We know there are good people in Ferriday.

Every town has good, honest, unselfish residents.

It’s a shame that the bad seeds catapult themselves to the forefront, while the flowers are left to wilt in their shadows.

Politics in Ferriday is a dirty game. Play it right and you get a free trip to Las Vegas, just ask outgoing Mayor Gene Allen who convinced the town council to fund his way to the Miss Black USA pageant.

So, why not try your selfish hand at getting some undeserved money at the taxpayers’ expense?

Aldermen-elect Elijah “Steppers” Banks fits the dirty politician bill just right.

Banks, who will become responsible, in part, for managing the town’s dollars in two weeks, thought now was an appropriate time to sue his own town. Banks is seeking compensation for the money he lost when his nightclub was shut down in 2001, reportedly after numerous complaints including the shooting of a police officer.

He originally filed the suit in 2001, but it was not resolved.

Aldermen are elected to serve the people. They are charged with putting the needs of the taxpayers above their own needs. Their job is to be unselfish.

But Banks is only concerned with himself. He’s seeking seven-year-old money, even though he’s since opened a new nightclub.

Though we are hopeful that mayor-elect Glen McGlothin and other aldermen can help the town’s flowers grow, Banks’ latest action has added at least a few more weeds to the garden that must be addressed.