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!
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.
The LEAP Center (Law, Engagement And Politics) recently hosted an event that left attendees intrigued by tales of espionage, moral dilemmas, and the weight of keeping national secrets. The guest speaker for the afternoon was James M. Olson, a distinguished former chief of CIA counterintelligence, whose career has been a fascinating journey through the shadows of international threats.
Mr. Olson shared his story with two groups: Rotary Club of Huntsville and a large group of SHSU students.
James M. Olson is an expert on the clandestine world; Olson’s career spans more than three decades in the Central Intelligence Agency. Rising through the ranks, he eventually became the chief of CIA counterintelligence, tasked with safeguarding the nation’s secrets from foreign adversaries. His level of expertise in espionage, national security and counterintelligence is unmatched.
However, what sets James M. Olson apart is not just his professional achievements but the personal sacrifices he made to serve his country. As he shared during the events, Olson had to keep his work secret from his own family and children to ensure their safety. The burden of secrecy weighed heavily on him, presenting numerous moral dilemmas. Yet, with the support of his wife, Meredith Olson (also a CIA Agent), he navigated these challenges with resilience and dedication.
During the program, Mr. Olson recounted how he eventually revealed his secret life to his children. Contrary to his fears, they reacted with pride upon learning about their father’s role in protecting the nation. He took the time to highlight the complexities of balancing duty with family obligations.
Throughout the day, one theme resonated deeply with Mr. Olson: his unwavering passion for the United States. He spoke extensively about the honor he felt in being entrusted with some of the nation’s most important secrets. His commitment to upholding the ideals and values of the country underscored his dedication to service.
However, alongside his admiration for his country, Mr. Olson touched a more sensitive subject; those who betray their nation. He had harsh words to express his resentment toward individuals who commit treason, labeling them as the worst kind of individuals in the world.
The day with James M. Olson was truly captivating and eye opening. The topics of espionage, patriotism, and moral integrity truly make you reflect on the future of America and all the individuals who put their lives on the line for our safety. I was definitely left with a newfound appreciation for the sacrifices made by individuals like Mr. Olson in safeguarding the nation’s security.
For 13 years, the LEAP Center has hosted the 10th Court of Appeals, allowing Sam Houston State University students and Huntsville residents to hear three appellate court cases in the courtroom of the George Beto Criminal Justice Building. The 10th Court of Appeals, out of Waco, TX, serves 18 counties in Texas including Walker County. The court, which currently consists of Chief Justice Gray, Justice Johnson, and Justice Smith, is able to travel and try cases in any county seat in their jurisdiction.
We had a full house for every case today and a line out the door, waiting to see if a seat would be available. In the first case this morning we were happy to have District Attorney Will Durham watch the case, checking things out in advance of his turn in the courtroom at 1:30pm.
The unique thing about the hearings held at SHSU is that the lawyer for each party is allotted three minutes to relay the facts of the case to the audience.
After those three minutes the attorneys turn to the Justices and begin their 20-minute formal arguments. The Justices can interrupt for questions at any point during the arguments and after each attorney has spoken, the appellant attorney then gets a 5-minute rebuttal to the defense.
Another special treat, at least for us, is that during these hearings, LEAP Ambassadors were asked to fill in for the Clerk, who is responsible for, among other things, asking the visitors to “All Rise” and then asking for a blessing on the court.
During the first case today, the appellant attorney’s main issue with the previous court ruling was that there was insufficient evidence to charge the appellant with manslaughter. The attorney argued that a manslaughter charge includes knowledge about the substantial risk of death, of which the appellant did not have. The attorney for The State of Texas actually brought props and photos that were used during the original trial to argue against the appellant party.
The second hearing was a real treat because President White was able to sit in on the arguments. It was the first time in 10th Court history that a University President attended at SHSU!
The second hearing broke down the importance of understanding Miranda Warnings and how language barriers can affect criminal proceedings.
After the 11 am hearing, the court was adjourned for lunch where LEAP students were able to talk with the justices, President White, and court staff. I was lucky enough to be sitting with Justice Smith and Justice Johnson, who discussed their careers as attorneys and how they fell into the position of judge, and eventually to justice.
LEAP Ambassadors also provided Justice Gray with a gift basket and a heartfelt thank you as this is his last year doing the 10th Court of Appeals at Sam Houston State University, his alma mater.
Court readjourned at 1:30 pm with the final hearing of the day. The court room was attended by County Clerk Leslie Woolley and Judge Tracy Sorensen. This case was really interesting as the main arguments pertained to the use of cell-phone data. In 2008 police obtained records from a man’s cellphone that linked him to a murder, but 10 years later the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that police must get a search warrant for that information; essentially, the question was should the data then be used in trial.
