We're blogging live from the Shelby County Election Commission meeting. The commission is in the midst of a debate about whether to set a date for a special election to replace Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton.
The City Council approved a resolution on Tuesday declaring a mayoral vacancy effective after July 30.
Before the meeting tonight, Election Commission chairman Bill Giannini distributed a letter from Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton challenging that vote. Herenton wrote to City Atty. Elbert Jefferson today, saying he was concerned with the ethics of the vote because City Council Chairman Myron Lowery voted in favor of the resolution, even though he stands to gain financially from the outcome. He'll get a raise once he becomes mayor pro tem.
"It is my belief that a member of the public could reason that a vote on a matter that triggers direct financial gain to a councilmember voting on a matter, should warrant that council member declaring a conflict, complying with state law or recusing himself or herself," Herenton wrote.
He ended the letter: "Ultimately, I have not waived my right to rescind my retirement. Consequently, I believe that any action by the Memphis City Council and the Election Commission is premature."
Giannini said before the meeting that this letter has no bearing on how the commission votes tonight.
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