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Speak Up! Memphis

Mayor Herenton Announces Resignation

MEMPHIS, TN - Eyewitness News Everywhere has learned Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton has announced his resignation. Sources say he says he plans to step down July 31, 2008.

Herenton was elected to his fifth term in office in October 2007. He was first elected as Mayor of Memphis in 1991, becoming the first elected African-American mayor of the city.

Once Mayor Herenton steps down, Memphis City Council chairperson Scott McCormick, will sit in the position until the City Council appoints an interim mayor. The Council has 20 days to appoint an interim mayor, who will sit in the position until a special election is held to replace him. If the Council cannot decide on who to appoint to the position within those 20 days, the City's Chief Administrative Officer, Keith McGee, will be in charge until a special election is held.

Mayor Herenton sent a letter to McGee on Wednesday, March 19, 2008:
 
"Dear Keith:
 
John Maxwell once said:
 
'It takes most people some time to discover what God created them for. If you are willing, you can explore the world and learn more about your purpose everyday. You can engage in activities that help you grow a little more in mind, body or spirit. And you can perform some act-large or small-that helps others. Success is knowing your purpose in life, sowing seeds that benefit others, and growing to your maximum potential.'

It is in the spirit of this sage advice that I have charted by immediate future. After much reflection and prayer, I know it is time for me to pursue other challenges. Therefore, this personal letter serves to alert you of my plans to retire from the office of City Mayor on July 31, 2008.

Throughout my career as a public servant, I've served with this admonishment of St. Luke in my foremost thoughts: 'From everyone who has been given much, much will be required. And from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.' (Luke 12:48, The Holy Bible).

I am deeply grateful to the citizens of Memphis for granting me the honor and privilege to serve. I have given my best in the interest of making Memphis a better city for all.

I hear another call and am duty bound to respond. History will judge whether or not I achieved the purpose for which I was called to serve.

Sincerely,
Willie. W. Herenton"

Before becoming Mayor of Memphis, Herenton served as superintendent of Memphis City Schools. He attended LeMoyne-Owen College and the University of Memphis, which was then Memphis State University. Herenton received his doctorate degree at Southern Illinois University.

Eyewitness News Everywhere is working to get more information on this story and the details on why he has decided to step down.

What do you think? It's your turn to Speak Up! Memphis.

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Published Thursday, March 20, 2008 5:00 PM by APhillips

Comments

 

WWSD00 said:

YYYYYEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!
March 20, 2008 5:05 PM
 

clmnms said:

I REALLY hope this is true and he's not just doing this to get his people to try to get him to stay!

I moved from Memphis, like a lot of people, to Mississippi because of the crime, filth, etc. and watching the news saddened me everyday with all of the crime and filth. Call me naive but I really think that when that man walks out the doors and a new person walks in Memphis will become a great city! Let's just pray they select someone that is very different than King Willie!
March 20, 2008 5:16 PM
 

MrsWilG said:

Thank God!! Lets hope its True!! This made my day :)
March 20, 2008 5:17 PM
 

hummersusi said:

I am so excited to hear this news...can it really be true  or am I dreaming!!I grew up in Memphis  but left 8 yrs ago and moved because of the filth high taxes and crime. I remember when we used to  win the Beautiful City awards..I remember shopping downtown, main street... so many wonderful memories   before King Willie. I remember clean streets  stores and tidy yards...and all the wonderful people that liverue and someone  that loves and cares about Memphisd there, how they had to sit by and watch as  the city became a shell of what it had been  and  give up there homes and friends and move so they could live with out all the day to day drama  that our city became
I hope this is really true and someone that loves and cares about  Memphis can salvage    the place   we all used to call HOME
March 20, 2008 5:43 PM
 

mnshadow53 said:

There are so many people saying how much Moron Herenton did for the city of Memphis.....THANK GOD he is resigning!  I just hope he doesn't get back into education.  He has already screwed that up enough!  
March 20, 2008 6:10 PM
 

Dover said:

It will take time to undo all the damage wee willie has done to the beautiful city I once knew. But, it can be done if someone legit and caring takes his place.

