CLEVELAND, Tenn. – Clevelanders spent Thursday evening showing their appreciation for retiring Mayor Tom Rowland, who was elected in 1991 and stands as Tennessee’s longest-serving city mayor.
For two hours, a mix of citizens, public officials and other community members shared kind words, handshakes and hugs with Rowland at a reception in his honor at the Museum Center at 5ive Points.
“There’s no two days just alike, but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” Rowland said. “This is a great community. To get something done, if you plant an idea, you have plenty of people go do it.”
In January, Rowland announced he would not seek re-election in a joint new conference with Rep. Kevin Brooks, R-Cleveland, who said he would seek the mayor’s office instead of pursuing re-election to the Tennessee House District 24 seat. Brooks won the election and takes office on Sept. 10.
For Brooks, his personal relationship with Rowland transcends politics and the community of public servants.