Former mayors Robert Kirk Walker, Gene Roberts and Pat Rose attended. Also shown, at right, are Phyllis Kiser, sister of Bob Corker, and Phil Corker, father of the new mayor.
Bob Corker was installed as Chattanooga's 56th mayor and four new City Council members were seated during rites at the Tivoli Theatre Monday morning.
The new mayor said he will initiate a number of steps to improve the business climate here, saying it is "not what it should be, and we have work to do to improve it."
Mayor Corker said he will convene a meeting April 24 of a small group of wealthy businessmen to try to enlist their aid.
He said on May 1 he will convene a meeting of contractors, labor officials and minority groups to try to get more minority participation in local construction projects.
Mayor Corker said he will also seek to have the Chattanooga Community Development Financial Institution provide more help to small businesses and minority-owned companies.
He said he will strive to help UTC improve and to capitalize on developments in the digital world. He said he will convene a meeting April 26 on the latter topic.
Mayor Corker said he believes improving air service is so vital that he considered appointing himself to serve on the Airport Authority. He said he found he could not legally do so, but he said he will be very active on that front.
He also called for boosts in education and for improvements in the police department.
He said careful planning is needed on development of the huge VAAP site for industrial purposes.
Mayor Corker said he wants to discuss staff appointments with the City Council prior to announcing those.
He is expected to name the replacement for former public works administrator Jack Marcellis Tuesday night at his first council meeting. Mr. Marcellis recently retired.
Newly installed council members were Jack Benson, Sally Robinson, Dan Page and Ron Littlefield.
Returning council members are Yusuf Hakeem, Leamon Pierce, John "Duke" Franklin, John Lively and John Taylor.
Circuit Judge Sam Payne gave the oath to Mr. Corker.
Rev. Bernie Miller, pastor of New Covenant Fellowship Church, has the invocation and the Rev. Hunter Huckabay of St. Paul's Episcopal gave the benediction.
A reception followed in the lobby.
Among those attending were Rep. Zach Wamp, former Nashville mayor Phil Bredesen, and former mayors Robert Kirk Walker, Pat Rose and Gene Roberts.
Circuit Court Judge Sam Payne administers the oath to his brother-in-law, Councilman Dan Page, as Mrs. Page looks on.