Brownsville mayor delivers State of the City address
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BROWNSVILLE, Tenn. — History was made Thursday morning as the first African American mayor of Brownsville gave a State of the City address. About 50 residents were present at the First South Bank Community Center in Brownsville. The mayor spoke on topics including health, industry and youth mentoring. Residents said they were more interested in hearing new developments on stopping the recent crime in the city. “I don’t believe in running away from the problem,” Mayor Bill Rawls said. “I believe in running to problems, but I can only do that with your help.” He said recent programs created by the city were actively working toward decreasing crime. Programs such as Save Our Streets, a coalition made up of advisers who encourage the city’s youth and young adults toward success. Residents said it was refreshing hearing the city take a present stance on these issues instead of creating programs set to make a difference too far in the future. “It makes me feel good that they are already in the process, which is so great,” resident Rosalee Walker said. “You feel like this is not just talk but it is really going to be done.” The mayor also spoke on building the workforce in the city. He mentioned Gov. Bill Haslam’s Drive to 55, an initiative where the governor aspired for 55 percent of Tennessee’s population to have a college degree or certificate by 2025. He also pulled for more community training and development to help prepare residents for new jobs. He updated residents on the city’s industrial developments. More land recently was bought for the I-40 Advantage Industrial Park and the city’s farmers market, which is scheduled to open a short distance from the park. For more information on the events and programs in Brownsville, visit the Seen on 7 section of our website.
