By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.—It was an eventful and emotional evening, with long-time Henry County Mayor Brent Greer conducting his last meeting, new Sheriff Josh Frey sworn in and Mayor-Elect John Penn Ridgeway sitting next to Greer at the dais Thursday night.
At the close of the meeting, Greer was presented with a painting by local artist Chelsea Lodge of the Henry County Courthouse from all the county officials and was presented with state proclamations by State Rep. Bruce Griffey, R-Paris.
An emotional Greer said, “As you all know, I love Henry County and I love all of you, too. These are bittersweet moments. I want to thank the Henry County leadership coming up—everything is going to be fine. You always come to the position where you have to move forward. I need to dedicate time to my family and I’ll always be dedicated to Henry County, but in a different role. This commission has been a joy to work with. I believe these are the finest group of officials in the state of Tennessee.”
In presenting the painting to Greer, County Emergency Management Agency Director Ron Watkins said, “It’s been a long journey, a great ride. I’ve been with Brent for all of the 22 years he’s been County Mayor. I’ve been honored to work with you and call you my friend. Brent works hard for the county always and goes the extra mile.”
Watkins said, “I wish you the best of times. On behalf of all the county officials and employees, we all just love you.”
Greer said the county will be in good hands with Ridgeway as County Mayor. “I’ve known John Penn for a long time. I coached him in ball and he still calls me coach. He and his family are lifelong friends of my family and we love them and they love us. This man will make a great mayor.”
Ridgeway said, “I’m thankful for your leadership and I’ll do my best to honor you by leading forward. I do have big shoes to fill, but I know Coach Greer isn’t going to give me the bunt sign anymore. He’ll let me swing for the fences.”
Ridgeway will be sworn in at 4 p.m. November 30 on the courthouse steps.
In other business:
–The Commission set the rules of procedure for conducting a special election to fill a vacancy on the Henry County Schools board. With Frey becoming sheriff, he resigned from the board, leaving a vacancy.
Greer said any county resident can be nominated for the position and the commission will vote at the December meeting after hearing presentations from the candidates. Each candidate will have five minutes to speak and it’s required that the winning candidate have at least eight votes. The new school board member will fill out the current term until 2022.
–Board vacancies were filled: Commissioners Kreg Kyle and James Travis will continue serving on the HCMC board; Commissioner Monte Starks will replace Mike Shankle on the 911 Board; Frey will replace former Sheriff Monte Belew on the 911 board; and Incoming Police Chief Ricky Watson will replace Chuck Elizondo on the 911 board.
Top photo: EMA Director Ron Watkins makes a presentation to Greer; bottom photo, Ridgeway speaks of Greer’s service to the county. (Shannon McFarlin photos).