Mayor - Carol Chumney
Yeah, I know, gee, what a shock. Folks, there are only two people who have a chance to be elected Mayor of Memphis on October 4, and neither of them are named Herman Morris or John Willingham. If you vote for either of the these nice but unelectable fellows, you might as well vote for the incumbent.
Carol's not perfect, I wish she would provide more specifics, but I have no doubt she is the best candidate to rebuild the areas of the city that the Mayor has ignored over the last sixteen years. She understands that there are areas and neighborhoods in this city outside downtown, the Poplar corridor, and Cordova. She is owned by no one, and is responsible only to the citizens of the city, all of them.
It's your choice; if you're happy with the way the city is going, vote to re-elect the incumbent. However, if you don't have a city contract or an appointed position, I know that you have one option for real change: Carol Chumney.
City Council - District 5 - Jim Strickland
Had Carol Chumney not made a last-minute decision to leave the State House and run for District 5 in 2003, Jim Strickland might well be running for his second term. As it is, he faces a tough race with good candidates like BOB Schreiber and Denise Parkinson, and I urge you to support him if you live in this district. He has a keen grasp of the issues in District 5, and I believe that he is absolutely the one candidate who can be a bridge to any and all factions that may exist on the new Council, which will have at least seven new members. I like Schreiber, and he's working hard, but Jim Strickland's time is now, and I am asking you to support him.
City Council Super District 9, Position 1 - No Endorsement
I don't know Cecil Hale all that well, and frankly, I'm not that impressed with Scott McCormack, so proceed at your own risk here.
City Council Super District 9, Position 2 - Shea Flinn
If I hadn't already known Shea Flinn and supported him in his earlier run for the State House, I would have been for him due to his excellent work as the interim State Senator in District 30. The broadcasting executive may get his business acumen from his father, Republican County Commissioner George Flinn, he is quick to remind us that he is politically more like his mom, a hardcore Democrat. He will watch over our tax dollars while providing creative solutions to the problems that face Memphis.
He faces former GOP Chair (and endorsee) Kemp Conrad, Joe "The Memphis Watchdog" Saino, 23-year-old Princeton grad Frank Langston, Joseph L. Baier, Jr. and James Christopher Lochbihler. While Saino would be a bulldog, I do not believe he would be able to make the positive contributions that Flinn will, and I ask that you support him.
City Council Super District 9, Position 3 - Desi Franklin
It is difficult to explain just how much effect Desi Franklin has had in such a short period of time. Since 2004 , she has: A) been one of the leaders of Women for Kerry, then B) helped turn that into Mid-South Democrats in Action, which C) out-organized all other local Democratic groups at the 2005 and 2007 Democratic Conventions to take virtual control of the party away from the remnants of former Ford supporters and the cadres of Sidney Chism to re-direct the SCDP. Whether you agree with the direction of the party or not, you have to admit she has the guts and the determination to do what she believes is right. Other than Chumney, Myron Lowery and Barbara Swearingen Holt Ware Pierce Fenner & Smith (OK, I made the last three up), this has been in short supply on the Council. I support her fully, and ask you to do the same.
Look, I know there are other good people in this race; if Desi weren't here, there would be a Lester Lit sign in my yard. Mary Wilder did a solid job as the interim State Rep in District 89, and has been a neighborhood activist of long-standing. I served with Boris Combest on the ExecCom, and he would be a good choice, too.
However, she's also facing Jack Sammons (and by default, the DEVELOPERS)' hand-picked choice in Reid Hedgepeth. Do any of you know who he is? I sure as hell don't, but I know he has $ as a result of being the choice of the developers.
Desi has the toughness and the dedication to bring great representation on the Council, and I urge your support for her.
City Court Clerk - Thomas Long
Thomas is an underrated public servant, as he has done more to help people regain their drivers' licenses than any of his predecessors. Given that Memphis has the shittiest public transportation of any city of its size on Earth, and that social workers will sometimes tell their clients that it's better to have a car than a home here, because at least you can sleep in your car and drive to your job, it is CRITICAL that people in trouble of losing their license have an opportunity to keep them.
Thomas is a terrific manager and leader, and deserves retention.
For the rest of the races, wait until Thursday.
11 comments:
Cracker... Your friend Carol is unelectable.
You might talk about a 2 month old poll as proof of her future victory, but Bill Clinton wasn't high on polls early in the election cycle either.
Carol Chumney is getting very little support in the black community and I think more white people will vote for Herman than her.
