Candidate Q&A: Ward 5: Leah Billye Welburn V

1) Please provide biographical background information to give residents who do not know you a better understanding of who you are.

I left my hometown of Chappaqua NY in 2007 to attend AU. I got my bachelor’s degree in Industrial & Systems Engineering in December 2012. My mom, Doreen, Dad, Dru (William Drummond Welburn IV), and younger sister, Laura, still live in NY. We see each other 1 or 2 times most years, usually meeting in Huntsville area where my dad’s extended family live.

Since graduation, I’ve worked service jobs at restaurants, my church, and the Montessori preschool, while I built up my own businesses. I own Free Your Stuff LLC, offering home organizing and decluttering services. I also founded The Green Kitchen, which showcases plant based recipes and sustainable cooking practices. My primary work today is as a nanny and babysitter for local families.

I first came out as transgender in 2016, and my pronouns are they/she. At home, I have an 8 year old brown boxer/pitbull named Coco, a 3 year old black cat named Tarzan, and an 8 month old gray tabby named Bella. I like to camp, and I read a ton of romance/fantasy.

2) What spurred you to run for a seat on the City Council? And why do you think you're the right candidate for the job?

Many heated topics have come up over the years. The redistricting efforts in particular cemented my desire to bring a strong moral stand to the council, and advocate for justice and equity.

No matter what the differences of opinion, we all are doing our level best to make Auburn a great place to live. I want to help my fellow citizens build community and common ground by showing that our differing opinions are based on values that do not conflict. When we are all on the same team, we can make amazing transformations here in Auburn, Alabama.

I know I would be a great fit for this position. I am a clear communicator, I am passionate about doing the right thing, and I can work with everyone.

3) In general, what do you think the role of holding a position on the City Council entails? How would you approach the job if given the chance?

The biggest aspect to me is serving as a liaison between the people and our government. Knowing the city’s system deeply lets me guide concerned citizens to the proper channels to achieve the results they want.

Conducting the business of the city is the primary necessity of the position. I would serve efficiently and effectively.

My approach would be to get the experts on any given issue front and center. To inform the public of what’s happening, what our options are, and how to get involved in a way that makes a difference.

4) In general, what does public service mean to you? And, more specifically, how have you engaged in the Auburn community to this point?

Public service means doing work that betters our city. My efforts during the campaign have focused on providing value now. I’m giving the gift of my time, attention, and effort in a way that improves life for folks here, no matter if I win or lose. I’ll continue to be active in our city, whether it’s as a private citizen, or as your representative.

I’ve held meetings with people in our city government and other prominent citizens, including the city manager, chief of police, and existing councilpeople. I’ve contacted various city departments, done research, and attended public meetings, including city council, planning commission, school board, and the biannual budget work sessions. I’ve responded to outreach made by community organizations, attended public demonstrations, and generally tried to keep my thumb on the pulse of the community.

5) What ward-specific issues would you prioritize if you were to win a seat on the City Council and how would you address them?

Bike lanes, sidewalks, public transportation.

I would address these by 1) studying the rules and systems in place for these issues, 2) meeting with the folks responsible who administer these pieces of our city government, 3) meet with citizen advocates and experts, 4) work collaboratively to create a proposal, and 5) ask for support and input from my colleagues on the council.

6) What citywide issues do you feel are most pressing and need to be addressed?

Rising cost of living, sustainability, homelessness. I would address these by 1) studying the rules and systems in place for these issues, 2) meeting with the folks responsible who administer these pieces of our city government, 3) meet with citizen advocates and experts, 4) work collaboratively to create a proposal, and 5) ask for support and input from my colleagues on the council.

7) The fast pace of growth in Auburn and the surrounding area has been the overarching issue in the community for more than a decade, impacting everything from infrastructure, transportation, the school system, the housing market, etc. How do you feel Auburn has dealt with growth and in what areas do you think more attention should be paid? Do you have any suggestions on how to better deal with growth and its impacts?

I think Auburn has performed just ok given the enormity of the challenges and opportunities presented by this growth. The biggest disappointment from where I see things is the amount of large scale student housing that has been built. My understanding of these companies is that they care only for making money, and care little if at all for the negative impacts they’ve had on our town.

While the companies pull in profits, those of us who are working class are having a harder time finding or affording housing. And the college students too are impacted negatively — they miss out on experiencing community by living among us, and instead are segregated in student only mega complexes, where they connect only with peers their own age — no contact with other ages, missing out on building friendships with children, youth, mentors, or elders.

There is an extraordinary opportunity for the city to pass laws and ordinances that will protect the people of Auburn from out of town, big business greed, and will encourage intergenerational community. This idea of The Auburn Family needs to go beyond just the university. This is my home, and I’ll be damned if I’m gonna sit quietly and watch it be cannibalized further.

8) Do you want to share anything else with the community that has not been covered in previous questions/answers? 

Please connect with me. Phone, Email, Postcard, Text, Facebook, Marco Polo, Signal, Discord, SnapChat, TikTok, YouTube, Nextdoor, Slack. There are so many ways for us to connect, and I want to meet you where you are.

I want to serve as your representative; I need to know you, what’s happening in your lives, and what YOU want to accomplish for our city.

I’m not going to dictate what we do, and I certainly would not govern based on MY opinions. This city belongs to all of us, and we all have a part to play in keeping her well. Together, let’s create a future that truly includes liberty and justice for all.