Eastern Coweta County turned out in force last Saturday to honor one of its own as the new Hunter Recreational Complex on Ga. Highway 16 was officially opened for business.

Nearly 300 people watched as Coweta County's government honored Commissioner Vernon “Mutt” Hunter for his more than 40 years of service to the county.

“It's a very humbling experience. I'm really pleased,” said Hunter.

The crowd was filled with many of Hunter's relatives and he later added, “That's why I can win an election.”

The park features a gymnasium, walking trails and tennis courts and offers residents on the eastern side of the county an alternative to driving into Newnan for recreation.

“Most people have to die before they get something named after them. This really means a lot,” he said.

The new park will be known as the Hunter Complex, as a tribute to Hunter's more than 40 years of service to Coweta County, said Commissioner Jim McGuffey.

In a moving tribute when the county announced the honor, McGuffey said Hunter worked for Coweta County from 1950-1998 and served 26 of those years as the county's administrator.

“I don't think any other administrator in the state can boast that length of service,” McGuffey said.

In 1992, Hunter decided to run for county commissioner and is now serving in his second term.

“He's one of the main reasons why Coweta County has a balanced budget now,” added McGuffey.

McGuffey acknowledged that Hunter has had his critics over the years, but said Hunter has “given his life to Coweta County” and has “more knowledge in his little finger” about the county than McGuffey has in his whole body.

The other commissioners were equally glowing in their assessments of Hunter's achievements and Commissioner Robert Wood said Hunter has had a huge impact on his political career.

“He has been a training tool for me,” Wood said.

Back to News Home Page | Back to the top of the page