Gratitude for Those Who Help Make Canton the “Coolest Small Town in America”

As my first term as mayor draws to an end, I want to thank the many residents, leaders, volunteers, businesses, and organizations that have worked hard to make Canton the "Coolest Small Town in America." We have come so far in four short years, and I couldn't be prouder of what has been accomplished by following the priorities identified by our citizens in the Roadmap for Success. In an increasingly divided and often negative environment, the City of Canton has come together in the best interest of everyone who lives, works, plays, and serves here, and that positive community spirit should be lauded as a worthy model to be followed by others.

First and foremost, our residents – the people who make Canton so special – deserve the most credit for rising above the fray to establish the priorities that guide every daily decision we make. Your guiding principles have made us a stronger city, as we have worked to create great neighborhoods, improve infrastructure for future demand, connect citizens to parks and trails, celebrate the diversity of our community, advance regional economic success, enhance historic downtown Canton, and lead with excellence.

Next, thanks to Team Canton and our city manager who have gone above and beyond typical job descriptions to fulfill the tenets of our roadmap. Of course, our progress and success would not be possible without the leadership, dedication, and support of my colleagues on Canton City Council who trusted the process and vision: Sandy McGrew, Brooke Schmidt, Shawn Tolan, Dwayne Waterman, and JoEllen Wilson. Collectively, these individuals have achieved more results than any others in recent history, and they are to be commended for their service.

Lastly, when it comes to public service, I would be remiss not to offer my special gratitude and sincerest appreciation for Councilor JoEllen Wilson who will be retiring at the end of this term. I have had the good fortune to work with her for the past 10 years, both as a fellow council member and as mayor. She faithfully served on the council from 1990 to 2009, and after retiring from Reinhardt College (now Reinhardt University), she returned to serve on the city council in 2016. I can think of no one who better exemplifies the very best in public service with so many extraordinary contributions throughout her 26 combined years of leadership in Canton. Councilor Wilson has a unique appreciation of Canton's rich and valuable history while understanding the importance of moving our city forward in meaningful and relevant ways. She has always been there for me, and I will miss her immensely, but I'm comforted that she (and her in-depth knowledge and wisdom) will be only a call or text away.

So, as the holidays approach, please join me in giving thanks to all of those who work and serve to make our hometown more special each and every day. Some have titles, while many go unnoticed, but we are all in this together.