Now, what about the MCS system!?! Oh, LORD!
March 20, 2008 6:14 PM
 

patti sears said:

I think its about time Herenton resigned. Memphis has gone downhill since he has become Mayor. A new Mayor is what Memphis needs ,we can't get anyone worse than Herenton. Its all uphill from here
March 20, 2008 6:54 PM
 

Memphisbleu said:

I am absolutely thrilled and my husband is cheering as well. We both thought something was up during the election, and he gave every indication at that time that he would not serve his full term. The only surprise is that it came sooner rather than later, thank God for that. If he wants to return to MCS, which is probably a done deal and done under the table at that, maybe he shouldn't be dumping the libraries. In any case I hope that the people of Memphis don't buy into his retoric any more than they already have. He's an embarrassment.
March 20, 2008 6:54 PM
 

East Memphis said:

He knows something we don't.  This man would not resign unless something serious was about to befall him or the city.  The old "black"mail story about his shagging topless dancers doesn't cut it.  If it was that it had to be a cucumber butt (what the MPD is calling Godwin) scenario with Reginald French like we heard of recently in the MPD.

More likely is the land dealings ala 50,000 purchases from him and then give the land back - or the Turleys, Belzs, Westons etc - one of them got his butt in a crack in front of the grand jury.  There is so much to choose from here.  The mind boggles.

Willie liked being the HNIC and wouldn't give it up without a good reason.  I wonder if his pension is secured if he is out of office before a conviction?  I know he already is collecting on the MCS pension.  No telling how much "consulting" money he has stacked away.

I pray My Harrison has his testicles in a jar on her desk!!! Oh it would be so sweet to see all the Rich White Boys and Willie Boy go down for all the money and land manipulation that has happened in this town in the past 12 years.  The amount of money and waste is unbelievable.
March 20, 2008 7:03 PM
 

Hannah said:

OH PLEASE LORDY LORDY LET IT BE TRUE ! ! ! !
March 20, 2008 7:11 PM
 

East Memphis said:

"I hear another call and am duty bound to respond. History will judge whether or not I achieved the purpose for which I was called to serve."
_________________________________________________________

Remember during the election he said the rich white folks were trying to buy him out of office?  Maybe he just raised the price by getting re-elected.  One thing for sure - whoever the TurleyBelz/whatever rich developer has in mind to replace him is not good for us.
March 20, 2008 7:11 PM
 

Dover said:

Willie World closes July 31, 2008.....the entire city should celebrate!
March 20, 2008 7:19 PM
 

nvrplyn said:

I'm really surprised by everyone's eagerness to accept that he is just stepping down. Do you all not realize what could happen? If Wharton does go for city mayor, who do you think would be the first to run for county mayor and then push for consolidation? True, it would take a miracle of God to get county people to vote for willie, but just as bad things have happened in the past. Also, the 9th Congressional seat is open, is it not? I just don't think this is the last we have heard of king willie. When has he ever been upfront and honest about things he is planning?
   And to all those that voted him in, do you feel like you really picked the right person now? All those promises he made, who is going to deliver? He never had plans on doing anything for you! He knew when he was running his "hate the haters" campaign that he was never going to back up anything he said. I predict a huge tax hike before he leaves. Why would it matter to him? Does he actually live in the city anyway? I know where he lives, but just not sure if its in the city or county. Its pretty much as close to MS as you can get.
   But really, people, do you all really think this is the end? I won't pop my champagne until I see him on the plane with all his belongings on his way to Alaska. Until then, just know that he isn't done. He's got something going on, and we won't find out until its too late for us to stop him. I'm sure glad they gave him that raise. Now, he'll get a higher pay for way too long. I'll be interested to see if the next mayor gets paid that much. I know that they are supposed to, but I just don't think everything is as pretty as it seems.
  All that to say, everyone just needs to wait and see what happens.
March 20, 2008 7:27 PM
 

Asian Goddess said:

By Fking Time!!!!
March 20, 2008 8:00 PM
 

memphisjam88 said:

Why would the mayor fight to be re-elected yet again only to resign months later. Can someone tell Memphis what is really going on??
The mayor said it was time for him to pursue other challenges. How can he pursue any other challenge when he will abandon Memphis after many people stood behind him and for what he believed. Maybe the time for longtime Memphis Mayor is at an end. I can only hope that Memphis will no longer use him as an excuse for not trying hard enough to better our city together rather than every man, woman, and child for themselves.
March 20, 2008 8:20 PM
 

irishoaks said:

