When Memphis voters head to the polls in October, they’ll elect their first new mayor in eight years — at a time when many people think the city has serious problems that need to be solved.

The Daily Memphian invited the top Memphis mayoral contenders, based on criteria such as polling and money raised, to tell us more about themselves and their candidacy in their own words. Those questionnaires are listed below in reverse alphabetical order.

Sanford: As campaign reaches end run, mayoral candidates owe voters answers

Beginning tomorrow, we’ll also bring readers in-depth stories about all the frontrunners in the mayor’s race, published in alphabetical order, over the course of more than a week. A story on the candidates who are not seen as serious contenders will also run as part of this package. 

The questionnaires below have been edited for length, style and clarity where necessary. 

While citizens can listen to this month’s previously aired mayoral debate, each of those top candidates has also been invited to appear on WKNO’s “Behind the Headlines,” hosted by Eric Barnes. The candidate episodes that have already been released are included below, as well. 

Paul Young 

What is the most pressing issue facing the city today?

Public safety and reducing the level of crime is the most pressing issue in Memphis today.

What do you think the City of Memphis budget should spend more on? What do you think it should spend less on?

I think administrative and professional service costs should be audited and potentially represent less of our budget. Community centers, parks and mental health services all deserve a greater piece of the pie, in my opinion.

Is the City of Memphis going in the right direction?

I think right now, given the crisis we’re experiencing of crime, we can’t honestly say we’re going in the right direction.

Would you ever be in favor of increasing property taxes?

My answer is yes, but it would have to be the absolute last resort if it was required to fund the needs of our community.

Do you believe that, as a representative of the public, your vote should reflect how your constituents would vote or are they electing you to use your own judgment?

I think, at the end of the day, they’re electing you for mayor for your experience, your character and your track record, so I think they’re asking for your own judgment.

What do you think are the keys to your success?

My passion for the work I do, being a good listener. My family gives me a lot of strength and purpose.

What was the last book you read?

“Find Your Why: A practical guide for discovering purpose for you and your team,” by Simon Sinek. I thought it was a great book to remind you of the importance of articulating your purpose in everything you do.

If you got to choose a last meal, what would it be?

Chicken and dressing with macaroni and cheese and green beans sounds like a great last meal.

What talent or skill do you wish you had?

I would love to be able to sing. It’s a way to connect with people, and I’m not gifted in that category.

What activities do you enjoy outside of work?

Watching basketball, playing sports with my kids and listening to music.

Paul Young is scheduled to be on “Behind the Headlines” on Friday, Sept. 1.

Van Turner 

What is the most pressing issue facing the city today?

Moving Memphis into the future starts with ensuring that our community is safe. We can prevent crime by getting to the root cause, which is poverty. That means investing in young people with expanded job opportunities, mentoring and community centers.

What do you think the City of Memphis budget should spend more on? What do you think it should spend less on?

Ensuring public safety means investing in an additional 500 police officers. And I’ll look to cut down on waste, fraud and abuse.

Is the City of Memphis going in the right direction?

I’m a proud son of Memphis, and my roots run deep here. Honoring our past and moving ourselves into the future is my goal as mayor. I am the only candidate with both the experience to deliver on day one and the vision to move us forward.

Would you ever be in favor of increasing property taxes?

I am not planning on increasing property taxes.

Do you believe that, as a representative of the public, your vote should reflect how your constituents would vote or are they electing you to use your own judgment?

As a former Shelby County Commissioner, I worked hard to represent folks’ views. If you vote for me, I’ll continue that mindset and make the tough decisions as they arise.

What do you think are the keys to your success?

Education, church and community. Both my mother and wife are educators, so ensuring a strong education foundation is everything for me. Sitting in the pews and standing at the pulpit gave me moral grounding and confidence.

Neighbors and friends steered me in the right direction and put me on the path I’m on today.

What was the last book you read?

“The 1619 Project” created by Nikole Hannah-Jones.

If you got to choose a last meal, what would it be?

A&R Bar-B-Que.

What talent or skill do you wish you had?

I wish I could play the piano and sing.

What activities do you enjoy outside of work?

Raising my beautiful talented children and traveling with my wife, Tamara.

Michelle McKissack 

What is the most pressing issue facing the city today?

Wherever I go in Memphis, people are telling me that they are concerned about crime and safety. As mayor of Memphis, I will lead a holistic campaign to reclaim our safety, rebuild community trust and increase police morale. My Whole City Memphis Safety Plan takes a smart-on-crime approach to reclaim our safety through what I call the three P’s: partnering with police, providing justice and preventing crime.

What do you think the City of Memphis budget should spend more on? What do you think it should spend less on?

We need more resources for our police department. I propose we hire more detectives who solve crimes rather than hiring more patrol officers who respond to crime. In this manner, we can move beyond just one in five crimes being solved. Also, there are far too many rape kits that have not been processed. We must invest in a crime laboratory to respond to the needs of Memphians, especially women.

The budget spending also drives economic development. The grants and subsidies that amount to more than $40 million often benefits just a few of our citizens rather than the whole city. Therefore, my focus is also scrutinizing the impacts of each budget “spend” to maximize benefit for the greater Memphis.

