FERRIDAY — The debate over video bingo in the Town of Ferriday seems to have nine lives.

Ferriday Aldermen are set to discuss the issue at their regular meeting Tuesday and Alderman Elijah “Stepper” Banks said the board will set a date for a public hearing on the matter.

The issue was last put to a vote in July of 2008, when it did not pass.

Banks said allowing video bingo in Ferriday has potential for bringing some good to the town.

“One thing it will do is bring some more revenue to the community,” he said. “It will definitely help, we need more for the businesses in the community.”

Banks said more revenue could lead to more activities for area youth.

“After school our kids have nothing to do or no place to go,” he said. “We want some return for our kids. We need some good recreation, and this money could be used for a new recreation facility for them.”

But Ferriday Mayor Glen McGlothin said he is against video bingo in Ferriday just like he has been in years past.

“I don’t think this is the right thing to do,” he said. “People have enough trouble with money in this economy as it is, and adding video bingo isn’t going to help.”

Doty Road Church of God pastor, the Rev. Simeon Green said while he does recognize the revenue that could be brought into Ferriday with video bingo, he does not believe it is a good investment.

“The jobs are scarce and drugs are on the increase,” he said. “In my opinion, this will also cause an increase in crime.”

Green said allowing video bingo over other things Ferriday needs, seems like a bad idea.

“How could these forms of gambling be a powerful economic development tool in Ferriday?” he said. “What would be the better benefit, video bingo or educational opportunities?”

Green said Ferriday should be more focused on making the town a better place for residents to live.

“I want to focus on having a healthy Ferriday, and a healthy Ferriday would include more job and educational opportunities” he said. “I would rather see a new computer in the schools.”

“Our senior citizens have worked very hard to have what they do,” he said. “I don’t want to see these types of things entice our senior citizens to come and spend their life savings away.”

Green said looking for other revenue opportunities in Ferriday starts with the residents.

“We have to ask ourselves, ‘What would God be pleased with?’” he said. “I believe he would be pleased with the community working together and loving each other and striving to make Ferriday a place where positive things are happening.”