Mike Yawn teaches at Sam Houston State University. In the past few years, he has taught courses on Politics & Film, Public Policy, the Presidency, Media & Politics, Congress, Statistics, Research & Writing, Field Research, and Public Opinion.
He has published academic papers in the Journal of Politics, Political Behavior, Social Security Quarterly, Film & History, American Politics Review, and contributed a chapter to the textbook Politics and Film.
He also contributes columns, news analysis, and news stories to newspapers such as the Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express News, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Stamford Advocate, Greenwich Time, Huron Daily Tribune, Laredo Morning Times, Beaumont Enterprise, Connecticut Post, and Midland Reporter Telegram.
Yawn is also active in his local community, serving on the board of directors of the local YMCA and Friends of the Wynne. Previously, he served on the Huntsville's Promise and Stan Musial World Series Boards of Directors.
In 2007-2008, Yawn was one of eight scholars across the nation named as a Carnegie Civic Engagement Scholar by the Carnegie Foundation.
On Friday, the City Fellows traveled to the new Huntsville Police Department Headquarters, which opened in 2021. Senior Officer Craig and Corporal Sanders were kind enough to escort us through the building and inform us about the typical day-to-day life of a Huntsville Police officer and everything they do in the community.
First, they showed us some of the artifacts they have in the foyer. They had incredible pieces of history, such as old polygraph machines, uniforms, and radios. It was interesting to glimpse the past and learn of the methods and technologies compared to today’s equipment.
As we started to go inside, I was amazed by how beautiful the building was; it was very open, allowing much light to shine through the glass. As we went downstairs, we were taken to the training room, where we learned that each table was equipped with WiFi. We were also surprised to discover that this room serves as the primary location for city officials during emergencies.
Next, Senior Officer Craig and Corporal Sanders led us to the board of the active incidents. They explained how the board worked, describing that it allows each officer to track their patrol colleagues and request backup when needed. Witnessing these “behind-the-scenes” aspects of the police department was genuinely fascinating.
We were even taken to their gym, where we ran into the Assistant Chief, James Barnes. He helped give Cinthia tips as she tried to punch the punching bag. She did a great job; personally, I don’t think I would have done so well….
Senior Officer Craig then guided us through the women’s locker room. She pointed out the spacious lockers and showers designated for each female officer’s use.
Additionally, she showed us a back room filled with a resting area designed for officers with demanding schedules who couldn’t return home overnight. This experience offered a deeper perspective on officers’ sacrifices to ensure our safety. Their willingness to work extended hours and remain on-site, foregoing the comfort of home, highlights their selfless dedication to prioritizing the community’s well-being above personal convenience.
As our tour continued, we headed outside to see the SWAT tank “Pitbull.” Senior Officer Craig began to pull out the medieval-looking contraptions they use during operations, including my favorite, a battering ram labeled “knock knock.”
Each of us got a chance to hold it, and I was surprised that it weighed around 20-25 lbs. Even more surprising was when they shared that kindergarteners had also held it without trouble!
After showing us the cool gadgets, they allowed us to climb inside the Pitbull.
It was particularly thrilling for Macey and Cinthia as they ventured into the “lookout hole.” They were both shocked by how fast it ascended and how high it elevated them.
Additionally, Corporal Sanders gave Emily the run-down on starting the truck and even selecting the different sirens to play. This was eye-opening because we had been unaware of the variety of sirens officers could choose from.
Senior Officer Craig and Corporal Sanders gave City Fellows interns a fantastic tour, offering us a peek into their daily lives and duties. I’m confident we all have a better perspective and insight into what the officers do to keep us in the community safe. We extend our sincere thanks to them both and the entire Huntsville, Texas, Police Department.
CASA of Walker County made a splash in its inaugural “Kids Expo,” featuring more than 80 family-centered organizations, food vendors, and activities, all with a common purpose: enriching the community for youth.
The event, spearheaded by CASA Development Director Laura Green, brought out dozens of volunteers–including LEAP Ambassadors–many sponsors, and hundreds of people with the idea of learning about and promoting healthy activities for children in the Huntsville community.