It is scary, but somethin'gs up.  Things don't smell right.  I am glad he is leaving, but what does he have up his very long sleeves?  All the silence these last few weeks he has been busy, you can take that to the bank.
March 20, 2008 8:25 PM
 

NightRanger13 said:

What a great day in Memphis!!!!  The Mayor only ran for office this last time just to prove to those "haters" he was the King and to add to his resume.  What is sad is, he's turned his back on all the people who voted for him. The very person they thought would save them crushed them. Now everyone will know why the King called us the "haters"!  We knew he wasn't the man for the job. But too many people vote by the color of the skin. He's leaving Memphis more crime infested than when he started. Now he wants to run the School system....as if he could save it !?!?!? Parents please don't let this man destroy your kids future like he has this once great city !!!
March 20, 2008 8:51 PM
 

Pikachu said:

<b>
<bold>
<center>
IT'S ABOUT TIME
March 20, 2008 9:17 PM
 

KuteOne said:

I cant grip this something is up, I wonder the the school board is taking this since Herenton whats to be theSuperintendent. I hope the school board is ready for Herenton because he is very power hungry, I pray for the strengh of the school broad
March 20, 2008 9:26 PM
 

SICKOFIT76 said:

I hope to God that the news of Herentons resignation is true. I believe that there is a lot more behind his decision than politics. I think that as time goes on the people of Memphis will find out just how corrupt this man really was. I do not believe that he ever had Memphis's interests at heart. I was devestated when he won again in November. I am a 31-year-old year white woman who resides in the crime stricken area of Hickory Hill. I have lived in this area my entire life and I have watched the neighborhood that I once loved, once felt safe in basically turn to hell. I remember a time before herenton when I was not afriad to leave my house. This man has betrayed the race who voted him in, now I hope that blacks and whites, but especially blacks will vote for the candidate who CARES about this city. Its time to stop voting on the basis of race.
In my opinion, even though herenton is resigning, its going to take YEARS of work for the next mayor to mop up all of herentons mistakes and for Memphis to once again be a place that is great and somewhat safe.  
My prayers go out to the new mayor, i know that he or she has their work cut out for them.
March 20, 2008 9:29 PM
 

gh1260 said:

The city's dream has finally come true. We finally get rid of the most self centered, rude and most aregent mayor in the history of the city. He has screwed up the city so bad and it is time that he moved on to other things. Lets hope the Memphis City School System is not that stupid to put him back in charge of the school system again. He could not get it right the first so why give him a second chance to mess up again.
March 20, 2008 9:31 PM
 

BreakingWind4U said:

I wonder if he is under some investigation...
March 20, 2008 9:35 PM
 

GetIt2gether said:

Even though I've only been in this area for six years I would have to say it's about time he stepped down. All of his supporters pushed for him to be re-elected only  to have him retire (none too soon). I never understood the "love" this city had for a mayor who truly didn't have their best interests at heart. Memphis went from being a "beautiful city" to one of the "highest crime" cities in the years that this man was in office.

A man who didn't do a good job at handling the school systems finances ended up being mayor of that very city. (I've read up on this man who thought of himself as "great" for Memphis) I guess I would have to actually look at the people of Memphis who would put such a person in office and continue to do so for so long and shake my head.

It should have been obvious he was only out for self when his annual salary and perks increased as the hard working people of Memphis continued to struggle. Let's not mention the state of the school system in Memphis. There was only one truant officer for the entire city when I moved here. Oh yea, the crime, now this is a bit ridiculous! I come from where people call it Sin City and this city still outnumbered us in crime. I just hope he leaves office before they close any more libraries and community centers. When you take away extracurricular activities for the kids what else is there for the kids to do than to get into more trouble and that is something Memphis doesn't need....more trouble.

