Maybe we should start calling Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton the "Repeat Rescinder."
Lately, the five-term mayor has gotten a bad rap for flip-flopping on his resignation plans. He "resigned" as mayor in 2008 and then changed his mind, and now he's delayed his latest resignation plans.
But those living in Memphis in the '80s may recall the first resignation he later rescinded.
In 1987, Herenton resigned from his job as superintendent of Memphis City Schools. And then he changed his mind.After years as superintendent, Herenton took a job as head of Atlanta's public schools in the fall of that year. But on Oct. 15, 1987, he decided to stay in Memphis.
According to The Commercial Appeal archives, Herenton compared his situation to that of a single woman courted by a rich man. She promises to marry the rich man, then realizes her heart lies with the poor man, "who won't even take you to McDonald's," he said at the time.
Herenton said he was so committed to Memphis that he felt good about staying.
"I still believe I would have greater opportunities in Atlanta than in Memphis. But because Memphis is so important to me, I'm staying," Herenton said.
Articles from the time say it was well known that Herenton was being talked about as becoming Memphis' first black elected mayor. He was elected to that office four years later.
(Herenton is pictured at left acknowledging applause on Oct. 15, 1987, after telling a group of city and school officers that he had decided not to move to Atlanta. Photo by Michael McMullan/The Commercial Appeal files)
Amazing to recall because, according to Willie Herenton's revisionist history of everything, he "never" sought out the mayoral seat. I wonder how long his nose would be, if the Pinocchio syndrome could actually be visited upon him?
you are free willie just go . good ridous. memphis will be a better place without you & your wishiewashie ways. go mess somthing eles up .leave memphis along.
The “Repeat Rescinder”
Taterhead’s the “Repeat Rescinder”;
Pretending that he will resign.
The ego’s such, he resigns too much -
The lie’s always big each time.
Oh darn, the Repeat Rescinder‘s,
Adrift in a world of mind games.
He expects us to play along - it’s a shame,
Rescinding time and time again.
So real, his huge sense of importancy.
So real is our pain from this make-believe.
Oh pooh, the Repeat Rescinder’s
Only laughing at us in his play.
Taterhead only seems to be what he dreams.
Taterhead may just soon go away.
Give us hope that he’ll just stay away.
So real, his huge sense of importancy.
So real is our pain from a bad, bad dream.
Oh yes, the Repeat Rescinder’s
Still laughing at us in his play.
We truly hope it’s so - 30th? Just go.
Please vacate and go on your way.
Give us hope that you’ll just stay away.
Let's call WW what he really is: SAD! Senile, Alzheimerous, and Dementian. To paraphrase what Shelby County Election head Bill Gianinni has said, the mayor needs a
psychological or psychiatric examination.
Free Willie! Leave King Willie "Mugabe" Herenton alone. All these years of public service following the political ideals of his idol Robert Mugabee has given him the right to do whatever he wants without all this hating. Calling Willie "Mugabe" a rescinder like he was some common criminal. Ain't nothing common about Willie "Mugabee".
He is heart broken and has been jilted by the poor people of Memphis.