Getting the two Concordia Parish candidates for District 21 House of Representatives to say a cross word about Bryant Hammett is difficult, if not impossible.

Both men respect the former representative, and neither would have ever challenged him for his job, they say.

But when Hammett stepped down to take a job managing money for the state Andy Anders and James Lee, along with Tallulah&8217;s Sam Thomas, stepped up.

Both of the local men recognize what Hammett did for Concordia Parish. They were content to let him lead, but now they know the importance of having a hometown face in Baton Rouge.

Do you?

In 2004, Hammett was a part of the team that began talks with the rubber plant &8212; an industrial project scheduled to open in Vidalia soon.

As chair of the Ways and Means Committee, Hammett became a big part of fiscal policy decisions, bringing capital outlay dollars to Concordia, affecting everything from road improvements to industrial developments.

He was also part of legislative efforts to make Ferriday&8217;s Delta Music Museum what it is today.

Those are just some of the projects Hammett had a heavy hand in, projects he made a reality, projects we might not have without him.

The only way we&8217;ll ever fully recognize the advantages of having a local man in office is to go a few years without one.

That decision is up to you. Stay at home Saturday, avoid the polls and we all may find out.

The other option &8212; get out and vote.