Thankfully, I'll be moving back home next year but I do wish the best for the children of Memphis. Why? They are the one's who are suffering the most from all the turmoil and chaos that this, supposedly, good mayor caused while he was in office. When a parent(s) suffer from low wages & high taxes it effects the entire family. (I guess Willie Weatherspoon Herenton forgot he grew up a poor boy who lived in South Memphis) I pray that the next (or interim) mayor puts the children of Memphis HIGH on their list of priorities of this once great city and is not doing the job to get rich off the backs of the citizens of Memphis!
March 20, 2008 9:55 PM
 

East Memphis said:

  BreakingWind4U said:
I wonder if he is under some investigation...
_______________________________________________

You don't have to wonder - he is.  Whether it has netted anything is another thing.  One thing for sure is I would pay big bucks for a picture of his testicles on My Harrison's desk.
March 20, 2008 10:02 PM
 

jwood37 said:

It "Oh! Happy Days" I am so happy, good buy, good riddence, hurry up and get out
the door and don't let the door hit you in the behind when you go. Your're probably
leaving because the FBI is breathing down your neck and you're just getting your
business in order before they arrest you. By the way why is Ricky Peete's face out
their standing next to you, he's a convicted felon and is suppose to be in jail.
March 20, 2008 10:07 PM
 

Jacobi131 said:

Somebody get King Willie a box of tissues to wipe away the tears !  Does he think people will believe that he really cares about those kids at Juvie. Hasn't he done enough to  all  Memphis citizens. He and his high salaried appointees have stuffed enough of taxpayers money in their pockets to live the good life! Hope the next person in the mayor's office cuts all that waste. Just hope the school board  has enough sense to keep him out of there too. He can't keep his hands off the teachers. Kids don't need his kind of education. Why can't he just move away and leave Memphis alone.
March 20, 2008 10:09 PM
 

Freedom said:

Mayor Herenton is a great leader.  It would be a detriment to Memphis if he decides to go forward with his resignation.  Memphis is full of people who are Haters and Not Congratulaters.  No one wants to see anyone succeeding higher then themselves (Crab Mentality).  I understand why some people don't like Mayor Herenton, but it puzzles me why some Afro-Americans are so negative toward him.  He has accomplished more in his ealier years before he served as Mayor then most people will accomplish in a life time.  Everyone should take pride in his efforts and accomplishments.   Afro-American people should wake up!  When some people say they want their city back, are they really including you!  The question is not if Mayor Herenton is resigning. The question is why has a great leader fallen?  I will be praying for Mayor Herenton.  This reminds me of the history of a fallen leader similar to MLK assisination in Memphis,TN.  Remember that was not 400 hunderds ago; it was only 40.  Remember Mayor Herenton is resilient, relentless & remarkable leader and "U" can not take that away from him.  He is a man of dignity!  
March 20, 2008 10:13 PM
 

Freedom said:

Mayor Herenton is a great leader.  It would be a detriment to Memphis if he decides to go forward with his resignation.  Memphis is full of people who are Haters and Not Congratulaters.  No one wants to see anyone succeeding higher then themselves (Crab Mentality).  I understand why some people don't like Mayor Herenton, but it puzzles me why some Afro-Americans are so negative toward him.  He has accomplished more in his ealier years before he served as Mayor then most people will accomplish in a life time.  Everyone should take pride in his efforts and accomplishments.   Afro-American people should wake up!  When some people say they want their city back, are they really including you!  The question is not if Mayor Herenton is resigning. The question is why has a great leader fallen?  I will be praying for Mayor Herenton.  This reminds me of the history of a fallen leader similar to MLK assisination in Memphis,TN.  Remember that was not 400 hunderds ago; it was only 40.  Remember Mayor Herenton is resilient, relentless & remarkable leader and "U" can not take that away from him.  He is a man of dignity!  
March 20, 2008 10:13 PM
 

malibuman said:

I think this is the best thing to to happen to memphis.It's time for change
March 20, 2008 10:17 PM
 

wjs3456 said:

I watch Channel 24 every day and in watching your newscast tonight, I am very upset that this channel states they do not know what Willie's future plans are.  I watched Fox 13 news at nine; they interviewed him live.  It is his desire to go back into education.  From the conversation with him on the news it is apparent that this has been in the works for some time.  He sent a letter to the City Council stating that he felt they should not look to outside sources for a new superintendant as the last two have come in from smaller public school systems, then left when the going got tough and things were left in a mess.  He told them that he would be happy to step in and help in any way as long as certain conditions were met and become the superintendent.  I believe that those conditions have been discussed and approved because I don't feel he would have resigned from the position of Mayor without knowing that he was going to take over the schools again.  He did state that he is in favor of holding the kid accountable for their actions and that the teachers should be able to teach and the principals should be able to run the schools without being afraid of conseqences.  He believes in corporal punishment and bringing disipline back into the schools.  The only thing I have heard come out of his mouth that makes any sense since I moved to Tennessee in 1988.    
March 20, 2008 10:23 PM
 

geno722 said:

