Letter to the editor
Dear Editor,
We have a gap that needs to be addressed.
Since TOF founding in 1980 there have been five or six mayors. The first mayor was Bob Leonard who served from 1980-1993. Eddy Ford served on BOMA for a total of 29 years, the last 16 were as mayor. The third mayor was Ralph McGill who served 9 years until shortly before his death in 2018. Ron Pinchok served as interim mayor for a few months after McGill resigned until Ron Williams was sworn in later in 2018. Finally, TOF current mayor, Alex Cain, starting serving as mayor this year. The contributions of all mayors is appreciated, some have been officially and permanently recognized.
Bob Leonard was recognized for his contributions as mayor in June 1999 in the renaming of Watt Road Park to Mayor Bob Leonard Park. Leonard was recognized by the Tennessee Municipal League as Mayor of the Year in 1991.
Ralph McGill was recognized posthumously for his contributions as mayor in May 2021 in the dedication of Farragut Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza at Campbell Station and Kingston Pike.
Eddy Ford was recognized by Tennessee Municipal League as Mayor of the Year in 2007. TOF has not named a park or similar in his honor, despite being the longest serving member of BOMA
I assume both Ron Williams and Alex Cain will be officially and permanently recognized at some point in an appropriate way. Since Ford died this past week and he last served 17 years ago, it is time for TOF to consider officially and permanently naming something in his honor. I hope any recognition would be expedited so his widow has the opportunity to take part in any ceremony.
~ Adam Atherton, Farragut, TN
