Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in North Alabama
Strong makes his move
With a new Congress comes the opportunity for members of Congress to upsize and upgrade their offices. As other members retire or lose elections, they sometimes leave prime office space on Capitol Hill available – setting off chain reactions of office moves on both sides of the Hill. U.S. Rep. Dale Strong threw his hat in that ring and landed a new office space at 449 Cannon Building. Strong (R-Monrovia) was in the Longworth Building for his first term. The Cannon House Office Building was built in 1908 and, while it is the oldest of the three House office buildings, the office suites are generally larger than those in the Longworth Building. Also, its location is closer to the House floor making it a very desirable office for a second term member.
New hotel for downtown Huntsville
Insiders say plans for a new seven-story hotel are circulating at Huntsville City Hall. The planned location is 310 Clinton Avenue which makes it very convenient to the Von Braun Center and close to the new Front Gate development at the old Coca-Cola site. Plans call for over 200 rooms. It is reported to be a dual flagged venture with the Marriott Residence Inn and Tribute Portfolio Hotel names. This would be the first Marriott Tribute Hotel in north Alabama and is geared toward the traveler looking for an upscale hotel experience.
Polling for Madison mayor
While Mayor Paul Finley has announced he will not be seeking re-election next year, no names have surfaced yet as announced candidates. That fact did not stop some person or organization from conducting a poll in the race. Madison residents report receiving calls and texts asking their opinions on several local issues, including who they would choose for mayor from a field of potential candidates. The names included in the survey were Ranae Bartlett, Jaylen Cotton, Marc Highsmith, Ed Nichols, Steve Smith and Mike Sheehy. However, none of them have announced plans to run at this point and there is no indication who or what group paid for the poll.
Santa and Sprocket!
We hear there are still a few spots left for the Rocket City Trash Pandas Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 7. The event at Toyota Field includes a breakfast buffet, pictures with Santa and Sprocket, plus additional activities. Tickets are available here and run $12 per child (12 & under) and $20 per adult.
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