I've got a bottle chilling in my fridge right now. We just finished one heck of an emotional election in which he won. Why did he bother to run? So that Chumney wouldn't win. She's spot-on with her concerns. I've been voting against him every year except my first few years in unincorporated Cordova when I wasn't eligible to vote for city mayor. I was thrilled to get annexed, so I could go out in the pouring rain etc. to vote against him!!!   Either there's a backroom deal we don't know about, (how about that dinner with AC??) or he's about to be indicted. I'm hoping for option 2. Good gracious, now he wants to be school superintendent again? Same mayor who just proposed we close 5 libraries? And has basically challenged fisticuffs to Cameron Harper and Brent Taylor? What a role model!! July 31 can't come soon enough. He's welcome to make it effective tomorrow!!
March 20, 2008 10:24 PM
 

jwood37 said:

Well lets see he gets a retirement from the school board, he get his city goverment
retirement and now he looking for another position to work a few months and get
another retirement from another city ro county position. Hell the greedy ***
just can't get his greedy fingers any deeper in the city pockets. I hope like hell he
gets arrested and they take all that money away. You are a big *** crook Herenton
and you belong in jail, they need to sell your possessions and take that money
plus all the money you have stolen from the city in 16 years and give it all back.

They should do the same to your cousin Joseph Lee - what a crooked *** ***
he is. Just runs in the family you immoral ***. Go to jail!!!!!!!
March 20, 2008 10:27 PM
 

Mem Resident said:

Something stinks to high heaven, what has he finally got caught at?  If this is not the case, he has once again thumbed his nose at the City.  It is all about him, he ran just to prove he would be voted back in and now he is leaving on his own terms in his own good time.  You better believe the man has an agenda.  I sincerely hope he does not get the School Super, it will only allow him to finish the job of messing it up like he did before.  This is absolutely the best thing that has happened to Memphis in a really long time.  You can bet his high paid employees are doing most of the crying.
March 20, 2008 10:32 PM
 

mnshadow53 said:

Hey Freedom...since you are the great defender of the moron mayor please enlighten us as to what he has done good for Memphis during his tenure.  We have greater crime, worse schools, more poverty etc etc etc....none of that is good.  So please...tell me what Herenton has done for Memphis except drag it down!  
March 20, 2008 10:34 PM
 

jwood37 said:

Herenton, I hope they arrest you soon. We now that's why your leaving and they
should take all your money back and give it back to the city. Also get your cousin,
Joseph Lee and get all that money back from his sorry a&&.

Hey Cameron - "Don't put your hands on me, I'll knock you out." I  was saying
Cameron touch him, touch him, we can get rid of him if he knocks you out!!!

I still won't move back to Shelby county. Why is Ricky Peete's face on TV,
he's another convicted felon and is suppose to be in jail. Why is that slackjawed
jacka&& out and about. Let's get a picture of Ford, Peete, Lee and Herenton
and post it in the paper as a warning to crooks not to come to Memphis if
you want tyo end up like them. It'll be sweet when they arrest your crooked
black a&& Herenton and throw your worthless butt in jail. That'll be a happy day!!!  
March 20, 2008 10:38 PM
 

Mem Resident said:

I was so shocked, I don't remember which City Council member was shown, stating the qualifications for the School Super - he must be a man and he must be black.  Maybe now the City Council can be cleaned up.  I guess that fits Willie's profile.
March 20, 2008 10:47 PM
 

NightRanger13 said:

In response to this:  (see below)

Freedom said:
Mayor Herenton is a great leader.  It would be a detriment to Memphis if he decides to go forward with his resignation.  Memphis is full of people who are Haters and Not Congratulaters.  No one wants to see anyone succeeding higher then themselves (Crab Mentality).  I understand why some people don't like Mayor Herenton, but it puzzles me why some Afro-Americans are so negative toward him.  He has accomplished more in his ealier years before he served as Mayor then most people will accomplish in a life time.  Everyone should take pride in his efforts and accomplishments.   Afro-American people should wake up!  When some people say they want their city back, are they really including you!  The question is not if Mayor Herenton is resigning. The question is why has a great leader fallen?  I will be praying for Mayor Herenton.  This reminds me of the history of a fallen leader similar to MLK assisination in Memphis,TN.  Remember that was not 400 hunderds ago; it was only 40.  Remember Mayor Herenton is resilient, relentless & remarkable leader and "U" can not take that away from him.  He is a man of dignity!  