Carol Chumney has been a legislator for so many years, but never did anything of note like Steve Cohen. She is like Harold Ford Jr without the personality. She is a camera hog and gets attention for the questions people are asking, but she never offers solutions. Considering her position on the city council, she should have been able to get some results. Unfortunately, she didn't get along with her fellow council members, and more damning, she really didn't have any ideas to fix the problems of our city.
Herman Morris has leadership experience and actually has worked with the poor and the rich of this city. Herman Morris has charisma and personality. Herman Morris wins votes as soon as he talks to people. Herman Morris is a family man whose kids went/go to public schools and owns property in this city.
Even Willie Herenton knows who the real threat is. He's had his attack mutt, Thaddeus Matthews, go at Herman non-stop. If he perceived Carol Chumney as a threat, I guarantee, Matthews would have something on her up everyday.
Carol Chumney was getting support because she was the anti-Herenton.
Herman Morris is getting support because he is capable and what Memphis needs for change.
The Coalition for a Better Memphis rated Herman Morris higher in each of their category over Carol Chumney.
Cracker, I know Carol is your people, but honestly, in what way is her resume any more impressive than Herman Morris?
How can a white lady have a better chance for victory over a black man in a city where 60-65% of the voters are black and the black man is more liked by the white folks?
Your selling Herman short is insulting my friend.
MFM, You are either being brave in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary, or you're being delusional, and, for the sake of being nice, I'll choose the former.
i travel through African-American neighborhoods like Orange Mound. Cherokee, Bethel Grove and Whitehaven every day, and I have seen NOT ONE Morris sign in any of those yards.
In fact. I have only seen one Morris sign outside of Midtown, to be honest, someone has one on Carnes, but that's OK, there are always outliers.
There has not yet been a poll taken where Herman Morris has gotten over 14%; most have put him at 12% or LESS. You're going to need to throw some boards under the tires if that's all the traction he's getting.
I haven't been as mean as I could have; I have yet to blame Herman for the Networx fiasco (and really, I still don't, but it DOES look like he may have been in over his head on that) but I DO hold him responsible for the poor response to Hurricane Elvis, and that is NOT something that helps him.
He's a good and decent man, but he inspires few and he truly has no shot to win this race. Other than the area around Overton Park and McLean, Carol will beat him in every other part of the city, as she beats the incumbent in most of those as well.
Carol is the ONLY candidate who represents change; voting for Herman only helps re-elect the incumbent.
MFM, your posts are so *cute*.
It's cute how you think that Carol doesn't have the leadership experience of Morris, after years of being Chairwoman of the House Children and Family Affairs committee, before her move to the council.
It's cute how you think that polls in a four month election cycle are somehow going to swing to Morris' favor. Especially after Carol starts receiving every important endorsement.
It's cute how you think that Thad could find anything on Carol, even if he wanted to. You know there's no dirt on this lady, because she is pristine.
It's also cute how you, most likely a former Cohen for Congress supporter, are trying to use the "family man" argument that you KNOW failed so miserably against Cohen. Way to learn a lesson. Carol is a very successful product of the Memphis City Schools, and a graduate of U of M and Cecil C Humphreys Law School. The constant presence in this campaign of her very charming parents, Sara and Dr James Chumney, show Carol's dedication to family.
If you truly think that Carol isn't charismatic or has support in the black and white community, I challenge you: go to an event with Carol. When she speaks, she absolutely shines. Every time she approaches a crowd, she barely has to open her mouth. They know her! They say "hey, Carol, good to see you!" It doesn't matter what part of town, people know and like Carol's message.
You can't buy that with 100 billboards. But it's so cute to watch you try.
Cracker... When was the last official poll that you saw completed?
You haven't seen signs because the original yard sign stock have been given out and more had to be ordered and will be coming this week. Within a week, they'll be there.
I am a black man (you actually spoke to me on Saturday when I was out with Herman) and I have talked to folks in Frayser, Raleigh, North Memphis, South Memphis, and Whitehaven and the choice is Herenton or Morris. I have yet to meet a black people who chooses Carol. I talk to the black folks at my job, and Carol is not an option.
Memphis Networx is a prime example of something that would have benefitted Memphians had Herman Morris stayed in power at MLGW. Memphis Networx was going to provide the information infastructure in areas that are underserved. Being raised in New Chicago, I understand the importance of providing what is quickly become a utility in the 21th century.
