December 6, 2021
Morgan Robertson
Prior to our final organizational meeting of the semester, the LEAP Ambassadors stopped by the annual State of the City at the Walker County Storm Shelter.
We walked in to see the whole facility lively with the conversation of citizens interacting with one another and City staff.
The Huntsville Public Library was one of our stops. I was able to introduce fellow Ambassadors to a few of the Library Staff: Rachel McPhail, the City Librarian; Brenda Collins, the Service Specialist; and Linda Huff, with Adult Literacy. HPL had a great visual aid made up of popcorn to demonstrate how much money patrons save and the return that the city receives.
As we made our way around the room, we stopped at the IT booth, where they had an old rotary phone, a box Tv, and a security camera. Erin even learned how to dial on the rotary phone!, examining it as if it were a telegraph machine from the 19th century.
Seeing all the departments in Huntsville was a great learning opportunity, and it helped that we knew many of the staff. We even got to take pictures with Huntsville’s Main Street photo booth.
As everyone took their seats Mayor Andy Brauninger began the opening remarks, expressing his love for the city and how much it means to him.
He also introduced School Board Trustee Ken Holland, who gave the invocation…
…and a local Boy Scout troop, who ably took care of colors.
Mayor Brauninger then introduced the City Manager, Aron Kulhavy. Aron Kulhavy gave a speech discussing the last two years and the City’s achievements.
As Aron Kulhavy addressed the many updates Huntsville has, we were able to learn about the new developments such as a city-run animal shelter, an expansion of I-45, and an expansion of the MLK Center.
After Aron Kulhavy’s closing remarks, we were able to talk with Aron Kulhavy about the City, and to thank him for his time.
It was an informative evening, and a great opportunity to see some familiar faces, such as Cody Humphrey and Brian Aldaco.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 