The event served as an informational clearinghouse for almost every activity oriented toward children and families, ranging from organizations designed to promote child well-being to more broad-ranging organizations that make supporting children part of their overall mission. Thus, in the same large grounds, you could learn about the wonderful Boys & Girls Club and the Huntsville Public Library…
…and the Huntsville Police Department and Fire Department…
…and more!
Beyond serving as an informational bonanza, the Expo also offered numerous fun activities…
…networking opportunities, and some interesting food options.
We, for example, had the opportunity to eat at 3 Sistas for the first time!
Moreover, each half-hour, a key organization had the chance to inform, speak to, or perform for the crowd–allowing Parks to discuss upcoming events such as the July 4th Celebration…
Of course, with it being April and with it being east Texas, the weather is liable to turn on a moment’s notice, and around 1:00pm, it did just that. The rains came, and while children might be able to have fun roping bales of hay or petting goats in the rain, (most) parents are past that point in their lives.
And while we would have enjoyed hanging around a little longer to take photographs, there wasn’t much to photograph, as vendors closed their tents, children–happy children–went home, and we took our cameras to cover.
But we sought cover feeling happy, knowing that CASA, whose vision statement is to “provide a safe, nurturing home for every child,” came closer to realizing that vision today.
Many thanks to Laura Green and CASA for putting on a great event to support the children in the Huntsville community!
Recently, I had the delightful opportunity to attend an event focused on modern manners and dining etiquette, hosted by the Career Success Center, spearheaded by SHSU’s Emily Acker, and featuring the esteemed Diane Gottsman, a nationally recognized expert in the field. The evening included extensive discussion and exploration of proper behavior at the dinner table, and Ms. Gottsman’s expertise certainly did not disappoint.
From the moment I stepped into the venue, I knew I was in for an enlightening experience. The tables were all meticulously set with gleaming silverware and crisp linens, creating a very sophisticated atmosphere. Ms. Gottsman herself was lively and welcoming, creating an atmosphere where everyone felt at ease and encouraged to ask questions.
The event kicked off with a delicious three-course meal, each dish serving as a practical lesson in dining. With each course, Ms. Gottsman guided us through the proper use of utensils, the art of pacing oneself, and the importance of table manners. From soup to dessert, no aspect of dining etiquette was left unexplored.
One of the highlights of the evening was Ms. Gottsman’s attention to detail when it came to handling common dining dilemmas. With humor and expertise, she demonstrated the proper technique for squeezing lemon into a glass, saying no to salads and spaghetti, and even navigating the tricky territory of finger foods with finesse. Her practical advice, along with anecdotes and real-life examples, made the dos and don’ts of dining etiquette easy to understand and remember.
But Ms. Gottsman’s teachings went beyond just the mechanics of eating. Throughout the evening, she emphasized the importance of courtesy, respect, and consideration for others. From the proper way to engage in conversation to the etiquette of using cell phones at the table, her guidance extended to all aspects of social interaction.
As the evening unfolded, I found myself not only learning valuable skills but also gaining a deeper appreciation for the art of gracious living. Ms. Gottsman’s insights into etiquette were both practical and empowering, equipping us with the tools we need to navigate social situations with confidence and ease. Her timeless advice on manners and etiquette will undoubtedly serve me well in both professional and personal settings for years to come.
The LEAP Ambassadors thank the Career Success Center for bringing this event to campus annually. It is a valuable experience to all of our students.
With today being International Earth Day, the City Fellows and LEAP Ambassadors decided it was a good time to explore one of the City of Huntsville’s Parks: the Eastham-Thomason Park. But it’s not just Earth Day that makes for a good time to hike, walk, or stroll in Huntsville, any day is a great opportunity to take advantage of the natural hills, beautiful wooded areas, or one of the many hiking trails in the area.
Eastham-Thomason Park first opened in 1993 and now consists of a total of 143 acres, including the donation from the estate of Marguerite Eastham-Thomason, for who the park is named.
