Devyn Keith and Michelle Watkins debate the impact of economic growth and community development ahead of the August 27 vote.
Compiled by SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
EDITOR’S NOTE: AL.com conducted the interviews with both candidates.
Councilman Devyn Keith highlights the rising home values in north Huntsville as a sign of progress during his tenure. “The homes that have sold in the past two years have increased the property value of everybody around it,” Keith said.
However, Michelle Watkins, Keith’s challenger in the up-coming election, argues that this development could be more beneficial for longtime residents. “What is happening is a lot of the residents who have been there for years… the rents and the property taxes are costing them to the point where they can’t afford it,” Watkins said.
On August 27, north Huntsville residents will decide whether to re-elect Keith for a third term or choose Watkins, who has served on the Huntsville school board for the past eight years. The election follows Keith’s guilty plea to two misdemeanor shoplifting charges from Walmart last year. Keith asserts that these legal issues have neither impacted his work nor will they affect his chances of winning. “Nothing in this world hurts me more than bringing negative light to my community,” he said.
Keith emphasizes that his personal life is separate from his role as a city councilman. “At the end of the day, the people who vote for me are not voting for me; they’re voting for the plan I put forward. I’ve grown as a man, a man of God, and a leader because of this tough time,” he added.
Devyn Keith, a native of Huntsville, has served as the District 1 representative on the Huntsville City Council since 2016, which covers much of Northern Huntsville, including Alabama A&M University, and stretches into the downtown core. A graduate of Samford University, Keith has a background in public administration and has been involved in various community service initiatives. His tenure has been marked by efforts to promote economic development, improve public infrastructure, and enhance community engagement. Despite his recent legal troubles, Keith remains focused on his vision for a revitalized north Huntsville.
Michelle Watkins brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the community. A longtime resident of north Huntsville, Watkins has dedicated her career to education and public service. She has worked as an educator for over two decades, teaching at various levels and advocating for students and teachers alike. Watkins was first elected to the Huntsville school board in 2016, where she has been a vocal proponent of educational reforms and resource equity.
Watkins contends that the economic growth in north Huntsville has been uneven. “Progress is great, but with that progress, it’s kind of gentrification because you’re progressively bringing in new homes and recreational opportunities that don’t mirror the community,” she said.
Keith points to significant developments like hundreds of new homes, a Starbucks, and a new grocery store in north Huntsville. He also mentions upcoming projects, such as a new outdoor rink and Stoner Park’s $10 million redevelopment. “The success is long overdue, but it’s also uniquely fast, and it has been so important,” Keith said.
Watkins believes some longtime residents feel neglected. “You have to make sure you’re making it level and offering the same opportunities to everyone,” she said. Watkins is particularly concerned about the impact of new streetlights, which she sees as a sign of gentrification.
Both candidates invited AL.com to visit areas of the district that showcase their visions for north Huntsville. Keith highlighted the $5.3 million Johnson Legacy Center and the redeveloped Johnson High School campus, which features various amenities and residential family homes. “You didn’t have anything this top-of-the-line in Huntsville before,” Keith said. He also mentioned the improvements along Cecil Fain Drive, including bike lanes and decorative street-lights.
Watkins criticized the city’s development approach, noting the lack of adequate lighting in other neighborhoods. She pointed out the stark contrast between Cecil Fain Drive and Jonquil Drive at night. “The lighting is so dim in the neighborhoods. It’s a safety concern,” Watkins said. She advocates for better streetlights through-out the district and more business incentives. “We don’t have a variety of restaurants or shopping areas in our community,” she said.
Watkins also wants to address infrastructure issues in north Huntsville. “People are calling me about potholes and road conditions. One of the first things I want to do is talk to the mayor and the city engineer about improving these roads,” she said.
Keith argues that the district’s infrastructure has improved, claiming that District 1 has received a fair share of road funding and that new roads have been created.
Watkins promises responsive leadership based on her record on the school board. She lists her achievements, including new athletic facilities, teacher pay raises, and improved school performance. “Anybody that votes for me can rest assured I’m going to watch over your money and make sure it’s spent effectively and efficiently,” she said.
Keith looks forward to further developments, such as new restaurants and continued infrastructure improvements. “I want to bring families back to north Huntsville. We’ve been successful so far, but we could be even more successful with a healthy school system,” he said.
Watkins disputes Keith’s characterization of the district’s schools, noting significant improvements since she joined the school board in 2016. “Great strides and gains have occurred with Huntsville City Schools,” she said.
Candidates must file paperwork to qualify for the election by June 25. The west Huntsville council seat and the mayor’s position will also be on the ballot.
