Willie Herenton and mayoral candidate Charles Carpenter (Herenton's former campaign manager) have implied that Mayor Pro Tem Myron Lowery is tainted because he chaired the Charter Commission that proposed amendments to the city charter in 2008, including the one that changed mayoral succession from the city's chief administrative officer to the City Council chairperson.
However, Carol Chumney, the former City Councilwoman and state legislator again running for mayor, said she believes the process for that amendment began when she wrote a letter early in 2008 to the Charter Commission suggesting it offer the voters an amendment that would call for a special election in the event of a mayoral vacancy.
Voters in 2008 overwhelmingly approved the amendment.
"I did not feel the CAO should be able to serve as mayor for a year or two years," Chumney said. "What I asked them was to have a special election. So we wouldn't be having this special election if I hadn't gone to the Charter Commission."
Chumney said she did not have any role in setting up the succession process that called for the City Council chairperson to become mayor pro tem, but she has been consistent in saying she does not believe the interim mayor should be eligible to run in the special election.
"But that's how the people approved it and I accept it and respect their decision on that," she said.
It seems Mr herenton can not make a decision and stick to it. It is way past time for a change of leadership.
See why Carol is the only one with any insight? I hope shw wins this time!