Op-Ed

Today (Friday, March 6, 2020), when the Pickens County Medical Center closes its doors, it will become yet another sad statistic among the now 14 hospitals in Alabama that have shuttered their doors since 2011. Eight of those have been in rural communities. There are...

As the director of the state agency charged with safeguarding Alabama’s environment, I have great respect for and deep appreciation of our state’s wonderful natural resources and rich biodiversity of species and habitats, including many that are unique to Alabama. Protecting human health and...

My fellow Alabamians: In a few days, America will celebrate her 244th birthday. Traditionally, many towns and cities around the country light up the night with fireworks and music festivals. In 1776, John Adams predicted that Independence Day would be “celebrated by succeeding generations” with “pomp...

Can you imagine being without “city water” or electricity? Without either of those utilities readily available, life would be difficult, and our local economy would be almost nonexistent. Certainly, the poultry industry wouldn’t be what it is in our area today. We can’t imagine being without electricity...

Even in ordinary times, the more than 760,000 unpaid family caregivers in Alabama face a daunting set of daily tasks. Oftentimes with little or no training, they may be responsible for wound care, tube feedings, dressing, managing the finances and medical bills of their loved...

It’s important for everyone to understand the process for road and bridge projects. First of all, please understand that legislators do not vote to do specific projects. We compete with every other legislator in the state for the same state funding for projects in our...

While we are all experiencing a NEW way of life during this pandemic, I have experienced and seen a lot of good during this time. The good of everyone working together and doing their part to keep themselves and families safe. The good of...

America’s Founders regarded a free press as so vital to the new nation that they took care to include that right in the First Amendment to the Constitution. Founders spoke glowingly about the press as a pillar of democracy and guarantor of liberty. Thomas Jefferson,...

Federal overtime rules which took effect Jan. 1 are having a big impact on Alabama’s small businesses. The change means more management-level employees are eligible for overtime. According to the Labor Department, the new rule affects an estimated 1.2 million workers nationwide. Previously, employees classified as...

This is a theme I’ve been promoting since I arrived in Montgomery. I firmly believe in the Christian principle, “We are to serve, not be served” and that should be the goal of elected officials and those working in public service. Just like all businesses, restaurants,...