An Editorial of The Luverne Journal

On Saturday, Alabama Representative Chris Sells addressed a group of faith and community leaders gathered at First Baptist Church in Luverne to learn about issues of importance scheduled for the discussion on the House floor.

Sells discussed upcoming considerations, and outlined the nature of bills proposed to expand legalized gambling, permit the sale of mixed-spirit beverages outside of permitted liquor stores and curtail ready access to pornography on mobile devices. As he described the issues, those gathered asked questions and shared their views on each topic.

Many of them learned that citizens often neglect to contact their representatives to inform them of their stand on current issues. In addition, representatives often hear from people who share opinions about one side of the issue but not the other.

Sells pointed out that calls, emails and notes from constituents matter. Lawmakers are elected to represent the people in their district and they want to hear from the citizens they serve.

Representatives do not vote on legislation based upon their own opinions. Instead, they look to hear from voters so that they can support or oppose bills based on the will of those they represent.

Each citizen has the right to express their views on the issues of the day. By contacting elected officials, individuals can have an impact on government decisions.

It is important to understand current affairs and to help lawmakers do the job they were elected to do. Every voice matters and everyone can affect change.

We urge our readers to learn about current legislation, to ask questions and to voice their opinions before laws are made. By doing so, they can be part of the solution, rather than a part of the problem.