2/17/03

Sen. Richard Shelby

AUBURN TO HOST TOWN HALL MEETING FOR SHELBY

AUBURN -- Auburn University will host veteran Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., at a town hall meeting on Feb. 22 that will be co-hosted by local city governments and chambers of commerce.

The meeting will begin at noon at the AU Hotel and Dixon Conference Center.

Shelby annually tours the state to exchange thoughts and ideas with Alabamians.

"We are excited to have Sen. Shelby coming back to Auburn," said AU President William F. Walker, who presented Shelby with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the university last May. "He has been and remains one of our greatest friends in Washington.

"His tireless efforts on this university's behalf have resulted in nearly $60 million in funding for programs here. I hope the university family and the community will come out and show their appreciation for what the Senator has done for Auburn."

Shelby will be in Auburn at a time when the nation's anxieties are running high because of concerns over more terrorist attacks and a war with Iraq.

Auburn Mayor Bill Ham said that Shelby, as a former member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, could prove a valuable resource to local residents who have questions about the high alert status and the war potential.

"I think we are extremely fortunate to have the senator coming to Auburn at this particular time," Ham said. "Our citizens, like those across the nation, have concerns about what is happening in the United States today. Sen. Shelby should be able to answer some of those questions."

The public is encouraged to attend the free event. Light refreshments will be served prior to the meeting.

The town hall is being co-sponsored by AU, the cities of Auburn and Opelika and the Auburn and Opelika chambers of commerce.

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feb03:AU-shelby