Memphis Mayor Pro Tem Myron Lowery has asked the City Council's executive committee to support his appointment of former U.S. attorney Veronica Coleman-Davis to replace Elbert Jefferson as city attorney.
But immediately after making opening remarks, council members voted to move the conversation down to the full council at 3:30 p.m.
Lowery told members of the council that he's asking for their approval of Coleman-Davis because, according to the charter, the term of a mayor's appointees are only as long as that of their boss.
"I believe the term of Mr. Jefferson has expired," Lowery said.
Lowery said the fact that Jefferson resigned - and later changed his mind at the request of former Mayor Willie Herenton - suggests that he's "not going to assist me in working toward my goals and objectives."
"You would want to have team members who support you," Lowery told the council.
City Councilwoman Barbara Swearengen Ware asked whether there could be two city attorneys.
Lowery said a vote of the council approving Coleman-Davis would function as a vote to depose Jefferson.
Lowery then moved into the hallway and spoke with members of the media, saying this whole drama is not a personal attack against Jefferson.
"I just want good people to run the city," he said. "...It's not personal with me, but why must it be personal to him that he must remain in this position?"
Lowery questioned Jefferson's intentions: Why did he resign and later change his mind? What does he have to gain by staying? Why did he demand to get into the building by himself on Sunday?
Lowery said he hopes rumors of someone rifling through the city's legal files are not true.
"I certainly hope none of the files are missing," he said.
Councilwoman Ware is an idiot and her remark just shows how much she doesn't care how much of the taxpayers money she spends. Two city attorneys? How dumb can you get and she's making rules and laws for all of us to live by? Give me a break and show her the door so she can leave never to return again.
It sounds like Myron is off to a good start. I like this stuff: getting rid of the city Escalade, firing people who have not been effective, opening up city hall. This is what government is supposed to do. Keep it up Myron! If he makes the most of his pro-temp status, he could pave the way for a permanent seat in office.
BSW is retarded.......