Bill's Farewell

Mayor Bill Haslam gave a short, sweet farewell address Wednesday morning to the city that launched his political career. Speaking for about 15 minutes in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building, to a crowd that included many of his staff along with current and former City Council members, Haslam said, "I have loved being the mayor of Knoxville." He cited accomplishments of his seven years in office, including fiscal discipline and a focus on downtown, "the core of the city--strong cities have strong cores."

He also talked philosophically, about changes in how Knoxville is governed and how the city sees itself. In the past, he said, local leaders and citizens had too often engaged in pointless battles rather than trying to work together. "The way we govern matters. It matters a lot," he said. "We've learned that good government, government that works, is open and collaborative." The result, Haslam said, has been a lifting of the city's longtime inferiority complex. "For too long, I thought Knoxville had carried a chip on her shoulder," he said. "We compared ourselves to other cities, always wishing we could be more like somewhere else." Now, he said, "There's a new sense of pride in our city and a sense of confidence in our great potential."

The soon-to-be-governor actually got teary-eyed toward the end of the speech. "I promise you," he said, choking up on the words, "my heart will never stray far from Knoxville. And I will always be proud to call this my home."

Haslam will formally resign the office next Monday, Jan. 10. City Council will then name an acting mayor to complete his term, which expires in December. A new city mayor will be elected this fall.

UPDATE: The full transcript is now on the city's website.

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