Waters Recognized

Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters was recognized Monday during the Sevier County Commission meeting for receiving a state-wide award.
Waters, who is the longest serving mayor currently serving in the state, was recognized by the commission for being named the 2010 Tennessee County Services Association Robert M. Wormsley Outstanding County Official of the Year.
The commission proposed a resolution recognizing Waters, which detailed many of his accomplishments throughout his 32 years as mayor.
The resolution, read by Commissioner Phil King, commended Waters for managing the county’s government finances and functions during a time period when the county population has doubled and while more than nine million tourists visit each year.
Also mentioned was that Waters has been aggressive in promoting economic development and securing and supporting major investments by people in Sevier County.
Waters joked that it was not his idea to put the resolution on the agenda, and said he was grateful for the support.
“I appreciate the opportunity I have had to serve the people of this county and I appreciate this award and it means a great deal to me,” he said. “It is not a result of anything I alone have done, it is a result of the people I have been able to work with over the last several years.”
He added that the county commission, other elected officials, department heads and county employees played a large role in him receiving the award.
“Anything that I have accomplished we have accomplished through our working relationship,” Waters said. “There isn’t a greater place in the world to live and work than in Sevier County Tennessee.”