Figueras used part of her time at the podium to laud Cox and his 35 years of service to the city.
"Mr. Carlyle Cox is beyond our wildest dreams of what one could think of as a governmental person," Mayor Figueras said. "He has been that one piece of glue that has held Gainesville together for a very, very long time."
Cox, city manager for nine years, leaves office the end of the month; Figueras will remain on the city council but will turn the mayor's seat over to another member of the council.
Chamber chairman Dick Valentine thanked both Figueras and Cox for their support in helping the chamber in its efforts to improve the business climate here. Figueras said she was proud of the number of businesses that have "decided to expand rather than leave because of your efforts and the efforts of all of us."
http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/12/186432