Thank you to everyone who came out to watch the cases today, especially President White. Thank you to Chief Justice Gray, Justice Johnson, and Justice Smith for allowing students to have this opportunity and for being so welcoming and helpful to future law students. Chief Justice Gray, we wish you well in your retirement and we want to thank you for continuously showing support for the LEAP Center and the Pre-Law Program at SHSU.
After exploring several museums in Washington D.C., it was time to stop by the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM). This museum is well known for housing the National Portrait Gallery and its collection of presidential portraits, while also having an impressive collection of works by both established and emerging artists.
Upon entering the museum, we were immediately greeted by the works of renowned artist Gilbert Stuart. Stuart is mostly known for his presidential portraits, including his famous depiction of George Washington found on the dollar bill.
Additionally, the museum featured pieces by other notable artists such as Thomas Sully, who did the famous work of Andrew Jackson…
…and Norman Rockwell, who softened Richard Nixon in his official portrait.
A standout highlight of SAAM is Amy Sherald’s remarkable portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama. Sherald’s portrayal of Mrs. Obama was intriguing. She captured the persona of the former First Lady but also challenged traditional portraiture.
Other notable portraits include Kehinde Wiley’s depiction of Barack Obama, Peter Hurd’s portrait of LBJ, Chuck Close’s complex mosaic of Bill Clinton; and Elaine de Kooning’s atypical portrait of Kennedy . It was wonderful to see how different artists envisioned our past and present presidents in a painting.
And, of course, we would be remiss if we did mention seeing a bust of “our very own” Sam Houston!
But the Museum does not exclusively reflect portraits of presidents and other notables. They are an American Art Museum as well, and I was able to see a work by Jean-Michel Basquiat, a personal favorite of mine, whose work I admired only online before visiting the museum. We were also fortunate enough to reinforce our knowledge and recognition of Alexander Calder.
We saw Edward Hopper works…
…a work by one of Professor Yawn’s favorites, Thomas Hart Benton…
…and pieces by artists as diverse as Grandma Moses, Georgia O’Keeffe, Fredric Remington, Samuel Morse, and Luis Jimenez.
We also saw a piece by Sam Houston alum James Surls…
SAAM’s diverse collection reflects all the changes of American life and its history. Through these portraits and artworks we gained a deeper understanding of our history while connecting it to art.
Whether we were in awe of presidential portraits, or discovering new favorites among the museum’s vast collection, or encountering iconic works by beloved artists, we sure enjoyed our time at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
The LEAP Ambassadors recently stamped their first country in the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston’s Global Young Professionals ‘Culinary Passport’ series, starting with Argentina. This time, we made our way ‘around the globe’ to experience Korean culture at the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Houston.
The Three Post Oak Central Office Building, where the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea conducts business, was a spacious and elevated venue. In fact, the building itself is LEED Gold certified!
We had the pleasure of trying various Korean street food items, such as Korean Bao, Tteokbokki, pan fried dumplings, and Korean fried chicken. This was a delicious way to immerse ourselves into the culture we would be exploring in tonight’s lecture.
The Consul General of Korea, Young-Ho Jung, started the night off by providing some opening remarks. Consul General Young-Ho Jung took the opportunity to highlight Korea’s remarkable success and encouraged us to consider visiting the country on our own someday. This honor was not lost on us, and truly set the scene for an immersion into learning more about Korea’s cultural impact worldwide.
Following his remarks, Jinaeng Choi, a professor at the University of Houston, took the podium to deliver a lecture titled “Mobilities in and of Korean Literature and Media: Rethinking Korean Cultural Product’s Global Rise.” Choi’s lecture provided fascinating insights into the global impact of Korean literature and media, highlighting the ways in which Korean cultural products have transcended borders and captured the attention of audiences worldwide.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Choi’s lecture was her discussion of the intersection between Korean and Latin American literature. She broke down immigration patterns and found that many Koreans migrate to Latin America, leading to a rich exchange of cultures and literary traditions between the two regions. It was here that she provided many instances of this intersection of cultures, such as literary magazines, short stores and poetry, and novels. Professor Choi even brought a personal copy of one of these books, which was translated in both Korean and Spanish. Depending on which way the book was flipped, you could choose which language to read!
Learning opportunities such as these emphasize the depth and complexity of cultural exchange. In the heart of one of the most diverse cities in America, this experience exposed us to new facets of the disciplines, such as literature, film, and music, that we have all enjoyed in various capacities.
