The Cracker Endorsements

There's a crapload of races on the May 2 Democratic Primary ballot for Shelby County offices, and the Cracker is stating preferences in some of the races.

The four that I care the most about are as follows:

Countywide

For County Clerk - Joe Young

I have known Joe for years, worked in his campaign for SCDP Chair and heartily support him in his efforts to reclaim this seat from the Goopers. He is extremely organized, and will have that office running smoothly for years to come.

Commission Seats

In numerical order...

For District 2, Position 2 - Reginald Fentress

Reginald, who lost four years ago to the juggernaut that is Deidre Malone, has been working closely in his community and with groups such as Democracy for Memphis on issues that matter to the community. I have every reason to believe he will hold developers' feet to the fire on matters of smart growth, and will make every effort to bring better jobs to that district.

For District 3, Position 1 - Bob Hatton

This is a tough one for me, as my friend Del Gill is also in this race. However, Bob, whom I have known and worked with for over 25 years and is a very good friend, came to me over a year ago to let me know he wanted to serve this District on the Commission, and has been working it ever since. I have every confidence that Bob will work hard to bring better jobs to the community.

For District 5 - Steve Mulroy

Gee, what a surprise, eh? Did the fact that his website is linked on the blogroll give it away? Look, we can WIN this seat, and with it, control of the Commission. He is a tireless worker, a tough advocate, and he is far and away our best hope. He is correct on all the issues, and a hell of a nice guy to boot. Please help him, too, if you can.


All right, what about the others? Here are some observations about some of the other races; if I don't comment, they're either unopposed or I am content to let the electorate decide for themselves.

Juvenile Court Clerk - I am voting for Wanda Halbert, because she simply has the only chance to beat Steve Stamson, as I noted back on Valentine's Day. I like Shep Wilbun, but he should have gone back to the Commission for a term before he ran for this seat.

Criminal Court Clerk - Kevin Gallagher is my choice here, even though Bill Key has been tough to beat, I think he has a reasonably good shot.

Well, those are my picks, and your mileage may vary.