Is the City of Memphis going in the right direction?

Memphis is at a critical moment. The next administration will drastically affect whether our lives truly improve. We need a mayor who is experienced, always chooses Memphis and is willing to shake up the status quo for the benefit of everyone in Memphis.

Would you ever be in favor of increasing property taxes?

Before I consider raising taxes, I will first determine where we are not effectively using our current budget. I find it troublesome that whenever the budget becomes tight, leaders always look to make cuts from our everyday workers.

Rather, I would review the major contracts that the City of Memphis has given to large developers, corporations and outsourcers. Those contracts that are not hitting benchmarks and not providing the promised value to Memphians must be renegotiated.

Do you believe that, as a representative of the public, your vote should reflect how your constituents would vote or are they electing you to use your own judgment?

I believe that I should achieve the goals of Memphians. 

What do you think are the keys to your success?

I have worked across multiple sectors, from serving as a former local news anchor and reporter to leading on the Memphis-Shelby County Schools board and the MATA board. I know what it’s like living in Memphis, coming from humble beginnings. I was raised as one of five children who took the city bus growing up to school because we either had one car or no car the entire time growing up. That’s why I serve on the MATA board.

What was the last book you read?

“Memphis,” by Tara M. Stringfellow, a local Memphian author who was also my sons’ English teacher.

If you got to choose a last meal, what would it be?

A six-bone plate from Cozy Corner with beans and coleslaw. I never get tired of it. 

What talent or skill do you wish you had?

If I could have one talent, it would be to do a perfect cartwheel. I cheered in high school and college, and my cartwheels were pristine. Now, I’m not sure if my skills would be good enough to get on the team.

What activities do you enjoy outside of work?

I love to travel to new exciting places. I have had a sense of wanderlust since I was a child. Growing up, I would go to my neighborhood library and read about far-off fantastical places. Now, as an adult, I get to travel to these places. I am living my childhood dream.

Willie Herenton 

What is the most pressing issue facing the city today?

Like many Memphians, I am deeply concerned with the crime problems plaguing our city today. As a diverse city, we must unite around a well-thought-out strategic action-plan to reverse some negative trends. The challenges facing Memphis today drives me back to the arena of public service.

As your mayor, I am prepared to do something concerning some deplorable conditions that undermine the future of our city. Let me make it clear: I am pro-law enforcement, and defunding the police makes no sense to me. I fully recognize that we must restore public trust in our police department. With effective leadership and community support, we can make a turnaround. There is no question that public safety is a priority issue that must be addressed with a sense of urgency in the city of Memphis.

What do you think the City of Memphis budget should spend more on?

Education and mental health.

What do you think it should spend less on?

Special-interest grants. 

Is the City of Memphis going in the right direction?

Similar to many urban cities, we are plagued with crime, poverty, poor education and a declining infrastructure.

I agree with many Memphians that the city is going in the wrong direction.

Would you ever be in favor of increasing property taxes?

To address the critical needs of the city, I would support a reasonable property-tax increase.

Do you believe that, as a representative of the public, your vote should reflect how your constituents would vote or are they electing you to use your own judgment?

After receiving the input from my constituents, my decision would be made using my best judgment.

What do you think are the keys to your success?

My work ethic and motivation to succeed in life, my formal education, my high level of executive management experience (and knowing) the breadth and depth of how organizations function.

What was the last book you read?

“Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents,” by Isabel Wilkerson.

If you got to choose a last meal, what would it be?

A mixture of soul and Italian food.

What talent or skill do you wish you had?

The skill of masonry.

What activities do you enjoy outside of work?

I enjoy home building, real estate and daily walks.

Herenton is scheduled to appear on “Behind The Headlines” on Friday, Sept. 8. 

J.W. Gibson

What is the most pressing issue facing the city today?

Crime.

What do you think the City of Memphis budget should spend more on? What do you think it should spend less on?

More of the city’s budget should be spent on community development and less on renovation of city offices.

Is the City of Memphis going in the right direction?

No.

Would you ever be in favor of increasing property taxes?

Yes.

Do you believe that, as a representative of the public, your vote should reflect how your constituents would vote or are they electing you to use your own judgment?

They are electing me to use my best judgment.

What do you think are the keys to your success?

Vision, creativity and independence.

What was the last book you read?

“Remix Strategy: The Three Laws of Business Combinations,” by Benjamin Gomes-Casseres.

If you got to choose a last meal, what would it be?

Surf and turf, loaded baked potato, creamed spinach, sauteed onions and a glass of Malbec.

What talent or skill do you wish you had?

I wish I could sing.

What activities do you enjoy outside of work?

Listening to live music, going to live sporting events, golfing, boating, having conversations with family.

Karen Camper

What is the most pressing issue facing the city today?

Memphis is in a crisis caused by out-of-control crime. We have seen increases in violent crime, gun crime, car theft, carjackings and car break-ins. Our police force is stretched too thin and is overwhelmed with solving crimes and cannot focus on preventing crimes. We need to have a comprehensive review of the entire public-safety ecosystem so that we can reform what is not working and reinforce programs that are working. 

