Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger released this statement last week after Dalton Roberts, who served as the first county executive from 1978 until 1994, died at the age of 82 following a long illness:
“In 1978, when the voters of Hamilton County chose to adopt a new form of county government, Dalton was elected to the position of county executive, and spearheaded the formation of the present-day county government, along with its nine-member County Commission, which was elected from districts throughout the county.
“During his administration, Hamilton County experienced many advancements in the economic, cultural, and business arenas. Some of those accomplishments included the redevelopment of the Bonny Oaks School property into the county’s first industrial park, the expansion of the county’s recreational facilities; the initial stages of the Riverwalk, the various industrial parks created and maintained by Hamilton County, the county’s contribution toward the Tennessee Aquarium, the Chattanooga Convention Center and the UTC Arena, and many other projects that enhanced the quality of life in Hamilton County.
“Hamilton County extends its condolences to Dalton’s family during this difficult time.”