As we embarked on our journey, the park welcomed us by displaying a variety of Texas’s beautiful wildflowers, including the our state’s flower, the Bluebonnet.
Throughout our hike, we were able to encounter different ecosystems that the park is home to. We saw an array of plants which went from the colorful wildflowers to prickly cacti, a variation of footprints from the wildlife that reside in the park, and the change of terrain, which at one point, involved us jumping over Town Creek.
On any given day, you might see a photo shoot (as we did)…
…any number of birds or other wildlife…
The Park also has a surprising varieties of trails, which offer new experiences each time you visit, from tight trails covered by low-hanging canopies…
…to wide-open prairies.
Eastham Thomason has many amenities for all City of Huntsville residents and visitors and it quite literally has something for everyone. It includes an incredible dog park for dog owners to take their pet out, an aquatic center for hot summer days, and a playground for kids to play. For athletic enthusiasts, the park also includes a variety of bike and foot trails, a nine-Frisbee golf course, a Basketball court and a Volleyball court. The park has three parking lots and restrooms for the visitor’s convenience.
A map of the Park, including the different trails, parking, restrooms, and more can be found here.
Leaving the trail behind, the City Fellows and LEAP Ambassadors left with a deeper understanding of wildlife, the knowledge of why cities like Huntsville promote and appreciate green spaces, and a much bigger gratitude of our home, the earth.
The Wynne Home Arts & Visitor Center is one of our favorite places in town to visit, and it took little prompting for Chrissy Biello and I to assist at the opening reception for for Kahne Smith’s “Water Song” Exhibit. Featuring dozens of works, mostly pastels, the exhibit was probably my favorite since moving to Huntsville.
A Board Member of the International Association of Pastel Societies, Smith is both a studio and plein air artist. With a focus on landscapes, her work, especially her plein air, call to mind key aspects of the Impressionist Movement, with a style that is all her own.
The art works evoke a sense of the profound, and this sense is echoed by captions that include quotations from famous Western artists, writers, and poets, such as Norman McLean and Andrew Wyeth.
With a healthy audience on hand, the Wynne Home Program Coordinator, Angela Robinson, introduced the show…
…followed by Smith’s husband, George, introducing the artist…
…which was, in turn, followed by an eloquent and brief discussion by the arts.
The brief remarks offered a chance for more exploration of the artwork…
…discussions with Smith…
…mingling…
…and sampling of the food provided by Friends of the Wynne.
It was a special evening for us, so much so that we purchased Ms. Smith’s books so that we could return to her beautiful images.
We are beyond grateful to have experienced this beautiful collection at the Wynne Home Arts & Visitor Center and look forward to future exhibitions that continue to enrich our lives and our community.
As the semester draws to an end, the City Fellows–interns placed by the LEAP program–are wrapping up their internships. As part of that process, and following numerous professional development activities this semester, they took on the roles of City Council and City Directors and participated in a Mock City Council at the beautiful Wynne Home.
On hand to guide and observe were supervisors Andrea Howard (Wynne Home), Amanda Schillaci (Huntsville Main Street), Tammy Gann (Economic Development), Aron Kulhavy (City Manager), and Mac Woodward (former Councilmember and Mayor).
The process involved knowing parliamentary procedures, researching topics such as dockless scooters, park acquisitions, and municipal contracts. Participating were Cinthia Villarreal (Mayor)…
The “process could be intimidating,” noted “Mayor” Villarreal, “but what we get from it is outweighs in importance any embarrassment or hesitation we might feel at the moment.”
Although the topics were relatively straightforward, they elicited questions such as: (1) who owns that GPS data from scooter usage and what can such data be used for?; (2) on what streets would scooters be legal?; (3) what are the downsides of designating land a “park”?; and (4) who is allowed to speak at council meetings, on what topics are they allowed to speak, and for how long?
It was, noted Biello, “quite the learning experience, offering me valuable insights into the legal nuances and special considerations essential for effective governance.”
