AUSTELL - The cold air was no match for the warmth Joe Jerkins felt Thursday afternoon when a life-size bronze statue of the Austell mayor was unveiled at city's new Mayors Memorial Park. Several local and state dignitaries were on hand to celebrate Jerkins and the city's former mayors at the new park at Veterans Memorial Highway and Love Street.

"It looks just like me, slick head and all," Jerkins said over laughter as the statue of the mayor, dressed casually in a sweater and khakis, was revealed. "I'm just so overwhelmed, and it's truly been an honor."

The total cost of the park and the statue was about $225,000, and was paid for through the interest accrued from a $5 million settlement with Norfolk Southern Railroad. City Clerk Carolyn Duncan said the mayor did not have a vote on the project, and that the decision came from the City Council and the Austell Area Community Improvement Committee, which administers the funds from the settlement.

Past mayors are memorialized on stones surrounding the statue.

Park designer and statue sculptor Bob Quinn said it took him about a year to create the statue. He also created the monument dedicated to former mayor C.H. "Fats" James Sr., found inside the gazebo.

Former Georgia Gov. and Cobb County lawyer Roy Barnes spoke at the ceremony, along with Cobb County Chairman Sam Olens.

Long-time City Councilwoman Beverly Boyd also spoke about the mayor, whom she has worked with for over a decade.

"I'm going to do my best not to get serious and emotional, but it's hard when it's someone you love," she said. "He is completing his 20th year of service to the city of Austell this year, and has always acted as both mayor and city manager. For the first 14 years he served, he didn't receive any salary for either position. His priority has always been the citizens of Austell, and he always will to listen to their opinions. He is not a politician; he is a statesman."

Olens said, "What you see is what you get, and honestly, it's surprising to see him here in a suit and tie because that's not the Mayor Jerkins I know. But I guess today you kind of had to. Mayor Jerkins is the most down-to-Earth, humble public servant you'll ever meet. During the floods, he was the one directing traffic and getting dirty, not sitting in his office. You would be hard pressed to find a mayor who has done more for his city than Mayor Jerkins, and there is something really special about how he treats folks and his love for this city."

Barnes also spoke kindly of Jerkins, calling him the "best mayor the state of Georgia has ever seen."

"I have never seen someone so dedicated to ensuring that his residents receive the very best at the lowest price," Barnes said. "Joe Jerkins is the kind of fellow that will walk in a door and you just know he's an all right man. You don't need written contracts with Mayor Jerkins because his word and handshake are as good as gold. How many people, especially politicians, can say that?"

Jerkins took the podium and thanked the city's staff and the people in attendance for working with him through the years. But the first person he thanked was his wife.

"She's the main part of my life," Jerkins said, as his voice cracked and tears came to his eyes. "She's dealt with a lot over the past 20 years, and had to put up with me going out a lot of nights to take care of something, or coming home late because something had to be done. But all of you have been involved with me in some way, so I can't stand here and take the credit without giving you some. I know my feet are frozen and y'alls' are too so I'll just end by saying thank you - so much."