Dalton Roberts Dies at the Age of 82
Dalton Roberts died Wednesday morning at the age of 82.
They gave the job a new title, County Executive, when Dalton Roberts won his first election in 1978.
He would hold the office of highest elected official in the county into the 1990s.
Roberts was known for keeping a tight thumb on the budget, even during a major period of transition for the city and county, and for the occasional feud with Chattanooga mayors and officials.
He balanced his political ambitions with a downhome style, highlighted by his music.
When he finally left politics behind, that left him more time for recording his songs and writing books.
He recorded an tribute to Chattanooga native Bessie Smith & dozens of humorous songs.
During his political career, Roberts often found himself at odds with city leaders.
He sparred over public controversies like the Trade Center, school consolidation and metropolitan government.
While Chattanooga invested in downtown redevelopment, Roberts focused on Industrial projects like the Riverport on Amnicola Highway and Industrial parks.
But Roberts was also a willing partner in bringing the Tennessee Aquarium to life.
Here is his address at the Aquarium dedication ceremony in the spring of 1992.
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