Hurricane Elvis was one event that Herman Morris worked diligently to get the power back on. A poor response? Why was it poor? Because MLGW basically had to complete redo the network? Because some utility workers from Mississippi who may not be familiar with the Memphis network were not invited to help?
What was done poorly in 2003 compared to the ice storm of 1994?
A vote for Carol is a vote for Willie. Carol Chumney is NOT going to get a cross section of support like Herman Morris.
Herman Morris is a vote for a strong leader who will listen to the people and make himself available and accountable to the people. Herman Morris has the best chance of defeating Willie Herenton and is the best chance for Memphis.
Carol Chumney should do her civic duty and drop out of the race.
MFM, if you'd really like to meet some black Memphians supporting Carol, I can introduce you so some. Any time.
I will NOT vote for Desi Franklin. She has proven herself adept at backbiting and lying. On the Democratic committee, she has consistently allied herself with the Herenton faction, including voting for Herenton ally Reginald Tate for the Democratic nomination for State Senate and supporting Matt Kuhn, also a Herenton/Chism ally. She has been Richard Field's biggest cheerleader on the Committee as well.
I would be too concerned, should Herenton be re-elected, of her ability to stand up to him when we need it more than ever.
Chumney Wins said...
MFM, your posts are so *cute*.
It's cute how you think that Carol doesn't have the leadership experience of Morris, after years of being Chairwoman of the House Children and Family Affairs committee, before her move to the council.
Yes, that compares with 7 years as CEO of a $1.5 billion company, director of the local NAACP office for 8 years, president of the Chamber of Commerce, and the leader of a record breaking United Way fundraising campaign.
It's cute how you think that polls in a four month election cycle are somehow going to swing to Morris' favor. Especially after Carol starts receiving every important endorsement.
Early polls in 1991 had Hackett destroying Willie Herenton. Polls in 1999 had Willie Herenton equal with Joe Ford. The last poll was two months ago.
If Carol Chumney has been preparing for a mayoral run for four years, how did Herman Morris score higher than her in every category in the Coalition for a Better Memphis ratings? Shouldn’t she have plans and not questions? Who is the Commercial Appeal going to endorse?
It's cute how you think that Thad could find anything on Carol, even if he wanted to. You know there's no dirt on this lady, because she is pristine.
If Willie Herenton thought Carol was a threat, he’s have Thaddeus Matthews on her with the same kind of BS he’s shoveling on Herman. All he says about Herman is Memphis Networx lost money and why isn’t Herman in the black community. That’s all he has. If he was on Carol, he’s be on the fact she didn’t own a house in Memphis until two weeks ago. There would be her inability to work with fellow City Council members. Stuff like that.
It's also cute how you, most likely a former Cohen for Congress supporter, are trying to use the "family man" argument that you KNOW failed so miserably against Cohen.
I support Rep. Cohen. I would have voted for him in the 1996 primary had he not did that offensive GOP wooing attack ad in the CA on election day.
The general election was against a Republican and a weak, lawbreaking Ford. The primary had too many (reasonably) quality African-American candidates. Had Steve opposed one or two quality and well-funded African-American candidates, he would have lost. Had a Rod DeBerry type Republican gone against him (without Jake Ford) in the general election, he probably would have lost.
Way to learn a lesson. Carol is a very successful product of the Memphis City Schools, and a graduate of U of M and Cecil C Humphreys Law School. The constant presence in this campaign of her very charming parents, Sara and Dr James Chumney, show Carol's dedication to family.
Herman came from a working poor household in an improvised Memphis neighborhood and went to a segregated high school. Herman earned a football scholarship to Rhodes College and earned his law degree from Vanderbilt University. Herman has been married for nearly 27 years, and has three kids, two MCS graduates, and one a MCS student. Despite being wealthy enough to send his children to private school, Herman had faith in the public school system. Herman’s mother can be seen with him at many events bragging on her son. Herman’s sister, a MCS principal can be seen campaign on behalf of her little brother.
Be honest, whose story is more inspiring?
If you truly think that Carol isn't charismatic or has support in the black and white community, I challenge you: go to an event with Carol. When she speaks, she absolutely shines. Every time she approaches a crowd, she barely has to open her mouth. They know her! They say "hey, Carol, good to see you!" It doesn't matter what part of town, people know and like Carol's message.
You don’t think I’ve seen Carol? VISIT MY BLOG!
