Checking in: What has Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle been up to?

0
88
Tommy Battle

Ever wonder what your mayor been up to each month? Sure you may have helped elect them, but what happens after that? Alabama Today has you covered. Each month we’ll highlight what the Yellowhammer State’s Big 5 mayors have been doing in an effort to hold them accountable and keep things more transparent.

From celebrating the 50 anniversary of the launch that took man to the moon, to writing a blog post on why Huntsville should be the home of the new U.S. Space Force — Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle has had one busy month.

Here’s what he’s been up to for the last month:

July 17

Battle joined U.S. Space and Rocket Center CEO Dr. Deborah Barnhart in announcing several events to commemorate the 50 anniversary of the launch that took Man to the Moon.

July 18

Battle attended the ribbon cutting for Woodbridge Alabama, celebrating the creation of new jobs. Woodbridge Alabama is a Plastics, and Special Equipment Manufacturer in Huntsville, Ala.

July 20

Battle published a blog post on the city’s blog, on why Huntsville should be the new home of the U.S. Space Force. “The Trump administration recently challenged the Department of Defense to stand up a branch of the Armed Forces to protect space as a national security priority,” Battle wrote.

“I believe Huntsville is the answer to that challenge,” he continued. “As the space environment becomes even more complex, and the risks involved in losing critical assets in space continue to increase, there is no place better equipped than Huntsville to grow space leaders and solutions for a new U.S. Space Force.”

July 25

In anticipation of the beginning of the school year, Battle met with principal of McNair Junior High School, Dr.Carlita Collins. “We have great leaders in our schools. Good luck this year,” Battle posted on Facebook.

July 27

Battle recognized amateur boxer Obed“RADAR”Bartee II for winning the National Junior Olympics, giving him a Certificate of Commendation from the City of Huntsville.

July 30

Battle joined the Huntsville Police Department in honoring three officers who saved every resident and pet from a burning apartment building earlier in the year.

July 31

Joined by Governor Kay Ivey, Battle announced the opening of South Memorial Parkway to traffic. “After two and a half years of expedited construction, the main line overpasses on South Memorial Parkway are now open to motorists,” Battle’s weekly update read. “The project was made possible through Restore Our Roads, a $250 million cost-sharing package for eight major state road projects in Huntsville with the Alabama Department of Transportation.”

He then presented Ivey with a special token of appreciation, “for the partnership between the City and the State to make this project and many more possible,” he posted on Facebook.

August 1

The city of Huntsville announced a music ecosystem survey to gather additional public input for a citywide music audit, aimed at musicians and music industry stakeholders to learn more about what the public thinks about Huntsville becoming a music-rich city.

“We have an amazing opportunity here, to figure this out and direct our future as a music city,” Battle said in a Press Release. “If we do this right, and the public participates, we can develop a vibrant and healthy music ecosystem that will generate social, cultural and economic benefits.”

August 2

Battle journeyed to the White House to meet with Cabinet Officials as part of an Alabama elected leaders visit.

August 7

Battle attended the annual Space and Missile Defense (SMD) Symposium, the leading educational, professional development and networking event in the space and missile defense community to meet with industry and military leaders.

August 16

Battle presented NASA Administrator James Bridenstine a coin from the city of Huntsville to honor his visit to Huntsville and the Marshall Space Flight Center.