Now Rick Masson, Herenton's former chief administrative officer, has taken the podium.
He attempts a joke: "This is big, this is big, I think this is bigger than Jay Leno leaving," he said.
Crickets.
Masson said he met Herenton on the job. And he said the list of Herenton's accomplishments did not happen by accident.
"See some of the amazing accomplishments that occurred over the last 17 or 18 years, it's no accident," Masson said.
"It is ultimately about leadership, folks. It is about leadership and this man wrote the book on that. I think everyone would have to agree," Masson added to applause.
Masson credits Herenton with making some highly-criticized decisions that turned out in the city's best interest, including Downtown revitalization, AutoZone Park and the new main branch of the library.
"He stood firm and today we have what is undoubtably one of the best libraries in this region," Masson said.
Masson said it's up to the supporters to remind people of Herenton's accomplishments because Herenton is "such a great PR guy, he won't do it." The audience laughed.
Masson said he's proud to be Herenton's friend.
Leave a comment