Ross Kirwin had the pleasure of introducing Mayor Scott Aitcheson.  Ross was very tongue in cheek as poked fun that Scott was facing the firing squad.  Before Scott was in the hot seat, Ross let everyone know that Scott is the youngest Huntsville Mayor in History.
 
Mayor Aitcheson started off with as he put it "sucking up" by thanking our club for everything we do for the Huntsville Community.  He kept us in suspense by explaining how different it was to be Mayor instead of a Town Councilor.  Every day is a challenge, because he has to deal with all members of councils issues as well as, passions, excitement and emotions.  There are 5 new Councilors this year out of 8 and it is up to him to lead them through the process and help direct them in their public comments.
Mayor Scott did address the missing 3 million dollars........ITS NOT MISSING!    During the G8 the Town borrowed 9 million dollars to build the facilities needed.  The Town should have borrowed 12 million.  All debts have been paid but 3 million came out of the what the town calls reserves.  The reserves is petty cash for emergencies.  So now they have to evaluate which bills were paid out of petty cash (reserves) and build the petty cash back up gradually to 6 million.  There are various options and the town needs to make a plan.  The Town Council needs to operate as a business.  It is time to put away money instead of spending it.  As a town we are in a great position.  We have 114 million dollars in assets and those assets require a plan to maintain and/or replace.  The Town Council needs to do a cost analysis to determine if the assets are needed (Waterloo building ect), and if liquidation is a plausible solution for replenishing the reserve.  There is no figure or concrete plan to replenish the reserves, the figure is determined on the life cycle of the assets.  The Mayor assured us that our town is not in trouble we have 12 million in taxes coming in and it takes 2-3 million to fully fund expenses. 
The Mayor also told us about a project close to his heart.  The Youth Engagement Commitment.  There is a Youth Council Committee that has access and ability to get involved in Town Council.  This group debated that High School students should have equal access to town facilities, like the Summit Center.  The Mayor also told us about another feel good moment of having a local artist contest where children got to create artwork for the Mayors office.  The kids who participated really enjoyed this contest and the experience of actually meeting the Mayor!
 
President Ken thanked Mayor Scott Aitcheson addressing the 3 million of unaccounted for funds, as well as the great things the council has done since he has become Mayor.