The Red and Black

By JESSICA RINCK The Red & Black

Among hugs, kisses, a few tears and a standing ovation, Gwen O'Looney said good-bye Tuesday night to the county commissioners and her 8-year tenure as mayor.

One well-wisher asked, "Is this the end of Camelot?"

Today, O'Looney begins her new job as head of the Athens-Clarke office of the state Department of Family and Children Services. She left her position as mayor almost two months early for the new position.

"I was going to try not to cry," O'Looney told the commissioners, holding back tears. "I don't believe I'm changing bosses. I still work for the citizens of Athens. I feel like I'm just moving to a new department."

Elected in 1991, O'Looney worked to unify the two governments of Athens and Clarke County. In 1994, she was written into the history books as the first mayor to be re-elected under a unified government.

As she walked out of city hall, clutching her gold plaque that states "Gwen O'Looney, mayor and chair," she said, "I feel great. I start my new exercise program at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning."

Her resignation went into effect at the adjournment of the meeting, which attracted about 50 citizens and lasted for a little longer than two hours.

All the commissioners wished her farewell, while some prematurely congratulated Doc Eldridge on his victory as the new Democratic mayor of Athens.

"Whether you love her or hate her, she was the mayor of the community for eight years," said Eldridge, mayor-elect of Athens. "We owe her a great debt of thanks."

Tom Chasteen, the city commissioner of the ninth district, told O'Looney he was reminded of his minister who went on vacation, and when he came back everybody asked how his trip was.

"It was an interesting trip," Chasteen said. "This has been an interesting experience."

Alvin Sheats, the city commissioner of the third district, said, "I have no doubt your sails will be full as you sail on to other endeavors."

As the last commissioner to wish O'Looney well, Ken Jordan said, "I would also like to say it's been an interesting year. I wish you weren't such a workaholic. I might have stayed on a little longer. We've put in more work than any non-husband/wife in this county."

Al Crace, the city manager, said, "I've known Gwen for her 14 years as an elected official, and she accomplished a lot. There's never a dull day with Gwen. She's always got something else brewing and going on. She always has a new idea. There's always intensity and excitement around her, and there always will be."

Harry Sims, a city commissioner, said, "We're wishing her the best. She actually has a job that's going to pay benefits. She's actually going to work in the real world for a change. She's been an unusual leader, but she's been a very good one."

"I guess there's always mixed emotions," said Hugh Logan, a city commissioner.

"She picked up a lot of critics, pro and con, as anybody would. She's had some good ideas and some ideas that were not so good, in my opinion. We wish her godspeed," he said.

As Ernie DePascale, the city attorney, told O'Looney at the county commission meeting, "I can only say farewell."

A-C Commissioner Cardee Kilpatrick will be interim mayor.

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