For about 17 years, the Austin City Council meetings have been a bit different than most others, thanks to Carol Anne Rose Kennedy, who sings her concerns to government officials as well as singing about the lighter things in life.
Kennedy has been singing at the council meetings since November 2005, when she sang part of an essay by President John F. Kennedy, no relation, according to a report by KUT. The report said her lyrics can range from provocative, to comical, to sometimes upsetting. The former city council candidate has sung about immigration, domestic violence and even her underwear filled with holes.
The antics are not always well received, according to the report. Kennedy has also taken a liking to using, and throwing, props throughout her time at the meeting. This has included roses, cigarettes and confetti, prompting some city councilors to tell her to stop. She also reportedly used bubbles and was scoffed at by someone who was worried about their suit.
“So, I stood up and went to the back where there weren’t people,” Kennedy said to KUT. “Plenty of space (for bubbles)."
The singing comes during a three-minute segment of the city council meetings called “citizen communication.” This is where people can speak to city councilors about things not on the agenda. Most have issues to get off their chest about the workings of the city, and this is a time for Kennedy to sing her songs.
Kennedy has received mixed reviews from government officials about her displays. Sometimes they stick around and listen to her while other times councilors will leave for a break. She said she doesn’t mind as the meetings can sometimes last 12 hours. Former Mayor Lee Leffingwell called her “fairly pleasant” and “occasionally entertaining.” However he also was the one who got mad about her throwing roses.
Former City Councilor Ora Houston had another take.
“I think she has a unique way of telling power brokers, or people who perceived themselves to be in power, don’t take yourself too seriously,” Houston said.