By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–It was a busy, bittersweet meeting for the Henry County Commission Monday night, as seven of its members were attending their last meeting.
County Mayor John Penn Ridgeway presented each of the seven with framed photographs of the Henry County Courthouse affixed with their names and dates of service. Ridgeway extended personal messages for each member, telling them how much they meant to the county and how appreciative he was of their service.
The seven departing members are Don Jones, Drew Williams, Rev. James Travis, Jerry Berry, Wes Bradley, Kreg Kyle, and James Copeland.
Five of the newly-elected commissioners were in attendance: Ricky Wade, Missy Hamilton, Charles Elizondo, David “Tater” Hayes, and Melissa McElroy.
The other two newly-elected commissioners, Patrick Burns and Ralph Wiles, were not in attendance.
A large crowd of family members and well-wishers for the departing commissioners were in attendance. At the meeting’s outset, Ridgeway said, “This is a good evening, seeing everyone here. But it’s a bittersweet night, a tough night because we have to say goodbye to seven commissioners who served graciously.”
Commissioner Kenneth Humphreys said, “To my colleagues, I want you to know how much I appreciate you.”
Wes Bradley said, “I want to congratulate the new group coming in. I’ve served for 15 years and I learned a lot. I learned there is a lot of difference between what you think a county commissioner does and what they actually do.”
“No one likes to lose”, Jerry Berry said, “but losing to these people is an honor. I’m now a decomissioned commissioner.”
Commissioner Paul Neal said, “We’re going to miss all of you. I’ve enjoyed working with all of you.”
Audience member Steve Fall thanked the commissioners for their service to the county and County Attorney Rob Whitfield said, “I’ve really appreciated the opportunity to work with all of you.”
Swearing in of the new commissioners will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 31, at the courthouse.
In other business:
–The commission approved a resolution granting the Tennessee Board of Regents an option to acquire land on the Hwy. 218 bypass for future construction of a new TCAT facility (see separate article).
–At a special election held during the meeting, the commission voted for Deputy Daniel Powell to be the new District 1 Constable. Powell and Donald Barker had applied for the position.
–With one ‘no’ vote, the commission voted to opt out of statewide building code standards for one and two family dwellings in Henry County. Paul Neal voted no. Before the vote, he asked if all the commissioners understood what they were voting on. Don Jones said, “Yes, we don’t want the government interfering in our everyday lives.”
Photo: County Mayor John Penn Ridgeway, left, makes his presentation to Rev. James Travis, one of seven commissioners leaving the panel. (Shannon McFarlin photo).