David Pennington rarely showed much emotion in the Council Chamber during his 10 years as Dalton's mayor, but he did get choked up at times Tuesday night while reflecting on the end of his tenure. While his term runs through the end of the year, Tuesday night's meeting with the City Council was scheduled to be his last as mayor. The meeting was held after an hour-long reception for well-wishers in the City Hall lobby, and before the business of the regular agenda could begin there were words of praise for the outgoing mayor.
"I don’t think that folks understand the time commitment that goes into being mayor or an elected official," said City Administrator Andrew Parker. "The countless meetings over the 10 years (as mayor) I would think has to be in the thousands (in which) you brought your leadership and vision to the city."
"I’ve probably known you longer than anyone in this room except for maybe your sister," said Councilmember Steve Farrow. "I had the opportunity to observe a lot of exceptional leaders (in the state legislature), and I’d put you up against any one of them. Your vision for this city is just unparalleled."
Mayor Pennington first served as Dalton's mayor from 2008 until 2014 when he stepped down to run for governor. He returned to office in 2020 for a third term and served four years before announcing earlier this year he would not seek re-election. In November, former City Councilmember Annalee Harlan Sams won election to succeed him as mayor.
Dalton Chamber of Commerce President Jason Mock and Whitfield County Board of Commissioners Chairman Jevin Jensen both offered words of praise for Mayor Pennington during the meeting's public comment period. Chairman Jensen also presented Mayor Pennington with a clock with the inscription "World's Fastest City Council Meetings" as a wink towards the mayor's penchant for keeping meetings moving at a brisk pace during his time in office.
"I want to thank you for our partnership," Chairman Jensen said. "We signed a LOST agreement, we're almost done with the SPLOST, we did a service delivery agreement, we did a comprehensive strategic plan, we worked together on the library, we transitioned the senior center, I mean, it's a long (list)."
Before presenting Mayor Pennington with an award for his service, Mr. Parker went further in listing the accomplishments of his years in office. Mr. Parker referred to the goals that Mayor Pennington listed which running for office in 2019, and observed that the city had since either accomplished them or was in the process of putting them into action. Among those goals were reducing the property taxes for Dalton residents each year, growing the tax digest, delivering a budget in which sales tax revenue eclipsed property tax revenue, developing and implementing a 21st century stormwater management plan, reinvesting in the renewal of Dalton's Parks and Recreation Department, and also focusing on code enforcement in the city to improve the appearance of the city.
"I think I speak for all the department heads and city staff (in saying) that we appreciate your leadership over these last four years," Mr. Parker said. "We’re going to miss you and we look forward to the service of Mayor-Elect Annalee Sams. But keep don’t block our numbers, we’ll probably call you to get some wise counsel from time to time."
"People forget that in '08 when I took office the first time, the serious situation this community was in," Mayor Pennington said, reflecting on his years in office. "I wasn't sure if we would make the payroll or whatever else... and then we were having to do a lot of difficult things. This time, (City Clerk) Bernadette (Chattam) said, 'you've become liberal, you're spending money.' And I said, 'well, first of all, we've got money this time.' And when I look at the people that I've worked around, it's been amazing. Absolutely amazing."
Mayor Pennington's voice broke as he spoke those last words, and said, "I'm getting emotional, which is unusual, so let's get to the minutes."
From there, the mayor and Council ran through their agenda. As the meeting concluded, however, Mayor Pennington offered closing remarks with a bright hope for Dalton's future.
"Very few cities can become exceptional cities," Mayor Pennington said. "This one can. We're well on our way to doing that. And I'm sure that with younger people, Annalee's leadership, the council, the best staff in Georgia, we're going to become that. Thank you."
Fittingly, Mayor Pennington's final remarks were short and to the point.