By ALLEN FARLEY / Guest Columnist

After eating black-eyed-peas on New Year’s Day for as long as I can remember, I can honestly tell you there’s no truth to the old saying that “eating black-eyed-peas on New Year’s Day will bring you financial prosperity in the coming year.” (But, in the south, that’s another old tradition that just keeps on going).
Insanity: Continuing to do the same things and expecting different results.
Just think about this a minute: Jefferson County has a 26-member state legislative delegation, three members in
Congress, five county commissioners and a boat load of
mayors and council members elected in 27 cities and 11 townships. (Yeah, that’s a lot of people in charge). When you throw in all the presidents and CEOs at several
universities, hospitals and research centers throughout
Jefferson County, why isn’t Jefferson County leading the rest of Alabama to prosperity?
(OK, since I was elected to represent portions of Shelby and Jefferson Counties, I’ll say it): Jefferson County’s elected officials, have historically divided their resources by city limits, social status, income, party politics, and yes…race. (How about a chorus of Auld Lang Syne)?
I will share my 2015 New Year’s resolution with you. (Well, really, it’s my prayer):
I pray that God will break down the walls and barriers that have divided the people of Jefferson County, starting with those who have been elected to represent them. I pray that God will allow us to identify our poorest communities and let that be a starting point for everyone to come together to change lives of future generations. Amen.
James 4:16-17 states: As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. (17) Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.
God Bless America!!!!
Allen Farley represents Jefferson and Shelby Counties in the Alabama Legislature’s House District 15.
Representative Farley’s email is allenfarley@bellsouth.net.