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.
"Tom Rowland has not only been a political and public service mentor to me, he has very much been like a father figure," Brooks said. "He has had a legacy that has empowered many of us in the next generation to step up and answer the call of the public service tradition."
Cleveland is poised on the threshold of greatness and Rowland "leaves big shoes to fill," Brooks said, adding he cannot wait to help bring the city to its next great chapter.
Rowland said the city has accomplished nearly all the major goals he set when first elected in 1991, including the construction of a greenway walking trail, city bus transportation, renovating the old depot, establishing a museum and creating a modern general aviation airport.
Several years in the making, the Cleveland Regional Jetport opened for business in 2013. Rowland has described it as the city's "new front door."
"I have no doubt that Mayor Kevin Brooks will continue the vision and bring fresh ideas," Rowland said, noting the work he has already put into securing a new veterans home for Cleveland.
Last year, state and local officials honored Rowland with the grand opening of the Mayor Tom Rowland Interchange on APD-40, just east of the overhauled Exit 20 on Interstate 75. The full-diamond interchange connects the new 331-acre Spring Branch Industrial Park to the wider world.
Avery Johnson, who has served on the Cleveland City Council since 1993 and holds the panel's vice mayor seat, recognized Rowland's contributions, as well.
"I think we both tried to do the best we could for the people of Cleveland," Johnson said. "He stands out wherever he goes across the state. I wish him the best of luck in his retirement."
Rowland, who has acquired a long list of achievements and honors over the last 27 years, added a new one just before the farewell event.
In a special called meeting Thursday afternoon, the Cleveland City Schools Board of Education approved naming Cleveland High School's new Air Force Junior ROTC classroom in Rowland's honor. Rowland, a United States Air Force veteran, retired as a colonel from the Tennessee State Guard.
Dr. Russel Dyer, director of Cleveland City Schools, praised Rowland in an emailed statement.
"The Cleveland City Schools Board of Education felt it was a proper honor to name our new Air Force JROTC classroom in Mayor Rowland's honor to recognize his service to our town, our school district and our country," Dyer said.
Contact Paul Leach at paul.leach.press@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @pleach_3.