Hamilton County Commission Chairman Curtis Adams has been such a durable and colorful part of local government for so many years -- 22, count 'em -- that it just won't be the same when he steps out of political office at the end of his current term next year, as he has announced he has decided to do.
Mr. Adams has been a vigorous associate of many fine local and state officials in government, always ready to speak his mind and take a stand, sometimes surprisingly, always in good spirit.
We at this newspaper knew Mr. Adams long before he began his political service. He had a long career with the Chattanooga Free Press before he entered private business and became a noted figure in local county politics.
Beginning his newspaper career literally by taking copies of the newspaper fresh off the conveyer line from the Free Press printing press, Mr. Adams became circulation director of the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer in Georgia before returning to Chattanooga to become circulation director and advertising director of the Free Press, and later of the Chattanooga Times.
Chairman Adams enjoys recalling his political associations with many other colorful current and former local officials: County Executive Dalton Roberts, Commissioners Bill Bennett, Paul McDaniel, Paul Nolan, Rheubin Taylor, Harold Coker, Ben Miller, Howard Sompayrac, Ralph Barger, Fred Skillern, Bill Hullander, Richard Casavant, Larry Henry, Jim Coppinger, Greg Beck, Warren Mackey and John Allen Brooks, and County Mayor Claude Ramsey.
His political activities also took him into associations with Tennessee Govs. Ned McWherter, Don Sundquist and Phil Bredesen.
He also worked with Chattanooga Mayors Gene Roberts, Jon Kinsey, Bob Corker and current Mayor Ron Littlefield.
His heart was always with his home area of East Ridge, where he worked with East Ridge Mayors Fred Pruitt, Don Huskey, Ralph Hooper, Jack Sharp, Bob Johnson and Mike Steele, as well as many East Ridge commissioners.
Reciting these names that were involved in Mr. Adams' more than 20 years of political service brings to mind a great deal of interesting local history in which Chairman Adams has had an active part.
He certainly has embodied "local self-government," being elected and re-elected by his fellow citizens, serving long and actively.
Chairman Adams' colorful personality will be missed from local government when he leaves office next year. We wish him many happy years as an "observer" after so many years as a vigorous participant.
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