Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris is proposing a fee for individuals who own more than two cars. The revenue collected from the fee would go toward expanding and improving the county's public transportation. This week on WKNO-TV's Behind the Headlines, Harris tells host Eric Barnes and Daily Memphian reporter Bill Dries that public transportation fosters economic growth and is better for the environment.
In addition, Harris shares his opinions on the recent sales tax referendum. He believes the citizens of Memphis are concerned about public safety, and that the money raised from the new sales tax referendum should go directly to its intended purpose -- restoring benefits to Memphis Police. Harris does not think that the Shelby County Commission should take 50 percent of the revenue, despite it being within the commission's rights. Harris promises a veto should commissioners decide to take half the revenue gained from the new sales tax, because "it goes against the will of voters."