Longtime Memphis City Council member Edmund Ford Sr. is facing two challengers during his latest re-election campaign. 

Keith D. Austin and Larry Hunter are trying to unseat Ford, of the Ford political family and the longtime representative of the district that includes Westwood and Whitehaven. 

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Here’s what Ford, Hunter and Austin had to say, in alphabetical order, about their candidacy for District 6 on the council.

Keith Austin, employee at Blues City Brewery

“I really just got tired of causing my tax money not used in my neighborhood,” Austin said. 

He said crime is the number one issue facing the city and noted how easy it is for kids to join a gang. He said they lack things to do at community centers and anything to do after school lets out. 

Austin said kids are arming themselves to protect themselves from others. 

“We used to have nerds when I was going to school. I mean, the nerds got guns now. I mean, they don’t have a chance to get away from bullies or anywhere to go,” Austin said. 

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He said he has a plan for growth along Third Street. 

“It’s a little radical. I don’t want to say what I want to do off the top,” Austin said. 

Edmund Ford Sr., mortician, E.H. Ford Funeral Home, Memphis City Council member 

Ford said he wants to continue his work of bringing resources to his district, noting how he has worked for the city to prioritize the widening of Holmes Road and the rehabilitation of Southwest Twin Drive-In. 

“I’m trying to finish up some things that I’ve started. I don’t want these things to be put back on back burner again,” Ford said. 

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He said he will continue to provide what he can for constituents. 

“I’ve accomplished quite a few things in my district. People know what kind of service that I give them,” Ford said. 

Larry Hunter, retired MATA bus driver, director of Touched by an Angel

Crime is the number one issue facing the community, Hunter said. He added that senior citizens needed better care and the community needs to relate better to young people. 

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Hunter said he was called by God to run for office after five people asked him if he would run. He said he would spend significant time in the neighborhoods when he was a member and continue the work his organization, Touched by an Angel, does now. 

“I’m gonna go back to the neighborhood twice a week, doing the same thing. Let the people know that I’m here for you. What else can I do to make life better for you?” Hunter said.