;In addition, the riverfront (development) has been a positive thing for this area,&uot; Stevens said.

Stevens listed several things the town has accomplished during his years in office, including the establishing of the hydroelectric plant. &uot;We’re now starting to the see the benefits, including utility rebates, from that plant,&uot; he said.

In addition, Stevens said he wants to see sidewalk, further flood control and drainage projects come to fruition as soon as possible.

And Stevens said he favors taking a &uot;new look&uot; at the recreation improvements and their proposed funding sources in the near future.

Stevens said his experience as alderman and his legislative contacts through that office and through his board with the Louisiana Hospital Association are among the attributes he brings to the office.