This Blog Supports Reginald Milton! Come to my house and let's raise some money for him!

I knew that when Reggie Milton decided to run for County Commission, District 10, that I would help him, especially when I realized that I was moving into the district.  He is an outstanding servant of the people now with his non-profit South Memphis Alliance, and I can't wait for him to bring leadership to a County Commission that needs it so desperately.

So, why don't you come to my house Thursday night, and bring a check to help him WIN on August 7?

My lovely co-hosts Susan Sutton Steffens and Jon Carroll (in his own way, I guess)  are joining me in inviting you.  If you are on Facebook, go here.  If not, here are the particulars:

WHEN: Thursday, July 17 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM  CDT

WHERE:  2766 Natchez Lane, 38111 (we're the ones with all the signs in the yard)

HOW MUCH?  Suggested donation is $50, but we will take all amounts from $10 up to the maximum of $1500!  We have to charge to get in because this IS a fundraiser!

SO, WHAT DO I GET FOR THAT?  Food, soft drinks, and wine, plus the immense satisfaction that your money is going to aid a great person in getting elected to the County Commission.

There will be comments from Reggie, as well as from me.

We look forward to seeing you there!

I see what you did there, Commissioner Ford

Commissioner Justin Ford is in a tough re-nomination fight for his re-drawn County Commission seat.  During the redistricting, the parts of South Memphis surrounding the family funeral home at Florida and South Parkway were taken from him and given to Commissioner Walter Bailey.  Now, Ford's seat is primarily composed of Whitehaven and Westwood; while he is certainly known there, his strength is not as solid there as it was in South Memphis.

Add to that two fierce primary opponents in former MCS Board Commissioner Patrice Robinson and Memphis Education Association President Keith Williams, and the Commissioner faces the toughest campaign that he has had to face as a candidate.

All of that puts today's interesting development into context.

My phone blew up this morning with news that the Commissioner was planning to challenge Congressman Steve Cohen - as an INDEPENDENT.  This would have enabled him to avoid a primary; however, it would not have looked good if he were a sitting Democratic elected official who was undermining another Democratic nominee, regardless if it were the incumbent, Steve Cohen, or one of his challengers..

Then, it turns out that the petition was pulled but never filed, and by what Ford described as a "community group" that was not happy with the list of Democratic candidates for TN-09 and wanted him to run.  Ford was later quoted as saying that he may consider a Congressional run in two years.

UPDATE:  This is being edited to reflect new information, stop here and go read Jackson Baker, who, as always, has the full details.

In which I lead a round of cheers for......Wyatt Bunker?????

I am just as shocked as you, my friends.  I have been opposed to this person holding office, well, ever since he has HELD office.  I now admit freely that I took pictures used in a TV spot for EC Jones when Mr. Bunker ran for a City Council position from a storage space on Highway 64.  Mr. Bunker lost that race, but was elected to other offices, including the one he is vacating on the County Commission and the one he is moving to as the newly-elected Mayor of Lakeland.

So, why, pray tell, am I leading hosannas for someone whose politics I find abhorrent 99.9% of the time?  Because only he, among all elected Republicans in Shelby County, realizes the damage that Shelby County Elections Administrator Richard Holden is doing to the elective process, and secondarily, to the image of the Shelby County Republican Party.  On his way out the County Commission door to Lakeland, Mr. Bunker is trying to get a VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE from the Commission in the abilities of Mr. Holden as Administrator.

One can speculate at will as to Commissioner/Mayor Bunker's motives all you want, but I salute him for doing what no other Republican has had the guts to do: recognize the absolute mess that Holden has made of the Election Commission, resulting in a lack of confidence that they can hold an election free of doubt and controversy.

Of course, getting the SCEC to do something about Holden is another matter entirely.  Election Commissioner Dee Nollner, per the linked Jackson Baker article above, has attacked Bunker and defended the indefensible Holden, leading Bunker to suggest that Nollner has "drunk the Kool-Aid".  One expects in an Election Commission populated by three Republicans and two Democrats that the GOP will receive the benefit of the doubt.  However, when the Commission has been shown to be downright incompetent and inept, and the SCEC ignores its Democratic members and does what it wants, that does NOT provide confidence to the public that they know what they are doing or that we will have safe, secure and accurate elections.

For whatever reason Commissioner/Mayor Bunker is doing this, I still salute him for his actions, because this needs to happen, and YESTERDAY, if possible.

Commissioner Ford, can I offer some friendly advice?

This profile of newly-elected District 3 Commissioner Justin Ford even brought out David Holt's cranky-old-white-man, and Dave's not even 30 yet:

He manages to talk about himself in the third person and to announce his intention to get elected to Congress, the mayorship, and King of the World (I'm sure the last one got lost in editing.)

