VIDALIA — Two candidates will challenge each other in the upcoming election for the District 1B seat on the Concordia Parish Police Jury.

Steve D. Gray and incumbent “Joe Bear” Parker will face off Saturday in the primary election for the race.

Steve D. Gray

A 12-year career as a Clayton alderman and a desire to help the people of Concordia Parish is what Gray, a 51-year-old independent, said makes him the best candidate for the job.

Gray said he has been considering running for police juror for almost 10 years. Gray said when he learned that he would be losing his job at Ferriday Farm Equipment Company after 30 years because the store was closing its doors, he decided it was time to add his name to the ballot.

“I feel like I have the time to dedicate to the job now, and I feel like I would do a good job,” Gray said.

Gray now works for the United States Postal Service’s office in Vidalia.

One of the most important things that makes a good police juror, Gray said, is answering every phone call and listening to any and all of residents’ problems.

“When someone calls me, I am going to go see their problem,” he said. “That’s the way I did it when I was alderman, I saw everyone’s problems and returned everyone’s phone calls.”

Gray said as a lifelong resident of Concordia Parish, he knows the parish and what it takes to be an effective leader.

“The most important thing is taking care of your district and spending the money where it needs to be spent,” he said.

Drainage and streets are the main concerns of the people of the parish, Gray said. He said it will take teamwork by the police jury to tackle the parish’s problems.

“It’s mainly working with the other police jurors that’s going to be the way to make the best decisions,” he said. “We have to work as one.”

Gray said he believes things in the parish are running smoothly for the most part, but he said he will put in the hard work and time it will take to make Concordia Parish a better place.

“I want to contribute to making the parish a better community,” Gray said. “I like to solve problems and I want to help the people.”

“Joe Bear” Parker

Multiple attempts to interview “Joe Bear” Parker this week were unsuccessful.

The election is on March 24.