College Park Mourns Loss of Former Mayor Longino

The College Park community learned that former Mayor Jack Patterson Longino passed away on Friday, August 20 after a short illness.  He began serving the city in 1992 as Ward I Councilman.  After only one term as Councilman, Longino relied on his passion and dedication and ran for mayor. He won, and then served six consecutive terms, totaling 24 years.

During Longino’s term as Mayor, College Park experienced significant growth, including corporate/residential construction, technology advancement and heightened city services. Some of the new developments include: (1) The Arena @ the Gateway Center, (2) the Georgia International Convention Center and (3) light rail and the Car Rental facility tied to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.  College Park also constructed a new police precinct and a new fire station during his mayoral term.

Jack Longino’s care and consideration for the youth of the community was evident; he started a scholarship program for city residents who sought to go to college, but did not qualify for Georgia’s Hope Scholarship.  An avid automobile enthusiast, Longino’s influence was evident as College Park opened an alternative fuels station (CNG) and electric car charging station during his time in office.

The passing of former Mayor Jack Longino is heartfelt and tragic; however, College Park citizens, businesses, colleagues and supporters certainly rejoice in the gift that the honorable mayor presented to the City of College Park during his time of servitude.

Information courtesy of the City of College Park, published August 21, 2021.