By Chris Peeks December 19, 2023
I have had the pleasure of interviewing Representative Ed Oliver on several occasions and have spoken to him on the phone numerous times. To say he embodies the term "man of the people" is an understatement. Though I do not live in his district, he always returns my calls. That in itself speaks volumes about the representative's character.
Ed Oliver, a republican brimming with populism, genuinely cares about his fellow man. You can hear it in his voice. While so many politicians are out to get rich, he is out to improve the lives of everyday citizens. Far too many of our elected leaders rely on hot-button issues to keep people focused on what is nonessential. But not this legislator.
 Today, the bureaucrats still fight over who would get what money from a lottery, as we are one of two states without gambling.
And as the struggle continues over who'll get the license to grow medical marijuana. Representative Oliver focuses on things of more vital importance to the people he serves.
 While speaking to him earlier this morning, he expressed concern about saving our hospitals and the jobs of first responders in rural areas in dire straits to closing if the state does not address Medicaid. "Saying if we don't fix that instead of ambulances taking people to the hospitals. A Hurst is going to be taking them to the funeral home."
He is not worried about raising PACÂ money because these issues will not fill a campaign's war chest. Representative Oliver's fear is for the people who need help.
Montgomery needs more people like him. If we did, we would not be in the shape we are in. Hopefully, the legislature listens to Ed so people will get the medical care they deserve. Health care is not about being a liberal thing or a Conservative thing. It's about doing the right thing. Thank you for serving the people, Mr. Oliver.
Chris Peeks
Reporter and Columnist
Alabama Political Contributor
Hearse, not Hurst