House Joint Resolution 750 recognizes Larry Waters, the longest-serving elected official in Tennessee, as he prepares for retirement in 2026 after an impressive career spanning over five decades. A lifelong resident of Sevier County, Waters became the youngest elected mayor in Tennessee at the age of 25 and has since played a pivotal role in the county's transformation, overseeing significant population growth, budget expansion, and a booming tourism industry. His leadership has been marked by improvements in public safety, government operations, and education, as well as successful collaborations with various government agencies.
The resolution honors Waters for his visionary leadership and commitment to the community, highlighting his numerous accolades, including the naming of the Tennessee County Services Association's Mayor of the Year Award in his honor. It also acknowledges his extensive involvement in various organizations and initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life in the region. As he concludes his remarkable tenure, the resolution extends best wishes for a fulfilling retirement, celebrating his legacy of dedicated public service and community development in Sevier County and East Tennessee.