What do you think the City of Memphis budget should spend more on? What do you think it should spend less on?

My budget priorities would include increasing funding to housing and community development to revitalize our neighborhoods and create affordable housing with an emphasis on encouraging first-time homeowners. I would also look to increase funding for public works, putting an emphasis on repairing potholes, removing blight from our neighborhoods and working to decrease flooding through better drain maintenance.

The last thing I would like to see increased are grants and subsidies so that our nonprofit and faith-based organizations can apply for additional funding.

Before I make a decision on decreasing funds, I would want to examine what each department and budget line item are being used for and if those programs or projects are succeeding. 

Is the City of Memphis going in the right direction?

I believe that our city is going in the wrong direction. There are examples of decline across our community. Whether it is out-of-control crime, rising poverty, crumbling roads, lack of affordable housing, continuing power outages whenever we have a weather event or our failing schools, Memphis needs a new course.

Would you ever be in favor of increasing property taxes?

You should never say never to any possible revenue stream, but as things stand today, I would not be in favor of raising property taxes. Too many people are struggling to pay their day-to-day expenses, let alone another tax increase. 

Do you believe that, as a representative of the public, your vote should reflect how your constituents would vote or are they electing you to use your own judgment?

I believe it is a blend of the two. Voters make the decision on who they believe will be the best to lead them by being informed where candidates stand on issues and whether candidates share their values. As an elected official, I adhere closely to the positions that I staked during election time but know that, ultimately, I must use my best judgment to serve those that elected me to office. 

What do you think are the keys to your success?

Respecting others and listening. The old saying goes that “God gave us two ears and one mouth, so that you do twice as much listening as you do talking.”

As a state legislator for the last 15 years and as the Minority Leader of the Tennessee General Assembly, respecting others’ opinions and listening to others concerns and suggestions has provided me with the ability to work with both parties to get things done for Memphis and our state. 

What was the last book you read?

“Bluff City: The Secret Life of Photographer Ernest Withers,” by Preston Lauterbach.

If you got to choose a last meal, what would it be?

My last meal would be oxtails, turnip greens, macaroni and cheese with hot water cornbread, with a glass of sweet iced tea.

What talent or skill do you wish you had?

I wish that I had amazing computer-science skills. I am fascinated by coding, programming and the applications of computer science. I would love to take those skills and work on predictive futuristics.

What activities do you enjoy outside of work?

I truly enjoy spending time with my family, having a meal together and playing cards at the table. So many of my best memories are with the ones that I love the most. 

Floyd Bonner

What is the most pressing issue facing the city today?

Reducing crime will be the No. 1 priority of my administration, and it is by far the most critical challenge we face as a community. Crime continues to have an oversized impact on our city, and the negative news coming out of Memphis is costing us population, tourism, businesses and good-paying jobs.

What do you think the City of Memphis budget should spend more on? What do you think it should spend less on?

I believe the majority of the budget needs to go to the following: public safety (police and fire); infrastructure upgrades; cleaning up blight; trash and litter; community resources, including parks; libraries and community centers; youth services; and programs that help keep kids succeed and stay in school.

Is the City of Memphis going in the right direction?

No. I believe that Memphis is ripe with opportunity, but due to the high crime rates, we are unable to seize that opportunity. Once we get the crime rates under control, I believe that Memphis will become a prosperous city.

Would you ever be in favor of increasing property taxes?

We currently have the highest property and sales taxes in Tennessee, and I strongly oppose any tax increase. In 2019, the voters of Memphis voted to max out our sales tax under state law, and I am glad to see that increase is being used for police bonuses, retention and public safety.

While I do support increasing investments in transportation, youth programs and other city services, the next mayor of Memphis will have the benefit of an additional $50 million annually because of the debt cliff. That money can be used to invest in our city without burdening struggling families.

Do you believe that, as a representative of the public, your vote should reflect how your constituents would vote or are they electing you to use your own judgment?

I do believe the next mayor should lead by reflecting the will of the people of Memphis. That means listening to all the people of Memphis and not just those who are loudest on social media or those who get the most attention from the media.

What do you think are the keys to your success?

The ability to listen and learn and the courage to make tough decisions when they are in the best interest of the community.

What was the last book you read?

“The Hate You Give.” It was required reading for the book club at 201 for our youthful offenders. I had seen the movie but wanted to be familiar with what they were reading and found it a powerful book on the responsibility we all share for reporting injustice when it occurs.

If you got to choose a last meal, what would it be?

A Tomahawk steak, a loaded baked potato and asparagus.

What talent or skill do you wish you had?

I wish I could fix my own car.

What activities do you enjoy outside of work?

I enjoyed the 10 years I coached youth football and how rewarding it was to shape young men’s lives. I also enjoy golfing and being able relax outside. Spending time with my family and my grandchildren is what I enjoy most now.

Bonner is scheduled to appear on “Behind The Headlines” on Friday, Sept. 22.