State Rep. Darrio Melton will hold his first town hall meeting via telephone on Tuesday instead of the traditional town hall meeting that takes place in person.

Issues such as the closure of driver’s license offices in many Black Belt counties and the closure of Paul M. Grist State Park will be among the things discussed Tuesday at 6 p.m. when the town hall meeting takes place.

This town hall meeting is a great way for more of Selma and Dallas County to get involved and have their voices heard. Many Selma citizens have strong opinions on these issues, but don’t take the time or are too busy to attend a town hall meeting. This meeting via telephone makes it much more accessible for a majority of Dallas County to participate and take an active role in working together to come up with a solution to these issues.

Melton said he sees people voicing their concerns online all the time, and he wants to give those people the opportunity to join in the debate without requiring them to physically come out to the meeting.

“Through social media I hear from people all the time,” Melton said. “It’s just a way for us to try to have some live interaction.”

Taking an active role in listening to and discussing the state’s top issues is as simple as registering online and picking up the phone at 6 p.m.

“I’m trying to give some other avenues so I can hear from other people as well,” Melton said.

Melton made an effort to give a chance for more citizens to voice their opinions.

As Selma citizens, we have an opportunity to increase our involvement in prevalent state issues that are at the forefront of discussion throughout Alabama.

Attending the town hall meeting Tuesday doesn’t even require leaving the couch.

To reserve a spot, visit www.darriomelton.com/townhall to reserve a spot. Instructions on how to call in will be sent out Tuesday to all who register.