With expert guidance from City staff, as well as a comparative perspective from those who have worked at other cities (including Madisonville, TX and Salado, TX), we were able to pass some good things for our Sim-City, learn a whole lot, see some great art, and spend time with some great people!
“Sundown at Sam’s,” notes Museum Director Derrick Birdsall, “is a way for us to bring a diverse (community and University) crowd to the Museum grounds.”
And the crowd was a wonderful mix of locals and students; among those was spotted were: Marjean Creager; SHSU Associate Vice President Amy Salazar (and her husband, Tim); Bridget Maloney; Councilmember Tore Fossum; City Manager Aron Kulhavy; LEAP Ambassadors Olivia Discon, Cinthia Villarreal, Morgan Robertson, and Michelle Cardenas; Kristie Stevens; SHSU Vice President Matt Bethea and his wife, Carrie; Wes and Susan Sanders; Bette Nelson; SHSU’s Emily Binetti; SHSU student Crystal Herren and her children; Brian Blalock; SHSU student Sarah-Hope Carter and her boyfriend, Parker; and many others.
The many others included pets…
…some of which showed off by doing pet tricks.
Adding to the entertainment was a variety of food and drink options, including Delmy’s, C.A.T. Cafe, and Tap Truck Outlaws. Or, you could bring your own snacks. In short, the setting offers everything you could need for a delightful evening.
And indeed it was an enjoyable, relaxing, and fun evening. The music, a mix of traditional sounds–Americana, Roots, and Bluegrass–was appropriate for the Museum grounds.
For Sarah-Hope, it is an annual tradition: “I love going every year! I especially enjoyed seeing John Krajicek, whose singing and writing is beautiful. My favorite song was “Blue Bird in my Heart…”
…and I also enjoyed hearing the Fire Ants String Band. The banjoist was incredible! It was great be part of the community, and it was great to see so many people come out and support local artists.”
Sundown at Sam’s will continue on May 2 and May 16. And for music fans, Huntsville Main Street will be hosting their own music series later this summer.
Thanks to Darren Grant and the staff at the SHMM for hosting quality events for the whole community!
After registering for the Congressional City Conference, we had a detailed schedule that we hoped to follow. That changed at about 5am on Monday morning, when Professor Yawn called us letting us know that, well, plans had changed.
Instead of arriving at 9:15am for the 9:45am opening, we would be arriving at 7:30am, in time to register and get in line. And why would we need to arrive so early? Because overnight, President Joe Biden had been announced as the key speaker, and this, understandably, creates a large crowd.
Opening Session
With Biden scheduled to speak, the introductory speakers had the difficult task of capturing a distracted audience, although some nice opening ceremonies helped set the stage.
It also helped that Doris Kearns Goodwin, Pulitzer Prize winning author and well-respected historian, was Biden’s lead-in.
Like Biden, Goodwin is in her 80s, and also like Biden, she came out feisty and lively, quickly drawing the audience to her. She regaled the more than 1,000 attendees with stories of her days in college, when she was an anti-LBJ, anti-Vietnam War activist, and nonetheless, the President selected her for a fellowship. She didn’t always agree with his policies, she noted, but she did see things from his perspective, and this made for a good relationship. In fact, he asked her to help him with his memoirs in his post-presidency.
Goodwin also discussed how local leaders play a role in making Presidents successful, highlighting civil rights as an example. She also discussed the key elements of leadership, one of which she emphasized: the experience of personal struggles, which allows presidents to grow personally and to empathize with others.
This, of course, has applied to many presidents and leaders–and she highlights Abe Lincoln, FDR, LBJ, and Teddy Roosevelt. It could also apply to President Biden, whose life has been marked by the death of two children and a spouse.
And it was a feisty President Biden who showed up to speak to the large crowd of municipal leaders.
Echoing many of the themes from his State of the Union speech–albeit with a greater emphasis on more local matters–Biden stressed his support for efforts to rein in gun violence, his call to pass the “toughest border bill ever drafted,” and his economic track record.
He also hearkened back to the formation of the National League of Cities, which occurred in 1924–and he insisted that he was NOT in the room for that initial get together.
