Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton underscored his achievements as county mayor in a radio interview this morning and made it clear he would not run a divisive campaign for city of Memphis mayor.
Less than three months away from the Oct. 15 special election to replace Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton, Wharton said his campaign strategy will be to keep working.
"You know the best way to get elected is just to do your doggone job, and those who have watched me over the past seven years know that I have not let up," Wharton said.
Wharton appeared on the "Drake & Zeke in the Morning Show" today as one of a series of interviews featuring Memphis mayoral candidates. Wharton follows recent interviews with Mayor Pro Tem Myron Lowery, former City Councilwoman Carol Chumney and former Herenton campaign manager Charles Carpenter.
Wharton focused a large portion of the interview on crime and specifically on proposed legislation that would make it harder for repeat offenders to get out of jail and for non-permit holders to get their hands on guns.
He also touched on what he sees as his achievements as county mayor, including renovations at Shelby Farms and converting an old railroad line into a 13-mile trail connecting Midtown to Shelby Farms.
He also noted a county-run program that provides free books for 33,000 kids and a criminal reentry program that has become a national model.
Wharton said his enthusiasm for the job hasn't waned at all - despite pulling seven-day weeks for years.
"Every day is just a bright new day for me," he said.
Wharton declined an opportunity to knock at his opponents, including Lowery, saying he never goes around "grading other public servants."
"I have a friendship with all the candidates out there," he said. "That's one thing that hasn't changed at all. I have reached out to everybody and that's been a hallmark of my public service."
A few weeks ago, Wharton made headlines for meeting with prospective candidates for the mayor's race.
But Wharton said today that while conventional wisdom says it may make him look weak to sit down with those considering a run, he was just trying to share his vision.
"I go to them and say, here's my vision, I just want you to know," Wharton said. "If you share this vision with me, when I'm elected, I want you to work with me in this vision."
Wharton said he gets along with the other candidates because "I think that's what the public wants us to do."
What if anything has he actually achieved while county mayor? anyone?
Dave,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_C_Wharton#Accomplishments_as_Mayor is a good place to start. Short list would be addressing pervasive problems of corruption and escalating debt in County Govt upon election in 2002; initiating Operation Safe Community; expanding Head Start; working to reduce Infant Mortality in Shelby County; initiating Sustainable Shelby, recommendations of which are already being manifest throughout our community (with more to come.)
Dave, I have often said the same thing. I was like he has been in office for almost 2 terms and I cannot name a thing off the top of my head he has done. Thats sad. Even though Herenton had an ego, I could name at least 5 things I saw in the city that were for the good including the redevelopment of downtown. I'm sure anyone could look up Wharton's accomplishments, but few can recall from memory his achievements. But he has a benefit because while you cannot think of anything good he has done, he has also managed to not ruffle any feathers either, and he has popularity on his side. He seems like a nice man, but I am tired of the same politicians, its not benefiting the city at all.
Dave and Danielle -
Plain and simple he's smoke and mirrors; flash and dash.
Also ask Wharton 2009 to explain all the cronies Mr. Wharton appointed that have come, gone and continue to hang on. Somehow they got by under everyone's radar. Also, the should cite some statistics (with sources) that show that he has made improvements under Operation Safe Community or a reduction in Infant Mortality due to his efforts.
There is no question that violent crime and infant mortality are enormous problems in our community--which is why Mayor Wharton has done so much to address them. The infant mortality campaign has been conducting regular neighborhood canvasses and in-home events in communities where infant morality rates are highest to better educate and prepare new mothers. The stats regarding violent crimes and homicides speak for themselves: January - May 2006 vs. January - May 2009: Violent crime is down 12% and property crime is down 14%.
These are massive problems which will require lots of work and effort to adequately address--but that should not obscure the fact that solutions are in progress.
Smoke and mirrors indeed.
Started from sweeping willie herentons harassment lawsuit under the rug, having it sealed, when he was willie's lawyer many years ago.
Being willie herenton's campaign manager.
To now, bribing other candidates to get out, support him and he will give them a job....
More of the same...