FERRIDAY — While none of the four candidates running for mayor are strangers to the Town of Ferriday, all are running with different promises to move Ferriday forward.

On Saturday, March 24, Ferridians will chose between former Ferriday Mayor Gene Allen, District D Alderman Johnnie Brown, Ferriday Fire Chief Joe Sontoyo and Justin Conner in the mayor’s race.

Gene Allen

Allen served as Ferriday mayor from 2004 to 2008. He ran in 2008 but lost to current Mayor Glen McGlothin.

Allen said his campaign has focused on uniting the community.

“I’m trying to unite the community, business and city government all together so we can grow,” Allen said. “I feel I can unite everyone and help us move forward.”

Allen said the water situation in Ferriday is one of the first things he would attempt to tackle if elected.

“We need to complete the water project at all costs,” Allen said. “If the city is going to be broke, we might as well have good, clean water.”

Allen said the Miss-Lou regionalism concept is something he would like to see continue.

“We need to work together with everyone to move forward,” Allen said. “We can work together with Vidalia so if they get a port, it would become a station point and help Ferriday in the long run.”

Allen said his previous experience in the mayor’s office is what gives him the edge over the rest of the candidates.

“I’ve been there before, and I have more experience than anyone in the race,” Allen said. “We don’t have room for on-the-job training. We need to hit the ground running.”

Johnnie Brown

Serving on the board of aldermen for seven years, Brown said he brings a vision and plan to the race.

“The other candidates don’t have a vision or a plan,” Brown said. “I have provided the town with a recreation plan and that’s something I would like to see implemented for our youth and our citizens.”

Brown said he thinks the town’s financial situation is the major issue facing Ferriday.

“I think we have gotten the water situation solved, we’re just waiting on some things right now, so we need to look at finances,” Brown said. “I would like to look in the budget, find some monies that we’re not using for good reason and trim those.”

Brown said the downtown revitalization program is something he would like to see continue.

“I think that’s a great program, and I’d like to carry through with what the mayor has already done,” Brown said. “We need to keep promoting the downtown area of Ferriday.”

Brown said he hopes voters recognize his leadership as the key to moving Ferriday forward.

“I’d like for the voters to look at my experienced leadership over the 20 years I’ve been in public office and see all the hard work I’ve done to promote this community,” Brown said.

Joe Sontoyo

With eight years as chief and a total of 34 years at the Ferriday Fire Department under his belt, Sontoyo said that working together is the most important thing for Ferriday.

“I can do the job because I have gone through the channels and I understand what needs to be done,” Sontoyo said. “It’s going to take all of us working together. If you put your hand in the dirt to plant a seed, mine’s going in there too.”

Sontoyo said drug problems urgently need to be addressed.

“It’s all over the country, not just in Ferriday, but it’s something we need to take care of,” Sontoyo said. “It’s going to take working with the police department and a lot of communication.”

Sontoyo said the recreation program is something he would like to see continue if elected.

“I think the city has a good recreation program that benefits the senior citizens and children,” Sontoyo said. “I definitely want to continue that.”

Sontoyo said he wants voters to know he is ready to tackle the big issues facing Ferriday.

“It’s going to be stressful, but I know I can take it on,” Sontoyo said. “I can work with people and bring everyone together.”

Justin Conner

Conner said he is running as the candidate of change for the town.

“Many of the candidates that are running have had their opportunity to serve, and it’s time for the new generation to help us move forward,” Conner said. “I was born and raised here, and I believe Ferriday needs an individual that has roots here and understands the situation our town is in.”

Conner said the main issue facing Ferriday is the water situation.

“My first day in office, I will get with the council and contact the FBI and the U.S. Attorney General and find out what has happened to the people’s money,” Conner said. “We’ve been trying to fix this for approximately 25 years, and we’re still working on it.”

Conner said he would like to see the community continue to work together to accomplish shared goals.

“I see more of us coming together and people that weren’t involved before are now asking the tough questions,” Conner said. “That’s important if we want to get Ferriday back to where she used to be.”

Conner said he wants voters to join him in helping move Ferriday into the future.

“I’ve waited my turn, the other candidates have had their turn,” Conner said. “We will all work aggressively to become financially stable and achieve a common good for our children and our community.”