I am so grateful that County Attorney Rheubin Taylor and others are honoring our former County Mayors Claude Ramsey and Dalton Roberts. It goes without saying that this is long overdue. I have seen the Bredesen-Ramsey interchange near Volkswagen Drive, but Claude certainly deserves additional recognition for his contributions to our county. As for Dalton, I have pushed for years to get something named for him, seemingly to no avail. So it’s good to see that Attorney Taylor has taken this project to completion.
All of us who knew Dalton have stories of his quiet generosity and his love for Hamilton County. He was mayor for 16 years during a time of considerable growth, and he should always be remembered and admired for his honesty, his common sense, and his hard work for all the residents of the county.
My only regret is that these honors were not awarded during their lifetimes. I’m a strong believer in honoring the living. For the past several years, I have lobbied officials in Walker and Catoosa counties in Georgia, the cities of Rossville and Fort Oglethorpe, state representatives, and the directors of the Colonnade Theater to name something in honor of entertainer James Rogers. During his fifty-plus year career, James has raised countless thousands of dollars for local charities, and has performed all over the nation spreading the good word about north Georgia. He is most deserving of a permanent marker, whether it be on a stage, a theater, a building, or a highway. Why not honor him during his lifetime? If anyone reading this has any connections with important people in north Georgia, I hope you’ll help me get this done.
And James, if you’re reading this, I hope I’m not embarrassing you. I just want you to receive the recognition you deserve for your good citizenship and your amazing career. Your fans in Chattanooga, north Georgia and beyond are so proud of you.
David Carroll