FERRIDAY &8212; Buddy Spillers announced Monday he will be the fourth Ferriday resident pursuing the vacant House of Representatives District 21 seat.

Spillers, 56, announced his plans to run for the position left open by the departure of Bryant Hammett, because he felt &8220;the timing was right.&8221;

Hammett resigned June 30, accepting a job to oversee the spending of over $1 billion on the rebuilding efforts in New Orleans and south Louisiana.

&8220;I have had my mind made up a long time,&8221; Spillers said. &8220;I have always been active in the development of these communities and me, my wife and family have made the decision so we&8217;re doing it.&8221;

Ferriday Chief of Police Richard Madison announced his plans to pursue the position soon after Hammett&8217;s resignation from office. Andy Anders and Glen McGlothin also added their name to the pool of candidates for the vacant position. All candidates who officially announced plans to run for the position are Ferriday residents.

Spillers is the current president of Ouachita Economic Development Corporation and was the first president and CEO of the Macon Ridge Economic Development Corporation. His intentions to pursue the position were always known, Spillers said, only accelerated by Hammett&8217;s exit before term expiration.

&8220;The only time I have left the area was to go to college,&8221; Spillers said. &8220;I came back here with the position in mind. I know I can do it and do a good job and I&8217; m very familiar with the legislature and the processes.&8221;

Spillers said if he wins the position he will push areas including business and economic development, among other things.

The position covers Tensas, East Carroll, Concordia and Madison Parishes, will be filled after the Sept. 30 election. Areas of knowledge in economic development, education, health care and infrastructure are areas all candidates felt were important in pursuing the position.

Vidalia Mayor Hyram Copeland declined plans to run for the position after taking time to consider the move. Assistant District Attorney Andy Magoun also considered the position, but made no further plans.