VIDALIA — With no incumbent candidate in District 2, two men are running for the position of justice of the peace.

Justices of the peace are elected to six-year terms, and they serve as what is essentially a district judge for small claims civil matters.

The justice of the peace serves as the judge for matters in which the dispute does not exceed $5,000, and can give the order for evictions or garnishments.

The justice of the peace also has the authority to perform civil marriage ceremonies.

“I decided to run because it gives me a chance to do something with the people in the community,” candidate Frank Duson, a substitute teacher and bookkeeper, said.

Candidate Lee Staggs, who is the manager of Vidalia’s street department, said his decision to run was also based on the fact that he has always been involved in the community.

“I saw it as a chance to get into the political arena,” Staggs said. “I worked for the Vidalia Police Department for five or six years as an auxiliary officer, so I am very interested in the justice side of it.”

A former peace officer for both Vidalia and Ferriday, Duson also said it was law enforcement that got him interested in the justice of the peace position.

“I worked with a lot of cases that led to civil (court) instead of criminal, but as an officer I wasn’t allowed to settle civil matters, things like rental disputes,” Duson said.

That kind of experience — which included listening to both sides, even if he couldn’t render a judgment — is one reason Duson said he believes he would make a good justice.

“I was looking over the duties and qualifications, and I was thinking, ‘I have done this,’” he said.

Staggs said he thinks his management experience would be an asset.

“I run about 40-45 employees, and I try to be as fair and honest with everybody who works for us as I can,” he said. “I listen to the facts, and I believe I can pretty much make a good, honest decision on the case.”

The chance to perform marriage ceremonies is something Duson said he considers a privilege.

“Marriage is sacred,” he said. “It is something I hold high and dear, and it makes the heart grow fonder if you find the right person, so I would be glad to (perform a marriage) if I got the chance,” he said.

Though it might not have any bearing on his ability to serve, Staggs said he does have one other service to offer.

“I do Elvis impersonations on the side, and someone said to me I could do Elvis weddings,” he said.

Early voting for the Oct. 4 election is ongoing at the Concordia Parish registrar of voter’s office between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. through Saturday.