CENTRAL — Four candidates are running to replace Mayor Wade Evans, who is not seeking re-election, in Central's mayoral race.

Lifelong Central resident and businessman Geno Guercio believes focused growth is key to the city's future.

"To be a city, you have to grow, and I think as you grow, you need to grow smart," Guercio said. "That's infrastructure, drainage and roads."

Former City Council Member D'Ann Wells pointed to the 2016 flood as her motivation to step into public service.

"At that time we were in our early twenties, we were worried about our boys getting to ball games and going to school," Wells said. "After the 2016 flood, I really started thinking about infrastructure that we see and drainage and the water that we see and the water that's under our feet."

East Baton Rouge Metro Council Member Aaron Moak says growth starts with businesses moving to Central and creating jobs and opportunities for residents. Moak first served on the Central City Council after its incorporation in 2005 and says, as mayor, he wants to continue the legacy he helped start 20 years ago.

East Baton Rouge Metro Council Member Aaron Moak, who served on Central’s inaugural city council after its 2005 incorporation, wants to build on the foundation he helped establish two decades ago.

"What I want to look at is the long-term viability of the City of Central. What businesses do we have looking at this area to bring in the sales tax dollars," Moak said. "Government focuses on the roads, the infrastructure, things like that. We can focus on that and create viability and move this city forward."

Candidate Lon Vicknair says he wants to grow Central while keeping its small-town character.

"I think it starts with defining where our commercial corridors are. Let's build and outfit those. Let's grow where we need to but still maintain that Central charm and character so that we can still have the Central that we grew up in," Vicknair said.

Central voters will choose their next mayor on Nov. 3.