Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

To the editor:

On Jan. 27, 2025, I attempted to enter an elevator at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Baton Rouge. This is where the state held their Mayoral and Alderperson’s Mid-Winter conference. The Mayor of Vidalia LA, Edwin Craft, rushed towards me yelling, his voice laced with profanities in regards to his supposed shock at my presence. His statement in summation, “I’m shocked to see you here.”

I was appalled at this pronouncement because at prior meetings of this nature, he and I were the only attendees there representing Vidalia. In an effort to defuse escalation of his aggressive approach, I ignored his rant by proceeding to the elevator alone. My refusal to respond is attributed to it not being an appropriate time nor place for further conversation concerning my attendance.

Upon returning to Vidalia, in a meeting, I brought to the floor with other Alderpersons and the Mayor in attendance my grievance about the incident in Baton Rouge. I asked that stipulations be put in place to avoid any further encounters with the Mayor of the prior nature.

After my request, the Mayor decided to provide justification for his previous actions. They were based on a meeting he accused me of missing in 2023 versus 2024. The media requested documents concerning the Mayor’s statement about 2023. Sabrina, (reporter, The Natchez Democrat), said the Mayor had mistaken the date. He now states it was in 2024 when I missed a meeting. I informed Sabrina on March 14, 2025, that I would provide the documentation requested as soon as possible, but was presently working. The meeting in question was attended, but I opted to stay one day. It has previously been at the discretion of the Mayor and Alderpersons the time chosen to attend and the longevity of their stay.

The Mayor, without prior notice garnished my check, removing the amount allotted for the trip. I was not paid for mileage at .67 cents per mile for approximately 76.2 miles which is separate and calculated upon return. If the Alderpersons have checks and balances, why doesn’t the Mayor?

It is my prayer that these issues can and will be resolved. I am committed to serving our city with dignity and allegiance to each and every citizen’s well-being.

Robert L. Gardner Jr.

Town of Vidalia Alderman of District 2