 Commissioner Ford, I fear you're getting bad advice; what may work for Yo Gotti may not work for you, especially if you ever want to be elected to any position beyond your district.  First, you've only been on the Commission for TWO MONTHS, you haven't done anything yet, and you got there primarily due to the great work done by your father and your late Uncle James when they held that seat.

To paraphrase an old saying, "Actions talk, bullshit walks".  DO SOMETHING, then you can brag about it all you want.  When you talk in advance about what you're going to do, you put a target on your back, and you look like a fool if you don't achieve what you've said you would achieve.

Want a good role model?  First, look at your father, who did yeoman work first on the City Council and then The County Commission, and rarely bragged even when he had things to brag about.  Too close to home?  Then look at your cousin Edmund on the City Council; he is quiet, but does outstanding work and would have a reasonable chance to win if he decided to run for higher office.  Like your father, he did the work FIRST, then talked about it.

In case you missed the lesson of the August elections, when you run city or county-wide, you have to reach EVERY section of that area.  Even if your father fell short, he proved that Democrats could get votes in areas once thought inhospitable for any candidate with a D next to their name.  Speaking as you did to the CA sends a bad message to those areas, and you will now have to work twice as hard if you ever want higher office.

You're young, and you'll make mistakes, but remember that any mistakes you make now affect not just your fledgling career, but your constituents as well.  You have four years, do what you need to do, but don't TELL us what you're going to do, just do it.

If that happens, you'll be in great shape. If it doesn't, you won't have as much time as you think.

Mike Ritz interviewed at Speak To Power about his actions on behalf of THE MED

Steve Ross interviews Commissioner Mike Ritz about THE MED, and it is well worth your time!

AFL-CIO Endorses Steve Mulroy for Re-Election

Re-Elect STEVE MULROY

for County Commission District 5

The AFL-CIO Labor Council has endorsed Steve Mulroy in his re-election bid for the County Commission District 5 seat. The vote was unanimous.

For more info about Steve, or to donate, please visit Mulroy4dist5.com. Contact Steve at Mulroys@gmail.com.

Here are more of Steve's endorsements-

• AC Wharton, Memphis Mayor
• Harold Ford, Sr., Former Congressman
• Joe Ford, Interim County Mayor
• Harold Collins, Chair, City Council
• City Council members Janis Fullilove, Joe Brown, Shea Flinn, Edmund Ford and Jim Strickland
• Former City Councilwoman Carol Chumney
• Former Shelby County Commissioner Dr. Cleo Kirk
• State Senators Beverly Marrero and Ophelia Ford
• State Reps. Ulysses Jones, Joe Towns, Mike Kernell, Jeanne Richardson, and G.A. Hardaway
• Tomeka Hart, Chair, Memphis School Board
• Memphis School Board member Dr. Jeff Warren
• AFL-CIO Labor Council
• Pipefitters Union Local
• Iron Workers Local Union #167
• Plumbers Local Union 17
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 474
• Howard Richardson
• David Upton, State Democratic Executive Committee
• Paul Shaffer
• Former Shelby County Democratic Party Chairs
• Current/Former Shelby County Democratic Party Committee members Desi Franklin, Cherry Davis, Diane Withers, Lynn Strickland and Dave and Diane Cambron
• Novella Smith-Arnold
• Fannie Clark
• Reginald Milton
• Billy Orgel
• Brad Watkins
• Jonathan Cole
• Jocelyn Wurzburg, Happy Jones, and Paula Casey
• Steve Sondheim
• Carter Rosenthal, Roseleigh Neighborhood Association

Yes, it's election season AGAIN

County election season that is, friends. Not to be left behind, my County Commissioner, Steve Mulroy, has his website up and running, so go check it out.

Oh, and hell yes I support him for re-election, are you kidding? I'm sure somebody will think they can beat him and foolishly run against him.

However, he has busted his behind from day 1 for District 5 and we need to KEEP HIM THERE, so go hit his website, and if you want to and are in a position to do so, throw him some coin!

You know, I was going to write a big post about the County Mayor selection

and a lot of it would have to do with the shabby treatment of the honorable Judge Otis Higgs, who was apparently told he had the votes to be selected County Mayor on a second ballot. However, he had to sit and watch as the rug was pulled out from under him as Joe Ford was elected. This man deserved a better fate and not the slap in the face he received.

However, Polar Donkey has written an even better post about the state of the County right now, and I want all of you to go and read it now.

Ok, let's think about things for a moment

Aside from the crazy suggestion by our new city Mayor that he arrange for an agreement to serve as BOTH City and County Mayor, lots of interesting things have happened regarding the deadlocked race for interim County Mayor.

