Former Memphis mayor Willie Herenton's resignation may have spurred dramatic change in both city and county governments, but now the five-term mayor is staying out of the spotlight.
Ally Sidney Chism, a county commissioner doubling as Herenton's campaign manager in the Ninth Congressional District race, said Herenton is taking the time to "relax and have a good time."
Changes have played as Herenton had predicted - Wharton won in a landslide after a low turn in the special election - and Chism said Herenton wishes Wharton well.
"His tenure has come and gone and he's just looking at this thing and hopes the city does well," Chism.
On a related but slightly different note, Chism said now that Wharton has assumed the city's helm, it's up to commissioners to select new interim leadership. County Commission Chairwoman Joyce Avery will serve for only 15 days.
Chism said he's pulling for Commissioner Joe Ford over J.W. Gibson because Ford is the longest-serving commissioner without plans to run reelection in the 2010 election.
Whether Ford has the votes to win the appointment, Chism said Wharton's replacement won't cause a partisan shift in the county.
"There's a Democratically-controlled commission and I think we'll probably choose a Democrat," Chism said.
Commissioners meet Nov. 4 to discuss the county's interim replacement.
...."relax and have a good time." He did both while he was in office. PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Willie do us all a favor and stay out of the spotlight forever. Give politics a rest for the rest of your life. Relax and enjoy yourself. Help your sons, Feginald French and the other one make a go of it.
As for Chism, how 'bout taking him with you. Hopefully the County Commission will not choose Ford, Gibson, Chism,Bunker or Flinn as next Mayor. We need someone in that office who is competent,intelligent,HONEST, and one who will truly serve ALL the people.