Is the new Charter Commission a Reform Commission?

The only true reform candidate to win a seat on the Charter Commission was Sylvia Cox in Position 2.

However, four of the seven support Term Limits (Brooks, Cox, Webb, Lowery) and three support a vote before selling MLG&W (Brooks, Cox, Lowery).

Three winners support nothing (Campbell, Fullilove, Brown) ...

Let's look at the winners:

Position 1, Willie Brooks supports:

Term limits and staggered terms for elected city officials to ensure the continuity of experience and knowledge of setting policy for city government.

Clearly defining the scope of power between the executive and legislative branches of government.

Consider inserting a provision in the charter that deals with the potential selling of Memphis Light Gas and Water.


Position 2, Sylvia Cox supports:

No 'sole' contractual authority for the position of mayor.

Term limits for the Mayor and City Council, possibly for other elected positions.

No sale of MLG&W without a voter approval via a referendum.


Position 3, Marsha Campbell supports nothing at the moment:

"At this point, my goal is to study the charter, address and recommend changes that are relevant to the betterment of Memphis and its residents."


Position 4, Janis Fullilove supports nothing at the moment:

After researching, I understood that this newly elected body would study the charter, that contains codes governing parks, taxes, elections and other aspects of life; I knew then that I wanted to become part of this historic body.

The commission would have to understand the roles of the City Council, Office of the Mayor, along with other departments and agencies under the umbrella of the city government, the city charter outlines the various roles.

The commissions' goals are and should be, to review the current charter, to research various types of municipal governments, to examine the impact of possible changes to the charter, to actively solicit the voters comments and suggestions, and then recommend revisions, if necessary, for a more effective and efficient government.

Whiles it's not the mission of the Charter Commission to be responsible for day to day operations of city government, that newly elected body, could assist elected officials by working to help restore confidence in government that many of the electorate had lost due to an asundry of reasons; education, taxes, accountability of local government leader


Position 5, George Brown supports nothing at the moment:

I anticipate that term limits will be a consideration. I anticipate that a major responsibility of the Commission will be to review the present charter and determine what revisions, if any, should be considered and presented to the citizens by referendum.

This task should be approached with an open mind and with no preconceived notions. That is how I am approaching this important job.


Position 6, Sharon Webb supports:

Term Limits for our Elected Officials – The City Charter does not set term limits for the elected officials, however, the charter commissioners can propose a referendum similar to that used for a certain branch of the judicial system where the citizens vote yes or no to keep a Judge on the bench. The voters can decide if an elected official is creditable to run for another term.

Senior Citizens – The City Charter should contain everything allowable to aide in the affordability of the necessities of life in such events as increases in utilities, prescription cost, taxes, etc.

Deterioration of our School System – The City Charter should contain everything allowable to promote Excellence in Education for every child.

Illegal Immigrants – The City Charter should not allow city benefits including employment to illegal immigrants. Anyone hiring an illegal immigrant to work should be held accountable for aiding and abetting in wrongdoing. I also believe the City Charter should have plans in place to aid in the illegal immigrants becoming legal expeditiously.

Eminent Domain is the right of a state to take private property for public use. – The City Charter should greatly restrict the affairs of eminent domain and sift them through the eyes of justice for all.


Position 7, Myron Lowery supports:

Term limits for city officials.

Staggered terms for members of the City Council.

A charter change that will require a referendum for the voters to approve any sale of Memphis Light, Gas, and Water.