The Democratic Women of Shelby County, who normally would collectively swallow broken glass than choose between two Democrats, yesterday endorsed Commissioner Joe Ford over Commissioner J.W. Gibson at their monthly meeting. Here is the text of that endorsement:

To Shelby County Democratic Commissioners:

After careful consideration by the Democratic Women of Shelby County, it is our pleasure to announce that the Democratic Women of Shelby County give their full endorsement and support of County Commissioner Joe Ford for Interim Shelby County Mayor.

Commissioner Ford’s history of commitment to public service and considerable attention to the City of Memphis as a Democrat, City Councilman and Shelby County Commissioner has earned this valuable endorsement. The Democratic Women of Shelby County have been long-time supporters of Democrats both in Memphis and Shelby County, and we continue to work long and tireless hours to promote the election of Democrats and the Democratic agenda to improve the lives of our citizens.

We have enjoyed a positive relationship with County Commissioner Ford as it is based on respect and fighting for issues that are in the best interest of the citizens of Memphis and Shelby County. This philosophy is consistent with our mission to support and help elect Democrats in Memphis and Shelby County.

We proudly add our endorsement and we encourage you to give your support and your vote to County Commissioner Joe Ford as Interim Shelby County Mayor. We are confident in the leadership and the experience that Commissioner Ford will bring to office of Shelby County Mayor and we look forward to the success that Joe Ford will bring to the County during his interim term as the future Shelby County Mayor.

Please, vote Joe Ford on Tuesday November 17, 2009.

Respectfully Submitted,

Mickey Klenz

President

Democratic Women of Shelby

OK then. Look, if I had to choose, I would choose Joe Ford myself. He's had experience with both City and County government, he gets along with both sides of the aisle, and would work with commissioner to get things done until September 1, 2010.

Here's my question, though: if NO ONE is going to get 7 votes, why select the interim Mayor from the Commission's body? At the end of the day, this will only lead to a tough time for whomever wins.

Former Commission Chair (and my candidate for County Mayor) Deidre Malone thought that she was on to something by nominating CAO Jim Huntzicker for the position. However, Huntzicker, who has a solidly GOP primary voting record (you can get it at the Election Commission) is no favorite of local unions for his slash-and-burn job-cutting for the County, went nowhere fast.

Right idea, wrong person.

Seeing as how this is my blog, I have my own idea.

The person I have in mind has NEVER been an elected official, but he was a key member of TWO different City administrations, working at high levels for both Dick Hackett and W.W. Herenton. He was a terrific go-between from Mayor Herenton to the City Council in the Mayor's first two terms. While he has never been a part of County government, it is less complex than City government, and he would be a steady hand at the helm, with no likelihood that he would seek the office himself.

This is a person whom I have not spoken with in years, and has no clue I am about to recommend him for this job, but, like Joe Ford, he gets along with EVERYONE and would be trusted by all parties to do the right thing.

My suggestion: former Herenton CFO and CAO Rick Masson.

Yes, if he reads that he is probably doing a spit take, but I think that he would be the right person at the right time for County government, and the perfect transitional figure to September 2010.

Your thoughts?

The law of unintended consequences, or say hi to Mayor Joyce Avery!

Yeah, that's how my mind has been going, or I wouldn't be up at 1:30 in the freaking morning. OK, this CA piece got me to thinking, so follow along with me.

Let's just say for shits and giggles, that we have a special City election on October 8 (just inside the 90-day limit to pick a new mayor after a vacancy) and that County Mayor AC Wharton wins. (Myron, Carol, James Harvey - put those frowns away, this is speculative, just play along with me!) Well, he can't hold two seats at once, can he? So, he's got to resign as County Mayor, creating a vacancy.

Well, it just so happens that September 1, the NEW County year kicks in, and out goes Chair Deidre Malone (D-2), and in comes probable new Chair (and current Pro Tem), Joyce Avery (R-4). If Wharton wins the City race and resigns, Chair Avery becomes Interim Mayor Avery.

However, here's where the next bit of intrigue comes into play. Avery could serve all the way to September 1, 2010, the end of her term; however, with a 8-5 Democratic majority, that is not likely. Besides, the term interim is just that, as the Commission would be charged with appointing a new County Mayor, like any other County vacancy.

Who then, for Mayor? Well, with an 8-5 majority (and doesn't the appointment of Matt Kuhn to fill David Lillard's seat look mighty damn prescient now?), the Democrats COULD select the outgoing Chair (and potential Democratic nominee in 2010) Deidre Malone. Smart move, eh? Well, not when A) the GOP would be REALLY pissed and B) there could be Democratic opposition to this move.

