District 4 Council Member Chad Booth

More than a Name?
​By District 4 Council Member Chad Booth - 24 July 2026

One of the most encouraging things about the recent city naming process has been seeing how much people care about this place we call home.

Whether you completed a survey, attended a meeting, shared your thoughts with neighbors, or simply followed the conversation, thank you. Civic engagement like this happens because people love their communities and want the best for future generations.

A special thank you to the volunteers and individuals who self-organized surveys, gathered public input.

As we've seen, there are many heartfelt opinions. Some feel strongly about one name, others have different preferences, and some would rather see no name change at all. That's understandable. Names carry history, memories, family traditions, and a sense of belonging. They matter because the places they represent matter.

But perhaps the most important thing to remember is that a municipal name does not erase the identities that have been woven into this valley for generations.

Liberty will always be Liberty. Huntsville will always be Huntsville. Nordic Valley will continue to be Nordic Valley. Eden will always be Eden. Those names are part of our history because of the people who have lived here, built businesses, raised families, served neighbors, and created traditions. They don't disappear simply because a municipality adopts a legal name.

Across the country, cities are filled with cherished neighborhoods and historic communities whose names continue to thrive alongside the name of the city itself. Government provides a civic identity; communities provide the heart and character that make a place feel like home.
Whatever name is ultimately chosen, our greatest strength has never been the words printed on a sign. It has been the people who call this valley home.

Long after the discussion about a name has ended, we'll still be neighbors helping neighbors, cheering for local students and athletes, supporting small businesses, serving in our churches and civic organizations, and preserving the traditions that make this valley unlike anywhere else.
That is something only the people can do.
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As we move forward together, let's continue to extend one another grace, respect differing opinions, and remember that we all want the same thing: a valley where our history is honored, our communities remain strong, and future generations are proud to call this place home.