In response to reports about his meetings with prospective candidates for Memphis Mayor, Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton issued a statement this evening.
Eye on City Hall reported earlier this afternoon about a meeting with County Commissioner James Harvey, in which Harvey said Wharton invited him to partner on an economic development project.
On his Web site, Wharton posted this statement:
"I have and will continue to meet with individuals who represent our local business, civic and political communities - candidates and non-candidates alike - to share my plans and vision for the future prosperity of our city. At no point during any of my talks and conversations, however, have I asked any individual to not enter the Memphis Mayor's race or to leave the race if they have already committed to run. Also, I have not offered any candidate or any business or community leader anything other than an opportunity to share in my hopeful vision for our great city. I am doing this for a number of reasons; first, it's the right thing to do. Also, I deeply cherish my reputation as an individual willing to cross all lines to try and bring a shared vision and harmony for our community. I look forward to continuing to speak with and hear from people from across Memphis as we chart the course forward."
Promises >>PROMISES.. Maybe the CAO's job ???
Wow!
Why can't the good mayor wait until he gets elected to his new office (IF he gets elected) before he begins wrangling over development deals like Willie has done? Is someone following the money on this?
What a great statement.. amongst the other whiners that the field is too crowed. I for one am glad that there are so many people willing to run the city. The election process will reduce the number to the few that will actually run, naturally. Until then Wharton at least doesn't make a stupid comment about it being too crowded, therefore doesn't come across as a whiner like the other.
Way to go Wharton..