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4-THE SEA COAST ECHO?SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 1992
EDITORIAL
John Longo Jr.
The death of John Longo Jr., ex-mayor of the City of Waveland, is the final chapter in the life of a person who led his city through its greatest growth.
When Longo was elected mayor of Waveland, it was a sleepy city just biding its time and remaining still.
A five-time mayor and three-time alderman, Longo gave his all to bring Waveland, his beloved city, into the 21th century.
One of his greatest achievements has to have been th<? development and construction of the Waveland Regional Wastewater Management District.
While other governmental leaders were reporting there were no federal monies around for grants, Longo did not fall asleep like most did. He kept charging ahead, finding funds for the worthwhile project.
Under Longo?s leadership, Waveland expanded by annexation, enticed new businesses and helped develop new shopping centers. This paid off in tremendous increases in the city?s share of sales taxes.
City services were expanded and Waveland?s residents did not see the big tax increases as other municipalities in the area had.
Longo felt a city should be run like a business, and he did just that, leaving office with the city in good financial shape.
Under Longo?s leadership, Waveland did things as they went along, maybe not on a large scale compared to other cities, but small improvements were made day by day.
He was a successful businessman, retiring several years ago from Southern Frosted Foods, a company founded by him in the mid-50?s and now operated by family members.
Longo gave to his church and its school with his time, talent and resources. Many hours of his personal time were spent helping with fund-raisers, especially with the chairmanship of his church?s annual seafood dinner.
He liked to fish and could be seen on local piers many mornings at the break of dawn.
His wife, sons, daughters and grandchildren can all be proud that their husband, father and grandfather