This piece was written by Jakob Gurley of the Trussville Tribune.

SPRINGVILLE, Ala. (TRIBUNE) — As Austin Phillips prepares to be sworn in as Springville’s next mayor, he says his administration’s focus will be balancing growth with protecting the character of the city’s downtown.

Phillips, who previously served on the city council after being appointed to fill a vacancy, won the mayoral election earlier this year by what he called “a pretty large margin.” He credits the community’s desire for a change in leadership as a driving factor.

“I think the citizens showed they’re looking for a change, they’re looking for somebody to represent them differently,” Phillips said. “It’s been great getting out and talking to constituents and learning more about what they desire and how they view the

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