VIDALIA &8212; Candidates for the District 21 State Representative race have changed their campaign tactics since the primary election in August.

Andy Anders of Ferriday said he has taken more of a door-to-door approach to campaigning and has also encouraged people to take advantage of early voting.

&8220;I carried Tensas and Concordia parishes but was a little weak with the northern parishes,&8221; Anders said.

&8220;But I&8217;m more confident that with a more personal approach I can get better results on election day.&8221;

Sam Thomas of Tallulah said he did everything by the book campaigning last time.

&8220;I put ads on the radio, did walking tours and got a computer company to make campaign calls,&8221; Thomas said. &8220;Now I&8217;m pretty much going from door-to-door campaigning.&8221;

Both candidates also plan to address certain issues such as Act 12, improving Ferriday&8217;s schools and roadways and finding alternative energy sources, if elected.

Act 12 is a state legislation that, starting Jan. 1, will require new construction to be inspected by a Louisiana-licensed engineer with specific certifications.

New buildings and additions to businesses and homes must comply with the seven levels of building inspection, which would cost the owner more money to build.

Anders said he is already in touch with other Louisiana legislators and has been addressing the issue.

&8220;Our biggest growth right now in the district is housing development due to the relocation of people because of Katrina and Rita and we don&8217;t want to slow down any kind of progression,&8221; Anders said.

Thomas said the state would have to work on ways to reduce the cost of building homes and businesses.

&8220;We cannot let costs sky rocket to where people cannot afford to build a home,&8221; Thomas said. &8220;I will do everything in my power to make sure costs don&8217;t sky rocket.&8221;

Both men said they would work to improve the school systems within District 21.

Thomas also said he would see that the state allocates money to the poorer school districts, if elected.

&8220;We have to allot money from the state to hire qualified teachers and give incentives for them to come and work,&8221; Thomas said.

Anders said, if elected, he would work directly with superintendents of District 21, take advice from the school systems then listen and carry forward with what needs to be done to improve their schools.

Both men said they would work to appropriate funds to complete U.S. highways 84 and 65 if elected.

Anders and Thomas also said they would take a close look at bio-fuels and what opportunities and advantages the industry would have for the farmers in the district.

&8220;I&8217;m a farmer myself and coming from a farming background, I am very interested in what these agricultural bio-fuels can do for the Louisiana farmer,&8221; Anders said.

Anders said he would facilitate economic growth by working with local municipalities to encourage bio-fuel plants to open in District 21.

Thomas said his goal, if elected is to help foster the farming industry in District 21 by ensuring that the state grants money to new farm workers through things such as training programs.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Nov. 7.