Ferriday &8212; With elections nearing, secretary of state candidate Mike Francis discussed his plans with the Ferriday Rotary Club Thursday.

Francis, 59, from Crowley and chief executive officer for Francis Drilling Fluids, Ltd., one of the gulf Coast&8217;s oldest drilling fluids companies, said his goals are simple.

&8220;I decided I want to make a difference instead of sitting around and complaining like we all do,&8221; Francis said to the club. &8220;If you help me win this job I will never forget it.&8221;

Francis is one of three candidates who have officially announced plans to run for the position. Sen. Jay Dardenne, a Republican from Baton Rouge and Carla Dartez, a Democrat from Morgan City, have also announced plans to pursue the position.

Al Ater, who is currently serving as secretary of state, said he has no intentions to run for the position acquired following the July 2005 death of Fox McKeithen. Ater took over the job after McKeithen died last year.

McKeithen&8217;s work to improve the music scene in Ferriday, among other things, is one issue participants of the meeting said they wanted to see revived.

The state of Louisiana currently has 14 main museums under its watch, Francis said, all of which he plans to continue to work on and improve. Improving the condition and success of trade schools in Louisiana was also a concern Francis said he felt need attention.

&8220;I know how to get things done in legislature,&8221; Francis said in response to the questions raised by the group. &8220;As secretary of state I&8217;m not going to stay in the box. I feel like I will have as strong a heart as Fox had on these issues.&8221;

The secretary of state position has two main duties, he said. The first is acting as the chief elections officer for the state of Louisiana, including supervision of voting activities around the state.

Secondly, the office acts as the first contact for all corporations inside Louisiana and enables registration for corporations attempting to bring business to Louisiana.

Francis, who began his drilling business with just a few employees, now employs around 350 people and runs off an approximately $50 million budget. Those aspects and his knowledge in business and commerce enable him to excel in the job, he said. Francis said the secretary position oversees a very similar number of people and budget and is ready to begin work.

&8220;I will use my real world experience as secretary of state,&8221; Francis said. &8220;My background is the reason I would be a good leader.&8221;

Qualification for the position will be held in August, Ater said, and the election will be held in September. Ater&8217;s plans after he leaves the office, he said, are uncertain.

&8220;I enjoy making a difference and contributing,&8221; Ater said. &8220;If something comes along and I feel like I&8217;ll have something to give I&8217;ll look at it.&8221;