Meet the Interns: Office of the Mayor
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 HUNTSVILLE, AL (June 10, 2010) -- A new generation of leaders has been learning the ropes at Huntsville City Hall. The City of Huntsville's Intern Class IV officially began on June 1st and participants have come from all across America to experience Huntsville's local government structure and receive hands on experience in several different departments that fit their interests.
Each week we are going to focus on one of the departments of city government and the interns experience in their position, their reasons for applying and the goals they wish to accomplish with Intern Class IV.
This week, we begin with the interns that work within the Office of the Mayor. The Office of the Mayor interns work under Trent Willis, Mayor Battle's Chief of Staff, in an attempt to learn more about the responsibility, projects and planning that go into city wide issues and events.
"Every year, the quality of our intern classes seems to improve," said Willis. "This year, I'm very confident in saying that this is the most well-rounded and capable group that we've ever had. In the Office of the Mayor, it's not enough for us to take something away from our time with the interns. For it to be a truly successful program they have to take just as much away from this experience. They devote their time, their energy and their summer, all without pay, to get firsthand experience with a large government. We want these students to not only walk away with a better understanding and knowledge of government - but to also be better citizens."
This year, four young men and women are working with the Office of the Mayor. The students are: Joseph Gordon, a junior at The University of Alabama majoring in Economics and Political Science; Stephanie Volz, a sophomore at Valparaiso University double majoring in Math and Political Science; Alan Reeves, a sophomore at Harvard University majoring in Government; and Dahler Battle, a junior from Briarwood Christian High School in Birmingham, Alabama.
"Public service is an important duty to all communities," said Gordon. " The City of Huntsville has a growing economy and needs well educated, experienced leaders to guide the growth. I am eager to learn the skills the summer internship offers and hopefully use them in the future working with Huntsville."
Gordon also hopes to have an "opportunity to provide Huntsville with [his] effort and to potentially become a leader of Huntsville."
Stephanie Volz, a Huntsville native, noted that her interests in Huntsville City government began before her knowledge of the internship.
"I discovered the application for the Huntsville City Summer Internship while reading online Huntsville news," added Volz. " "After reading the description for the position, I felt this was a great exposure to my interests in local Huntsville government and politics. I began the application process during my spring semester while I was in Indiana."
She considered the internship as "educational for [her] major", and was willing to sacrifice many of her summer plans to be in the internship program.
The City of Huntsville's internship program also caught the eye of two Birmingham natives: Alan Reeves and Dahler Battle.
Reeves is a graduate of Thompson High School in Alabaster, AL where he played varsity quarterback during his high school career. He is currently a student at Harvard University and plays running back on the Harvard Crimson's football team.
"One of my goals for post-college employment is to return to Alabama. I see this internship as an opportunity for me to gain valuable, real-world experience that will be indispensable when beginning my career. I hope for this internship to act as a stepping stone as I finish college and look to come back to the state to truly help make it better."
Alan's involvement with Huntsville City government puts him in a position for recognition in the Huntsville area. Reeves said, "one of the perks of working within the Office of the Mayor is the future career opportunity the internship offers and the experience that this career development requires."
Dahler Battle is the youngest intern in the program. Battle, however, apart from many students his age, has a natural interest and drive for government and politics.
The Birmingham native is excited about the internship and expects it to give him countless opportunities to learn about city government.
"I have always had an interest in city government. This internship is an excellent way to gain insight in this field, as well as learn from one of the best run governments in the country."
He goes on to say that, "[he] is excited to work and contribute to an already thriving community under the guidance of Mayor Tommy Battle."
The interns in the Office of the Mayor are excited to be a part of the Battle administration and are eager to give their summer vacation to walk away a better understanding of municipal government.
The City of Huntsville's internship program, started by Mayor Tommy Battle in 2009, has been an exponentially increasing success each year. With the rising number of applicants, the Huntsville City Internship should become a top destination for youth with interests in state, local and national government.
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Joseph Gordon, an Intern with the Office of the Mayor, wrote this article.
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Follow the City of Huntsville on Facebook at facebook.com/hsvcity and on Twitter at twitter.com/huntsvillecity
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