Huntsville honors former mayor Frank Miller

Debbie Webster, new Huntsville mayor, presents a plaque of appreciation to former mayor Frank Miller.

Friends, family and fellow council members turned out last week for a reception to honor Frank Miller, former mayor of Huntsville.

Miller, who has served Huntsville for 10 years as councilman or mayor, had to resign his post when he accept an employment opportunity which would prohibit him from attending meetings. Since his resignation in June, Council person Debbie Webster has served as mayor.

While serving as mayor in a small town can present challenges when everyone knows who you are, Miller said it never really posed a problem.

“I never found it a hassle,” he said. “But it’s something you have got to want to do. You can’t do it just to say you are the mayor, that’s not what it’s for. You have to be sincere. You shouldn’t do it to benefit you. You do it to keep the town in business.”

Miller said Webster will do fine as mayor, largely because of her experience as council person. His only advice beyond being sincere about the job is to listen to everything then prioritize.

Webster said there is a “big difference” between her role as council person and her new job of mayor.

“You, as mayor, are a figure head,” said Webster. “It is a whole different role to play. The mayor gathers all the information and presents it to the council. It’s the council that approves things. Now it’s me presenting the information to them.”

A special appointment will be made to fill Webster’s three-year unexpired term which she won in April. The person who fills the vacancy must live in the ward which they represent, in this case Ward 4.

The Huntsville City Council meets twice a month, the first Thursday for work session and the third Thursday of each month in regular session. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are held in the council chambers of City Hall.