The evening was a rich and immersive experience, offering us a taste of Korean culture through its food, art, and intellectual discourse. We left feeling inspired and eager to continue our exploration of the diverse cultures that enrich our global community.
There is always a good reason to visit the Wynne Home, but that is especially true at Easter, when the Arts Center hosts its annual Easter Egg Hunt.
Every year since at least 2010, the Wynne Home has put on this event, and it has proved to be a big community hit. This year, the event, led by Wynne Home Program Coordinator Angela Robinson, was no different, with more than 100 local residents stopping by for games, arts, food, and, of course, the hunt for Easter eggs.
Although the specifics may change from year-to-year, the basic setup is the same. LEAP Ambassadors arrive at 8:30am, other SHSU volunteers arrive just before 10am, and at 11am, the grounds are open for fun, with various games and activities to occupy the children–and the adults.
This year, these included a Ring Toss…
…Cornhole…
a velcro dart game…
…sidewalk chalk, bubbles, balloon art, an arts-and-crafts table…
…and a spoon race.
Of course, the Easter Bunny was there…
…providing much fun and, thankfully, terrifying few.
After an hour of fun and games, we serve lunch, which consists of hot dogs, chips, cookies, and a drink.
With well over 100 people there, this can pose some logistical problems, but Stephanie–the grill master–kept things moving along smoothly.
And at 12:45pm, the Easter Egg Hunt begins. If you’ve never seen a hundred kids chomping at the bit to get to easter eggs, then you’ve never fully felt danger.
With the help of some wonderful volunteers, however, we were able to prevent bedlam and violence.
The grounds are divided into two areas: 5 and under; and 6 and older–the latter of which is more competitive.
Despite the competition and one-upmanship…
…however, there was a lot of camaraderie and good feelings.
The Wynne Home, with its mission of promoting the arts and community heritage, was a perfect place to host the Easter Egg Hunt. And the volunteers–who consisted of Nancy Ormsby, Lois Stehlik…
Lulu Lopez, Macey Schank, Yajaira Gutierrez Marin, Madison Cawthon, and the six LEAP Ambassadors, did a great job of manning stations. Angela Robinson, with the help of Wynne Home staff members Peyton Conley and Emily Eoff, did a great job of running the show.
Of course, it was great to see SHSU represented, with Dr. Jeffrey Gardner, Dr. Michael Demson, Dr. Jennifer Didier, and Sarah Burchett. And it was great to see so many City staff there, assisting and enjoying the spirit of the occasion.
Or, at least having fun.
Many thanks to the Wynne Home and the City of Huntsville for hosting this event annually. Most important: Happy Easter to all!
With March designated as National Criminal Justice Month, the majority of the LEAP Ambassadors studying Criminal Justice, and, well, Huntsville being Huntsville with seven state prisons; we saw it fit to visit the Texas Prison Museum for our March edition of Visit Huntsville.
Established in 1989, the non-profit (which is not affiliated with TDCJ) has served citizens and visitors by satisfying the curiosity that shrouds the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and what happens inside those red-brick walls.
Olivia, who has visited the Walls Unit twice, enjoyed describing some of her experiences as we peered over a miniature model of the penitentiary in Texas. This was but one example of displays that captivated our attention during our visit.
Michelle particularly enjoyed the “famous/Infamous” prisoners section, where we saw many familiar names, including Clyde Barrow and Fred Carrasco.
However, of the names and stories we read, she knew the most about the various plots and conspiracies regarding the murder of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez by Yolanda Saldívar.
The Texas Prison Museum should take pride in what they accomplish though documenting the history of TDCJ, detailing what current conditions are like as an inmate, and honoring the 36,000 employees that work for the agency across the state.
The Museum also has a wide array of items made by those incarcerated. Both the illicit and sanctioned products were shocking in terms of skill and craftsmanship.
My favorite was an entire chess set, carved entirely out of soap, with prison inmates and guards pitted against one another. Upon further inspection, the guards held batons, and coffee mugs while inmates sported homemade weapons.
The main attraction found at the Texas Prison Museum, perhaps because of morbid curiosity, is Old Sparky. From 1924 to 1964, the electric chair was the sight of 361 deaths in the state of Texas.
Preceded by hanging and succeeded by lethal injection, Old Sparky now remains decommissioned and in the Museum as a unique part of TDCJ history.
The Museum and its dedicated staff do a great job of educating the public, offering interesting and intriguing exhibits, and shining light on the rarely-seen lives of TDCJ inmates. It’s a great stop on any visit to Huntsville, TX!
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 