There is a reason she doesn’t open her mouth. When she speaks, she turns people off! I’ve seen Carol several times. When she speaks, she is tentative and unsure. When she talks to people, she seems uncomfortable. I heard Carol answer the same questions as Herman Morris at the housing forum at First Congo. She was not as persuasive as Herman and in fact, in her close, she basically endorsed Herman! The best speech I’ve seen from her was at her headquarters opening, and even that didn’t have the energy and assertiveness you’d like from a candidate. She even lobbed some weak (and offensive) slams at Herman. As a man from a poor community, I think it distasteful for someone who has never lived in a poor community to say a man who worked his way from the ghetto to the boardroom has forgotten where he comes from. I know blue collar MLGW employees, and they were happy with Herman as a boss.
You can't buy that with 100 billboards. But it's so cute to watch you try.
Well we know Carol can’t buy one billboard. But she should can jump in front of a camera!
MFM, if you'd really like to meet some black Memphians supporting Carol, I can introduce you so some. Any time.
I’ve seen all six. Tell Perry Steele hi.
Seriously, I know a black postman who three months ago was behind Carol. These days, after seeing the campaigns, he has told me that he thinks Herman can win.
In addition… This is MEMPHIS, TN… 70-80% of the black voters in Memphis will not vote for a white person if there is a black alternative. Many of them are sick of Herenton. If they are told about Herman (and the message is getting out) they are voting Herman.
For someone who's trying to present a sob story about Morris' life and destiny to lead, you are very quick to dismiss Carol's record. You are very quick to dismiss 17 years of legislative experience and leadership, and a very successful law career, while touting Morris' lesser experience.
As a man from a poor community, who has lived in Carol's House and City Council district my whole life, I find it distasteful that you are so quick to dismiss all of my black, blue collar neighbors who have always supported Carol. I find it distasteful that you dismiss the support of the working people through the unions. Suddenly, they don't count, because they aren't MLGW workers? Ah, right, your sign orders are out.
You are very quick to dismiss simple honest name recognition, reputation and grassroots support that money can't buy. They are very handsome billboards, though aren't they?
You know what. Bring on the polls. Bring on the endorsements (can't wait to read the news tomorrow). Bring on the next financial disclosure. It'll be a good day for Carol Chumney.
I'm so sick of everything being about race in this city.
Now you're telling me I should vote for Herman Morris, who still hasn't disengaged himself from LaSimba Gray, because blacks won't vote for anyone else.
You need to give me a better reason to vote for him than that.
Herman Morris has such an impressive resume, so why is he only at 20%? If you or someone in the campaign had a poll showing him with better numbers, you'd have released it by now.
Lake many Memphians, I've been waiting for months for him to do something to demonstrate his fitness to lead this city, and all I got was a lousy drug test.
He needs to give me a better reason to vote for him than that.
Talking about leadership is not the same thing as leading, and all the candidates need to realize that. Sometimes I think the worst part about the mayor's race is that someone is eventually going to win.
I'm already starting to miss Prince Mongo.
Aside from the all-important race for mayor, there are some critical positions in city council that will need to be filled. While I appreciate Desi Franklin's ability to organize, what she does from there seems to be lackluster and I cast serious doubt on her high scores given by the Coalition for a Better Memphis since she has a boss and an ex-husband involved in that group.
Most of those running in the District 9, Position 3 race have very little difference about them, at least on the democrat side. Wilder has an immense amount of civic volunteer work in her background as well as serving in the state house, and Boris Combest is a solid candidate, and Desi does say the right things albeit she is an attorney and they are renowned for swaying public opinion.
While I am thankful that the Democrats have fielded worthy candidates to oppose Reid Hedgepeth, I would like to call out as being a resident of the Evergreen community and being opposed to things such as using the council for zoning issues and billboards within the city - I find it interesting that Desi was so bold to have such conflict of interests as her employment and dared to put up a billboard right at the very edge of midtown on the Poplar corridor.
Not only do we need a mayor that is willing to stand up to the hard decisions necessary to turn this city around, but we need a council that will act in that same way. And with the mayoral race being no sure bet at this point, I would say it is imperative that we elect city council representatives that will be wiling to step up to our community needs rather than placate the commercial interests. Given that, I would have to lean toward Mary Wilder, Shea Flinn and Jim Strickland to represent our true interests.
Personally, I'm leaning towards Mary Wilder.
I'd rather have a representative who is in the mode of thinking about communities being made up of people who need help rather than someone who is in the mode of thinking that the one who gives the most persuasive speech or that business working with government is the way out of problems.
When a business is involved with what government needs to be involved in, it usually results in those who own the businesses getting richer from tax money AND fees paid by taxpayers for the services.
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