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SPECIAL TO THE DEMOCRAT

FERRIDAY — Elijah “Steppers” Banks recently announced his candidacy for re-election to the District B seat on the Ferriday Board of Aldermen.

“First of all, Ferriday is my home,” Banks said in making the announcement. “Over the past eight years, I have enjoyed serving you, the citizens of District B. I have always enjoyed and am still looking for ways to improve relationships and environmental issues of our town to make it a better place to live, work and play.”

Banks said in recent years he has attended higher education courses, including a course titled Building Opportunity through Leadership Development at Southern University, a program, developed by the SU Agriculture Extension Center’s Community And Economic Development offices with the goal of improving leadership and economic development capacities for rural Louisiana.

“I have also partnered with Alcorn State University and LSU as well on different projects,” Banks said.

Banks said he is a fulltime alderman.

“I am not just a ‘one a month alderman’ who sits on the board to make a few decisions; but am a fulltime board member who gets out soliciting leadership improvement and funding for our town, even when board meetings are not in session,” Banks said. “In 2008 I spearheaded a master plan with Southern University which had not been done since 1979-2000. As of today, I have also partnered with Alcorn State University (Ferriday Farmers Market) and LSU (community and economic development).”

Banks said he believes Ferriday needs leadership to improve.

“What the town of Ferriday needs is both the vision and the leadership to accomplish that vision,” Banks said, “leadership that cares for the people and the town.”

Banks further laid out his plan.

“My goal is the same as it has always been and that is having all business that is conducted for the people of Ferriday, especially in District B, transparent,” Banks said. “There should be nothing hidden, especially money that is yours, especially by the people at the top who are working for the people of Ferriday. It is ridiculous when a battle has to be waged over applying for direct appropriation funds that are due to our town, especially capital outlay (free money) that is due from the state. I will not hide how funds are spent and I don’t believe anyone else who works for the people of Ferriday should hide these matters, even the mayor.”

Banks said he believes progress has been made.

“I know we have come a long way, but we still have some avenues to venture out on,” Banks said. “The next term, with your help, we will further work on improving projects that have not been finalized.

“Friends, I truly believe that the best Ferriday is yet to come. I cannot do this alone. I need your continued prayer, your support and your vote.”