By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
Mayor Ronnie called me from the road Wednesday morning. He was on his way to a League of Municipalities meeting in Perdido, and had just landed the night before after a whirlwind trip to Washington D.C. that lasted from “0-dark hundred” Monday until Tuesday p.m. I laughed as he talked about “goin’ and glowin,” which referred to the speed of the trip as well as one of the most tell-tale signs that indeed spring had sprung in North Alabama—that distinct, “day-glow” green of pollen that ends up everywhere. It’s visible along the roads, down in cracks of bricks, and of course on cars. And as far as allergies go, it becomes visible by the amount of Kleenex boxes we empty if we happen to struggle with seasonal allergies.
No matter, the trip had been successful. Mayor Ronnie, Athens City councilman Chris Seibert, Athens City councilman James Lucas, and Athens City Communication Coordinator and Grant Specialist Holly Hollman were pedal to the medal the entire time as they met with numerous federal representatives to discuss appropriations for various needs in our community.
The mayor did chuckle as he talked about being in DC during a physical remodel. Senator Katie Britt’s office was so filled with boxes as the renovations continue that there was hardly room enough for people to squeeze in there. “The staff managed to be so gracious to all of us in spite of it,” he said.
One of the things that made the trip so profitable was that Mayor Ronnie and Congressman Robert Aderholt were on the same flight to DC, so a relaxed conversation about our growth, our needs, and our vision could take place without having to rush to the next appointment. Congressman Aderholt is a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, whose job it is to oversee federal government funding. He chairs the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health & Human Services, and Education, which is responsible for the largest non-defense segment of the federal budget. Aderholt is also a member of the Agriculture Subcommittee and the Defense Subcommittee. Seeing as North Alabama is full of farms, colleges, and is one of the most important centers as it pertains to defense, this “chance” meeting was one of the highlights of the trip.
The team was able to personally meet with Congressman Dale Strong, with Senator Tuberville’s staff, and the mayor had “glowing” reports about those encounters. The topics of the trip ranged from funding for upgraded equipment for the Athens Police Department, along with managing the fact that in recent years, just one firetruck has gone up in cost from about 1.8 million dollars to over three million; and the waiting list to take delivery is nearly three years. “With how we are growing, we need that truck,” said the mayor, and he was able to communicate that personally with the powers that be.
Mayor Ronnie also was pleased to announce the hiring of Justin Travis to help Holly Hollman handle her ever-increasing responsibilities, and down the road this column will give him a proper introduction. There was one only one thing left to do, and that was pray. “Ali, I can’t close my eyes while I’m driving,” said the mayor. “That’s a relief, and I know He can hear you if your eyes are open, Mister Mayor,” I retorted. So pray, we did, and once again it was time literally for Ronnie to roll.
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
April 18, 2025
