Often, the wise wisdom found in the Good Book, seems lost on some elected leaders.

The New Testament of the Bible expounds upon a truism — no one can serve two masters.

The scripture refers to loving God or loving money, but the premise of the quote also applies well to a recent decision of the Natchez Board of Aldermen.

On Tuesday, aldermen in a split vote chose to make sure they are involved and even make the final hiring of the city’s next tourism director.

Previously, the mayor had sought clarity on the issue ahead of applicant interviews.

For many years the tourism director has effectively worn two hats and served two masters.

Most of the time in the past, that hasn’t caused problems mostly because either the city or the Convention and Promotion Commission, would simply acquiesce to the other. When one group was strong the other tended to be weak.

Earlier this year, however, the hat juggling contributed to an epic meltdown. Members of the commission temporarily banned the tourism director from the premises after a squabble with the staff.

Then things got worse when the commission uncovered that the director had spent money without permission. Why? Simple, the former mayor had either directly or indirectly suggested it was OK.

Hat No. 1 collided head-on with hat No. 2.

And it got ugly.

The legislation that created the Natchez Convention Promotion Commission clearly gives the commission the authority to hire professionals. We believe this should include the director. While input from the city aldermen would be welcome, having them directly hire someone who will later be managed by someone else is just a recipe for a disaster.