Author

Darrio Melton

For Selma to grow, things must change

By Mayor Darrio Melton Growing up inI never thought I would have the opportunity to be elected mayor. I always had a passion for this city, and I’ve spent my life working in the church and on all levels of government to try to make it a better place for all of us. Selma comes … Continued

Darrio Melton

February 23, 2017

Opinion

We Can Do Big Things If We Do Them Together

Rep. Darrio Melton On June 4, 1968, California voters went to the polls and resoundingly supported a man who has been regarded as an icon of their generation: Robert F. Kennedy. Only four hours after the polls closed, Kennedy declared victory and addressed his supporters. As he made his way out of the ballroom, he … Continued

Darrio Melton

June 7, 2016

Opinion

Republicans Aren’t Practicing What They Preach

By Rep. Darrio Melton As a member of the clergy, “practice what you preach” has a very literal meaning in my life. When I deliver a sermon or lead a Bible study, I’m called not just to be a messenger, but a teacher and example of the lessons set forth on Sundays. That’s not to … Continued

Darrio Melton

May 24, 2016

Opinion

We Have No Choice Except a Special Session to Fund Medicaid

By Rep. Darrio Melton The 2016 regular session is in the books, but for many politicos on Goat Hill, session seemed more like a rush to get out of school for the summer so we can get to the “fun stuff” in the coming months. Unfortunately for most Alabamians, the trials and investigations don’t impact … Continued

Darrio Melton

May 17, 2016

Opinion

Poor Leadership Wastes Time, Costs Taxpayers With Countless Special Sessions

By Rep. Darrio Melton I would start this piece by talking about how the Legislature finally adjourned for 2016, but the past few years have shown that adjourning from session is really more of an intermission in the legislative process. Over the past few years, the “regular session” has simply been “part one” to the … Continued

Darrio Melton

May 10, 2016

Opinion

The underlying message: Bentley believes prisons are the future of Alabama

By Rep. Darrio Melton Last week, the legislature voted to issue a bond for $800 million to build new, super-max style prisons in Alabama. When it’s all said and done, this prison plan will cost our children and grandchildren nearly $1.5 billion–and when, or if, it finally gets paid back, these prisons will be 100 … Continued

Darrio Melton

May 3, 2016

Opinion

The Prison Bill is a Bad Investment

By Rep. Darrio Melton As elected officials, looking for solutions to our state’s problems is often a delicate balancing act. We have to determine the best way to use the resources we have while maximizing the benefit per dollar to the taxpayers–in the business community, this is called Return on Investment. It’s clear Governor Bentley … Continued

Darrio Melton

April 26, 2016

Opinion

Montgomery Republicans are Blind to the Problems Facing Alabama

By Rep. Darrio Melton Each year when the Legislature starts discussing the budget, the first items on the chopping block are always social services for our neediest neighbors. While legislators have turned a blind eye to $60,000 pay raises for staff and trips to Vegas in the state airplane, they’ve been quick to set their sights on these programs … Continued

Darrio Melton

April 19, 2016

Opinion

This is a Rare Political Win-Win for Governor Bentley

By Representative Darrio Melton With all the chaos coming out of the Governor’s Mansion in the past month, it’s been easy to overlook the chaos coming out of the State House. While the Governor has been tied up in a scandal, the Legislature has continued to meet and vote on legislation, which has all subsequently … Continued

Darrio Melton

April 12, 2016

Opinion

Uncertainty Killing Growth, Hurting Our Communities

By Rep. Darrio Melton Over the past 5 years, Alabama has invested millions to bring businesses to our state. We have sent representatives around the world to declare Alabama “open for business” to recruit top-tier corporations into Alabama. But if there’s one thing any investor knows, it’s that uncertainty is bad for business. In the … Continued

Darrio Melton

April 5, 2016