Austell to unveil statue of mayor
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A life-sized bronze statue of Austell Mayor Joe Jerkins will be unveiled at 3 p.m. Thursday in a new downtown park at Veterans Memorial Highway and Love Street.
Beverly Boyd, a city council member and longtime friend, spearheaded efforts to erect the statue. “I can go on and on about all he’s done for the city,” she said.
Jerkins is a self-made millionaire who has served 20 years as mayor, working years without a salary and making many charitable contributions to the town of 6,500. Jerkins said he never participated in any vote for the statue.
The park and statue cost about $225,000, with the money coming from interest earned by a $5 million community improvement fund. Norfolk Southern Railway donated the money to Austell when the company opened a massive intermodal station.
Former Gov. Roy Barnes and Cobb County Commission Chairman Sam Olens are scheduled to speak at the ceremony at the Mayors Memorial Park. Bricks with the names of all past mayors will surround the statue.
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