City Hall Takes Different Approach to the State of the City Address Tonight

SAN ANGELO, TX — The annual tradition in San Angelo is for the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce to host a noontime luncheon to hear separate addresses by the city manager and the mayor about the state of the City of San Angelo. This year, the City of San Angelo Public Information Office is trying a new approach.

The State of the City Address is tonight, live from the Murphey Performance Hall in the historic City Hall. A free event, the State of the City will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7. The public is invited. Murphey Performance Hall is located inside City Hall, 72 W. College Ave.

The auditorium seats approximately 1,200. City Public Information Officer Anthony Wilson doesn’t expect a “sell out” crowd, but he does hope a core of engaged citizens come to see the event live. There is a planned audience Q&A session immediately following the program.

“We also want this to be a dialogue with our citizens,” Mayor Brenda Gunter said.

City Manager Daniel Valenzuela will not present a separate address, rather, he will make introductory remarks and emcee the event. Mayor Gunter agreed to a sit down interview format where Anthony Wilson will ask questions.

Wilson declined to say whether or not he has given all of his questions to the mayor in advance. He was open to suggestions about what to ask just yesterday, though.

The event will be broadcasted on the City TV channel available to Suddenlink cable subscribers and broadcasted live via Facebook Live, Wilson said.

Following the program, tables manned by City officials and featuring information about City departments will be set up in the lobby and east mezzanine of City Hall. Other members of the City Council will be in attendance and available to talk to constituents.

Refreshments will also be served.

Wilson added the event will showcase the Murphey Performance Hall. This is an opportunity for taxpayers who have not yet visited the renovated City Auditorium to see the wonderful space since it reopened last year, Wilson said.

Wilson said the event is not intended to discard the Chamber of Commerce involvement in City government affairs. He said the City is coordinating with the Chamber of Commerce for a separate event.

If you want to attend, doors open early and the event begins 6 p.m. sharp. Ample parking is available around the performing arts complex and City Hall at 72 W. College Ave.