Biden’s speech was greeted enthusiastically by the large crowd, and he received an extended ovation.
After the opening session, we returned to the National League of Cities conference for a very interesting general session. This session featured multiple remarkable speakers who presented projects and shared their expertise. NLC’s 2nd Vice President, Steve Patterson, expertly emceed the general session.
Among the speakers was Julie Su, the United States Deputy Secretary of Labor, who shared some important points on the pivotal role of local leaders in shaping labor policies and fostering economic growth within their communities. She emphasized the necessity for collaboration between federal and local forms of government to effectively address challenges in labor. Amongst the issues she presented, child care and transportation seemed to be the most pressing issue for the Biden Administration. Secretary Su made sure to emphasize the crucial intersection between local government and national labor initiatives.
One of the sections of the general session included a panel discussion moderated by NLC’s First Vice President, Sharon Weston Broome. The participants included Mark Hayes, Executive Director of the Arkansas Municipal League; Steve Marshall, Attorney General of the State of Alabama; and Donald Mason, Mayor of Janesville, Ohio. The topic of discussion was the alarming rise in opioid-related deaths over the past few years. The panelists shared the devastating impacts the crisis has had on their communities. Attorney General Marshall highlighted the financial costs that opioid-related incidents bring to Americans, citing a cost of $98 billion. Director Mark Hayes shared a very personal story about losing his son to a fentanyl overdose, emphasizing the urgent need to address the crisis to prevent others from experiencing such pain.
The panelists mentioned the importance of flexibility and learning from mistakes, acknowledging the varied approaches taken by all 50 states in tackling the crisis based on their unique community needs. They encouraged city officials to take initiative and not be afraid of failing in the process.
Pete Buttigieg, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, concluded the National League of Cities general session. He emphasized the difficulty of local government and gave props to all the officials for their hard work in serving their community. Buttigieg also highlighted the $1.3 trillion infrastructure deal that is allowing communities and cities to improve. He introduced new grant programs with the ultimate goal of enhancing communities.
During his discussion, he spotlighted Baltimore’s 150-year-old railroads and stations that will be fixed and replaced so they can be used by citizens. Buttigieg mentioned how important transportation is, closing his session with a very insightful quote worthy of reflection: “Transportation is not just a connection to the other side of town but a connection to opportunity.” left This observation left a lasting impression on me, making him my favorite speaker of the general session.
Aligning Workforce Dev with Plans for Economic Growth
Olivia Discon
Later that afternoon, our group decided to attend one of the “Deep Dive” panels, which offers a more specialized conversation regarding some of the most pressing city matters. We decided to take a ‘deep dive’ with the “Aligning Workforce Dev with Plans for Economic Growth” panel. Having some experience with the City of Huntsville’s Economic Development department, we thought this panel would be a great way to expand our understanding of what comprises a healthy economy for a city.
This panel had no shortage of experience. We had the pleasure to hear a bit from Brittany Stich, Senior Advisor of the U.S. Department of Labor, Tess Mason-Elder, Director of Office Relations of Americorps; Colleen Rathgeb Associate Deputy Assistant Director of ACF; Catherine McConnell, Policy Advisor for U.S. Department of Education; Paige Shelvin, Strategic Advisor for IWD and USDOT; and moderated by Adriana Rocha Garcia, Council Member of San Antonio.
To attract, retain, and expand businesses to a city, there are a multitude of factors that incentivize businesses to choose that city, and for workers to choose to work there. A good standard of living is at the forefront of that choice. This, of course, comes in many forms, including the quality of the city’s cost of living, safety, education, community events, and existing businesses. Interestingly, this panel placed an emphasis on childcare facilities, career and technical education, and good infrastructure to incentivize a strong workforce. While these factors may not appear to be a crucial aspect to this issue, they are implicit and are potentially one of the deciding factors between one city or another. It was incredibly stimulating to consider how some of the talking points tied into a common outcome for cities, and ponder how Huntsville may fit into the equation.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 