Thanks to Speakin Out News and to our many dedicated readers. It is so hard to believe it is already August as the months are passing by so fast. When I was younger summer seemed to last much longer. But life is good and with God’s help even the bad times are good. Thanks to Mr. Smothers for putting together such a good newspaper in this city. Call and get a subscription to Speakin Out News and have it delivered to your home. You can also look for Speakin Out News on Facebook.
SCHOOLS
School starts on August 4, and I hope and pray everyone is ready as COVID-19 is still around. Tommy Tuberville says no ducking around as it is not going away. Our state’s vaccination rate is at 40% and ranks the lowest in the U.S. Alabama is also ranked as having the highest COVID positivity rating in the nation. The University of Alabama Head Coach, Nick Saban said, “we want the stadiums full when the seasons starts but we need to make it happen by getting vaccinated”. Gov. Ivey is blaming the unvaccinated for letting us down. Huntsville City Schools announced Monday at a Board meeting that all students over the age of two will be required to wear a mask to school. They want to make sure the students and staff are safe.
CITY MUSIC OFFICER
We not only want Huntsville to be the largest city in Alabama but apparently want to be the biggest music center as well. The Mayor and City Council approved a 2019 music audit performed by a U.K based firm, Sound Diplomacy. In the audit, Sound Diplomacy recommended the City establish a Music Officer Position and a Music Advisory Board. The City of Huntsville paid Sound Diplomacy $165,000 to conduct the music audit which began in April 2018. I am told our city leaders believe a “Music Center will rock the Rocket City”. I am sorry leaders, but you should have built a large VBC at the Coke Property and allowed the VBC to bring in more music performers. This would have been a much better solution for downtown instead of helping to build another Hotel and paying for most of the development. We would have saved a lot of money by building on to the existing VBC instead of building a new Amphitheater. Some of my friends have been to music events at the new part of the VBC and said it was standing room only. WEUP used to have music events in their parking lot with great music and a great crowd. There are many great musicians in our city. Leaders, please use some Common Sense and study some of these useless things we are speeding our money on.
CITY SURPRISES
Why did our leaders and planning change an Ordinance on the agenda at last week’s council meeting to remove the word surplus? This surplus referred to City buildings and properties the City deems as no longer needed and is sold off. I guess I was asking to many questions on what they do with our surplus property.
Love you all and have a blessed week.