The postvote reaction at the Shelby County Commission was interesting.
Republicans Mike Ritz and Wyatt Bunker both had an opportunity to block Joe Ford from becoming county mayor and send the process to a second round -- thus bringing forward outside candidates -- but they chose not to. Ritz said he had promised Ford he would support him through the first round, and that while he would have voted for Criminal Court Judge Otis Higgs or former City Councilman John Vergos, he ultimately preferred Ford over any candidates from outside the commission.
"I thought the best circumstance was to have a commissioner," Ritz said. "It's a huge unknown (to go outside). It's like a traveling salesman coming through, like when Sidney Shlenker came through here."
Ritz said he has full confidence in Ford to capably lead the county into a tough budget cycle.
"There are lots of problems but they've been there a long time," Ritz said.
Brooks said she switched her vote from Gibson to Ford because "I listened to my constituents," mentioning specifically the support from the "Baptist Ministerial Association" for Ford.
There was much talk before the vote was taken, between commissioners, about how the process had created a lot of "bad blood" and "hurt feelings." Kuhn said that "fence mending" would be required. Deidre Malone, a candidate in the 2010 mayoral election, talked about how a lot of "darts" had been thrown back and forth.
Ford, by the way, said on Monday that, "My last day of politics is August 31, 2010, and I won't ever seek office again."
I think the counsel made a Very good choice backing Joe Ford they will not regret chosing him He will do a good Job
what a shock
Ritz, Otis Higgs is no Sidney Shlenker, you fool! Do you know how stupid that sounds?
POOR CHOICE!!!! U can see Shelby County politics in action.
U scratch my back,I'll scratch yours. Won't seek re-election again. Do u believe that? Can't manage his own personal finances so what about the county's.Another Ford sucking a salary out of the citizens of the county for nothing. He is no leader just another Ford taker. Now you can see how you can trust the people who voted for him. They have poor judgement. Watch them like a hawk. If they do once they'll do it again...waste your money!!!
Ford, by the way, said on Monday that, "My last day of politics is August 31, 2010, and I won't ever seek office again."
But Joe won't leave office poor and neither will any of the Commissioners who voted for him. His special interst sponsors will see that he and his buddies are well rewarded.