By Eleanor Boudreau
Memphis, TN – The Metro Charter Commission drafted the plan to consolidate Memphis and Shelby County governments that citizens will vote on in November. Read their plan here.
Both candidates for county mayor are vehemently opposed to consolidation.
I had a conversation with Charter Commission Chair Julie Ellis and Commissioner Rufus Washington where I voiced the mayoral candidates' objections and let them respond.
We sat down in the Ed Rice Community Center where the Charter Commission was holding a public meeting. The sounds you hear in the background are kids in the gymnasium.
CHARTER COMMISSION CHAIR JULIE ELLIS and COMMISSIONER RUFUS WASHINGTON
I also sat down with each county mayoral candidate and voiced some of the commissioners' arguments for consolidation and let them respond.
INTERIM SHELBY COUNTY MAYOR JOE FORD
SHERIFF MARK LUTTRELL
The commission's plan to consolidate government will be a referendum on Shelby County ballots in November. To take effect it must be passed by voters inside the city of Memphis and, separately, by voters outside the city in the six municipalities and the unincorporated county. No matter what happens in November the six municipalities will keep their incorporations.