The blue lights flash, the siren wails and your heart sinks.

You&8217;ve been busted.

Now it&8217;s just a matter of why.

Were you speeding?

Were you wearing your seat belt?

Did you stop at that stop sign?

That little mental dialog happens hundreds of thousands of times each day in towns all across America.

In the Miss-Lou the dialog happens a fair amount, too. In Ferriday, however, it has occurred more frequently in the last two years.

A more detailed focus on stopping traffic violators has apparently paid off in the last few years and then some. On some days nearly three-dozen violations are cited.

While someone who was just nabbed may disagree, rigorously enforcing traffic laws is encouraging and needed.

Unfortunately, the Town of Ferriday hasn&8217;t been paying the district attorney&8217;s office its fair take, says District Attorney John Johnson.

Since state law requires a portion of any fines or court costs to go to the district attorney&8217;s office, Johnson has sued the Town of Ferriday in hopes of recouping the funds.

If the town expects its citizens and visitors to pay up when they are caught doing wrong, the town leaders need to set an example by doing the same.

Avoid wasting valuable time and parish resources. Pay what&8217;s owed and let&8217;s end the lawsuit.