“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.
Memphis needs a feel-good story, a redemption story, of overcoming stumbles, our pain and our negative national image. We need Ja Morant to bring his moves back to the Grindhouse soon and break ankles — not hearts.
“Let’s pay tribute to one of the good ones who, by losing his life, reminded us again how dangerous policing can be.”
During the Tyre Nichols funeral, the forceful messages from the pulpit and soul-stirring music from the choir celebrated Nichols’ life, but the service also became a spark for a renewed call for police reform — locally and nationally.
Memphians, who already feel beleaguered by violent crime that at times seems out of control, must now come to grips with the fact that elements within the police department — however small — are partakers of criminal violence themselves.
Voters who show up for the District 86 race could serve as a bellwether for whether Memphians are ready to elect a new generation of political leaders or if they are content to stick with familiar names who have been around local politics and government for decades.
For the sake of all of us who believe cleanliness is indeed next to godliness, let’s make a commitment in the new year to support the cleanup efforts in Memphis.
Barring some technicality in the law, there is nothing complicated about whether there is a link between Alicia Franklin’s rape and Eliza Fletcher’s murder.
“Far too many college students — and older adults, for that matter — know little, if anything, about the Court, its history, its unfettered power, who’s on it and how they got there.”
“Louis had such a dominant influence on my life – perhaps even more than my parents. And I always wanted to be just like him.”
“And there is no Memphian, past or present, more deserving of the recognition. Weathers’ story is one of resilience, courage, perseverance and heroism.”
In Tennessee, it was GOP business as usual following Tuesday’s midterm election. The legislature remains under total control by Republicans and Gov. Bill Lee cruised to reelection without breaking a sweat.
Diversity in many forms should be a compelling societal interest. And race should be one of several factors used in making hiring decisions.
“With all that cash and goodwill going for him, Taylor could easily take the high road, the 100% positive road, to a smooth Election Day victory.”