Columnist
Otis Sanford is professor emeritus of Journalism and Strategic Media at the University of Memphis and political commentator for WATN-TV ABC24 News. Contact him at o.sanford@memphis.edu.
There are 256 articles by Otis Sanford :
What retired Criminal Court Judge Robert “Bobby” Carter discovered — by observation and through data that he could compile — was an eye opener, particularly regarding the dearth of criminal cases that go to trial.
“I believe being relegated to interim chief undermines her authority inside the police department and raises doubts in the community about her leadership at a time when both are sorely needed to help us fight this city’s rampant crime problem.”
A $7 increase for enhanced trash collection stalled in a City Council vote. If the increase isn’t approved, 199 full-time Solid Waste employees will lose their jobs.
“We have met the persistent. And they are Tennessee voters.”
“I’m willing to say that, overall, (Jim Strickland’s) tenure as mayor was good. Not great, but nowhere near a disaster either. He does have some positive things to show. But we cannot just brush aside the negatives.”
“Our society, particularly our political system, has noticeably degenerated to the point where lying, cheating and exploiting others are often excused, if not overlooked and rewarded.”
A city that was already beleaguered by crime is wondering if there is any solution to the violence.
In 1991, U.S. District Judge Jerome Turner said runoffs in Memphis elections were designed to keep Black candidates from becoming mayor. And he was correct at the time.
“No other state has been successful in turning down federal education money, so Tennessee is plowing new ground with this wrong-headed, purely political sideshow.”
“There is no indication that younger voters went to the polls in any significant numbers. But many of those who did show up clearly favored Young.”
“This is a crucial election. And it’s important that voters get it right. It’s also important that turnout starts to match the interest. So undecided voters, make up your mind.”
The Daily Memphian celebrates its fifth anniversary by asking long-term writers to share a few of their favorite stories. Here are those stories and why the authors chose them, in their own words.
“Memphis is at a critical juncture. We cannot afford to continue the stagnation. We cannot continue allowing crime, poverty and low educational achievement to define this city.”
Each of the seven serious contenders for Memphis’ next mayor owe voters answers to important, and different, questions about their pasts.
“I consider the former mayor, who was elected five times, the most pivotal player in this year’s election for a couple of reasons.”
“Young people must be told the truth about our history — not shielded from it because it makes adults uncomfortable.”
“There is a legitimate public policy debate to be had over the appropriateness of the death penalty. It seems clear that since the Supreme Court reinstated capital punishment in the U.S. in 1976, it has not been a deterrent to murder. And opposition to it transcends political party lines.”
“My love of CK’s was about the people, the regulars, who showed up like clockwork every morning and became an informal coffee klatch to talk sports — mainly pro football — and politics, or to share the latest gossip.”
“If we want to really make a difference for everyone in our city, we will keep working to reduce crime, improve education and strengthen families.”
“Whether the residency issue continues to dog Van Turner and Floyd Bonner Jr. in the court of public opinion remains to be seen. But both have legitimate responses about their time living outside the city.”
“Republicans, through dirty dealing and hypocrisy, have managed to pack the Supreme Court with a 6-3 ultraconservative majority that is having a profound and negative impact on the lives of Americans.”
“With incumbent Jim Strickland forced to leave office at the end of the year because of term limits, the field is wide open for anyone who can make the best case for why she or he is the most qualified and most electable candidate.”
Given the activism that is being whipped up among younger voters and others who believe there should be some limits to gun rights, the Tennessee 3 incident could be the turning point away from GOP super-dominance in Tennessee.
Buddy Chapman, 83, is calling it all quits. He will step down as the leader and face of CrimeStoppers effective April 1.
Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson, who is African American, seemed to channel the sentiments of millions of Americans who know that hate crimes are real. They are disgusted by the idea that someone would lie about being a victim.