Original Post | Joe Ford | Deidre Malone | Otis Jackson
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Biography
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1. We live in an age where news and information travel faster than most people can manage. Despite this, or because of it, more and more people are looking for a greater level of responsiveness and feedback from government. What are your plans (future or ongoing) to better engage and inform the public on County matters?
We will continue to use the internet as a tool to direct residents with questions about all aspects of County government. There are still many people in our community who can not afford computers or the internet. We must continue our efforts to involve the faith-based community and other media to help keep all residents informed.
I am optimistic about the possibility of the Google Fiber Network coming to Memphis.
2. The funding problems facing the Regional Medical Center at Memphis are well known. What are your plans as Mayor to ensure this critical resource remains viable for years to come?
According to the MED Board Chairman, more progress has been made in finding funding for the MED in the 4 months of my administration, than has been made in the past 10 years. We are continuing to work with local, state and federal officials to find short and long term solutions for this jewel in our community. We are also including the input of citizens. We have hosted a number of town hall meetings across Shelby County. We have found that residents are concerned and want to help.
3. Considering the current conversation regarding merging Memphis and Shelby County governments, if elected, you could be the last occupant of this office under the current charter. What are your thoughts on the current Metro Government conversation and what issues are deal makers or deal breakers for you personally, if any?
When I took office there was an effort to consolidate the fire departments. The Shelby County Fire Dept. is currently operating in the black. The proposed merger would have left the county with the lease profitable fire stations. I did not sign off on the merger, because I could not see how this plan represented the best interest of the firefighters or the residents of this county. I think the big question is will consolidation save taxpayers money. I’m waiting for that answer.
4. Despite the possible merger of Memphis and Shelby County Governments, what areas do you see as an opportunity for partnering with the City to decrease the overlap in services between the two governments?
I think we can do a better job for the business community if we take a look at streamlining the process for companies to do business in Memphis. We need to eliminate any barriers that would force a company to select any other county to locate its business.
5. The Economy has left people from all walks of life struggling to make ends meet and made the competition between local governments for new businesses more fierce than ever. In this difficult economic climate how will you attract new businesses to Shelby County?
We have not been spared the economic downturn felt across the country, but because of where Memphis is located, we have faired better than some communities. Memphis is a tourist destination, a distribution center and a great place to raise a family.
I am working closely with the Memphis Chamber of Commerce. I support the Chambers efforts in external marketing, trade shows and red carpet tours. Right now there is a potential for over 6-thousand new jobs coming to our community, with a potential new investment of $1.952 billion. Plus we want to create an environment that will encourage existing business to consider expansions in Memphis rather that locating additional facilities in other cities.
My Business and Economic Development Task force recommend the County increase the number of locally owned small business (LOC) that do business with the county. We are spending taxpayers’ dollars, so we need to help build the wealth of our own citizens.
6. Public safety is an ongoing concern. Because current Sheriff Mark Luttrell has announced for the same office you seek, but on the Republican ticket, there will undoubtedly be a new Shelby County Sheriff. In your view, what role does the County Mayor play in tackling the problems of crime and how will you work with the new Sheriff, regardless of who it turns out to be, to keep Shelby County as safe and free of crime as possible?
The two best deterrents for crime is the creation of jobs and an educated workforce, plus getting parents, or a responsible adult more involved in our children’s lives. Our Parental Involvement Task Force is tackling this very tough complex problem.
A new Sheriff will bring new ideas and initiatives to address the existing criminal element in our community. I will support those efforts that are in the best interest of this community.
7. Education is an issue that is on the minds of many Shelby County residents. What is your position on the issue of “Single Source Funding” and how it impacts the County Government?
I am against Single Source Funding.
8. The population of the City of Memphis makes up over two thirds of the population of Shelby County. Despite that fact, the City and County governments haven’t always been willing to work together on a variety of issues. Aside from looking for efficiencies, what are your ideas for working with City government to help bring more continuity to the two governments?
It is not only important to work with the Memphis Mayor, it is critical that I meet with all of the Mayors representing the other municipalities in Shelby County.
Since taking office in December we have set a regular monthly meeting with all of the Mayors of this County. We have had an opportunity to look at many issues from the Health Department to the Regional Medical Center. The leadership in this community is much stronger when we work together. I think we have opened the door for dialogue with each one of these leaders that didn’t exist.
9. As the largest single county in Tennessee, both in population and area, Shelby County has a huge impact on the state. What do you think is the role of the County Mayor in working with the State government and how will you execute that role to tackle the important issues facing Shelby County that may be outside the scope of County Government?
As Mayor, you must have a good working relationship with other elected officials. The MED is a shining example of importance of good relationships. We would not have been able to convince the Governor, the Speaker of the House, the Lt Governor and the Shelby County Delegation to find the money for the MED without respectful relationships.
Shelby County is the home of the largest economic engine in the state, the Memphis International Airport. We will not take a back seat to any communities when it comes to funding for education, economic development, road improvement or any other areas that impact this community.
10. Describe the future of Shelby County under your leadership. What are your priorities and what will you do to bring forth a better Shelby County?
I took office December 10, 2009. We have worked hard enacting 16 task forces. I could have taken this job and just coasted until September of 2010, but that is not my character as a leader. I promised to save THE MED. This hospital is operating in a better state than it was when I took office, and the future continues to get brighter. I have included more than 250 Shelby County residents on our Task Forces giving everyday citizens and business owners, a chance to be involved in the process of finding solutions from economic development to emergency management, from tourism to education. It has been a great experience for all involved. I will continue to reach to the citizens of this community. As Mayor, I’m the CEO, but the taxpayers are the most important part of this team.
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