From whom, you might ask? Well, how about the sage of Whitehaven, the best little Picnic-thrower himself, Commissioner Sidney Chism (D-3)?? Remember, Chism is NOT backing Malone, but his friend Harold Byrd for the Democratic nomination, and he sure as hell doesn't want to see Malone be the potential incumbent next year.

Now, the CA article (as well as other commissioners, privately) have suggested that Chism or Commissioner Henri Brooks (D-2) could serve as Mayor until next year. For Chism especially, this could give him a way to leave politics at the top, retiring as Mayor of Shelby County.

Or, he could come back, run for two more terms on the Commission (because, I believe, this would take him out from the term limits provision, making him a new electee). Or, he could do something else entirely, like suggest to Byrd that he'd like to keep the Mayor's job and maybe Harold should run for something else.

This, of course, would set up yet another nightmare scenario with the potential to tear the local Party in two (as if the 9th District race won't do that on its own!) with Malone and Chism going at it hammer and tong. I suspect this is not likely, but it is VERY possible that Chism may be the next Mayor of Shelby County, if only for a few months.

Too bad I'm still on antibiotics, because I could really use a drink right now! Good night!

Busy day so far, and it's not even 2 PM

IBEW business manager Paul Shaffer with County Commission candidate Norma Lester at her kickoff today, held in the IBEW hall.

After inexplicably waking up at 0630, I got going about 9, went out for breakfast, then attended the campaign kickoff for Norma Lester, who is seeking to fill the County Commission seat being vacated by term-limited (and County Mayor candidate) Deidre Malone.

The event was well-attended; joining your Cracker at the kickoff were activists like Germantown Democratic Club president Dick Klenz, local Teamsters leader and SCDP member Nate Jackson, City Councilor Jim Strickland, former SCDP Chair (and current DNC member from Tennessee) Gale Jones Carson, activist and SCDP member Danny Kail (who is considering a run for Probate Court Clerk; I will support that run if he goes for it), and SCDP Chair Van Turner, who spoke briefly.

I have worked with Norma on the SCDP for many years, and believe she is the right person to follow Commissioner Malone on the Commission. No one will outwork her, and her heart and mind are in the right place to make this run. She gave a good speech thanking everyone; as more campaign information becomes available, you will read it here.

Before I got to the IBEW, I heard a fascinating story about MS-01 rookie Congressman Travis Childers. Apparently, he had promised to vote for the Employee Free Choice Act, which is critical for union organization in the US. Then, last week, he stunned his labor supporters with a renege of that promise, stating he could not vote for it.

This led to a come-to-Eugene-Victor-Debs meeting yesterday in Memphis with the Memphis and North Mississippi Labor Councils, who made their dissatisfaction known in no uncertain terms. It apparently got quite heated, I have been told.

Well, while we can somewhat sympathize with a rookie who has a high R+ constituency, Rep. Childers needs to learn the lesson of business guru Tom Peters: Always under-promise and over-deliver. If Childers thought he could not have voted for EFCA, he should never have made that commitment. All those labor guys who put your signs up throughout MS-01 last year might just find something else to do in the fall of 2010, knowwhutImean?

Rule 1 - never piss off your base, they can and will go somewhere else. I know your bidness-people are begging you to vote no on EFCA, your base (who PUT you there) are telling you to vote yes. Paybacks can be hell, sir.

And a side note to my source: this was a labor-only meeting; no Democratic Party people from either state were told of this meeting or invited.

I have work to do on my house, so I have had to pass on the Millington fundraiser for County Trustee Paul Mattila, who has continued to amaze us all with his powerful recovery from cancer, he looks stronger than ever.

Ok, back to work on the house!

I think she may be on to something here...

Before everyone gathers to fling poo at County Commissioner Henri Brooks for being enraged at the operations of Juvenile Court, even to the point of flying to DC to meet with the Justice Department, let's think about this for a moment.

Let's not forget, new Juvenile Court Judge Curtis Person has been a referee at JC for more years than I can count, and was practically joined at the hip with former Judge Kenneth Turner. My sources familiar with JC operations indicated that in the last couple of years, Person practically ran the place as Judge Turner's health deteriorated.

While it is true that I was initially skeptical about a second judicial position for JC, things like the Braxton Moore story have led me to a change of heart. Add to that the charges that juveniles from the suburbs get diversion and treatment while juveniles from the inner city get confinement and worse and I think the Commissioner is on to something here.

I couldn't help Michael Erskine's snarky note in the first sentence of the CA story that this flight and trip was at taxpayer expense. Hello, isn't this about PUBLIC business??? What is she supposed to do here, this is her JOB.

If this leads to a federal investigation, fine, not that much will happen under a Republican Administration. Commissioner Brooks has the right idea, though, and we need to get behind her, and keep the pressure up on JC, rather than sabotage her.

Flame away.