Herenton Announces Intent to Resign!

In a total and complete shocker, Mayor Willie Herenton announced today that he intends to resign July 31, 2008. This is hugely positive and important to the future of Memphis.

Now before you accuse me of being a "hater", I actually voted for Herenton on several occasions and think that he was a great mayor for the first 10 - 12 years he was in office. In recent years, however, he's been a major problem that has hindered further development and progression. His most recent election speech is the best example of the real obstacle that he poses to our progress as a city. I sat watching that speech and for the first time in my life had a brief urge to immediately move from the city that I love. Mayor Herenton is sort of like the crazy uncle that you see at Christmas, weddings and funerals. He's an enormously talented individual. When he wants to he can accomplish so many positive things for the City. Unfortunately, he's also prone to say unbelievable divisive things and to pursue things that are distracting and wildly unpopular (i.e. the sale of MLG&W and a new football stadium). His New Year's Day speeches have always kicked off firestorms that just didn't need to exist.

When he ran for re-election four years ago, he hinted that the next four year term (2003-08) would be his last. Then he announced another run for a fifth term and there was a lot of unrest. There was even a draft AC campaign, designed to get AC Wharton to run for city mayor against Herenton. AC Wharton ultimately decided not to run and many speculated that a deal had been cut between Herenton and AC. The deal allegedly had Herenton agreeing to step down as city mayor at some point in his next four years so that AC could run for city mayor.

I don't know if Herenton's announcement is proof that just such a deal really did exist or not. To some degree it doesn't matter.

What really matters is who runs for city mayor now. AC Wharton would win going away if he runs. He would be a great mayor and undoubtedly many will begin the full court press to get him into the race. He still has at least two more years as county mayor. The question has arisen as to whether he would have to resign his position as county mayor if he were elected city mayor. Could he serve in both positions at the same time? I've heard rumors that a formal legal opinion has been sought or obtained on that very issue. I don't know if that's true or not. If true, I don't know the answer.

If AC runs for and is elected city mayor, then who is our next county mayor? Undoubtedly, Carol Chumney is out there right now planting yard signs somewhere. As fine a person as she is, I actually fear her being either city mayor or county mayor. She plays the part of contrarian and watch dog very well. She's a great honest check against corruption and stupidity. I don't believe though that she's a consensus builder and a leader. I could be wrong.

Folks like Rickey Wilkins would make a great mayor. There are others. Herman Morris? There are several people out there right now who could do a great job. We just have to make sure they step up and serve. Herenton stepping aside, whether AC runs or not, opens up a huge opportunity for growth and advancement in our city. the time is now. We just have to step up and make the most of the opportunity.

Rumors are that Herenton may seek the Superintendent's position or may run for congress. He's already been superintendent 17 plus years ago. he was a pretty good superintendent from what I can remember. That might not be a bad position for him. No matter what you think about him, he cares about Memphis. I'm not sure how I feel about him being in congress. I think he could pretty easily beat Steve Cohen. Who knows. The prospect of being in Congress just might intrigue him.

We are now at a time of change. Change isn't a bad thing. We just have to take advantage of the opportunities ahead of us.