I will be praying for the person who wrote that !!  A "great leader" ?  To who ? Thugs and gangsters ?  He's a 67 yr old with a 1 year old baby born out of wedlock with a woman young enough to be his daughter.. Is this who we should look up to ? Crime is worse than ever and has gotten worse over the years since he has been in office. And it puzzles you why so many "Afro-Americans are so negative towards him".  He is turning his back by resigning on the very people who voted him in !!! And he tells people - "If you don't like it then leave"....and people are leaving...blacks and whites. We knew he wasn't the man for the job. Too many people vote by skin color.  And you say we should take pride in what he has done for this city....LMAO. He lied about the the financial status of Memphis a couple of years ago and we found out Memphis was actually in deep s**t. We are not "haters" of Herenton but "hate" the way this once great city has become a "Detroit South".  We used to be proud of living here.....it's no longer the case after Herenton's 17 years of hell. WAKE UP dude !!!
March 20, 2008 11:11 PM
 

NightRanger13 said:

....and to add to my last post a few minutes ago..Herenton only cares about his resume at the end of the day.  I saw him on the news tonight.... I wasn't sure if I would laugh myself into a frenzy or throw up. He said: "What's left for me to do?  I've accomplished so much since the beginning."  How bout doing something about crime to start with. DUH !!! When operation TN Waltz unfolded and so many politicians were arrested and sent to prison (thank God)....the Mayor not one time stood up and said this type of crime against our citizens will not be tolerated, never. He is either for them or against them, obviously for them.  When Joe Lee was dealing under the table at MLGW and got caught, the Mayor backed him....why didn't he ever step up and protect the citizens ??? I could go on and on....but it's not necessary. His record speaks for itself.  I just feel sorry for all those who kept voting him. Now that he's resigning they see the REAL King Willie for who he is !!! He is turning his back on them. What's worse --- he wants to run the school system. Parents - wake up - your kid's education is at stake here. He will destroy the schools just like he has this once great city that we all used to be so proud of.    
March 20, 2008 11:34 PM
 

timc38 said:

Herenton has been a thorn in this city's side for many years. His 'haters', or so he calls us, can rejoice. Herenton is the real hater. A pathetic racist individual who never looked at all sides, just his. I hope his dirty deeds and calling himself God's gift to Memphis, finally got to him. What goes around comes around. Hopefully this city can recover. Herenton better not expect a $172,000+ paycheck once he officially resigns. This city owes him nothing but a nice hard kick in the *** and a one-way ticket out of Memphis. Once he's gone, hopefully we can find someone who actually cares about Memphis and the people who call it home. Of course, they'll be left to clean up the trash Herenton has left behind. Then again, we should put Willie to work. Actual work. Make him clean up his own damn messes while we watch. Then send him packing. You're no longer welcome in our city Willie Herenton!! And all you're faithful ignorant voters can go with you too!!
March 20, 2008 11:45 PM
 

nvrplyn said:

mnShadow53---Well said. That is the one thing that no one can ever find. All his supporters say that he has done great things for the city, but yet no one can ever list them or show what he has done. Seriously, what has he done? So downtown looks better and we have the NBA. Who cares? No one goes to the games, and the only place downtown that people go is Beale Str. Has anyone been down there on a weekend? I was scared to death that I was going to get jumped. Plus, all the stuff that has happened for Memphis is called PROGRESS. It wasn't herenton. Oh, and the NBA, what has that done for Memphis, besides make us another joke?
  I just want someone to really tell us what he has done that has taken 16 years. There better be a lot on that list for that many years.
March 21, 2008 1:03 AM
 

captaindes said:

The rest of the story.....Herenton resigns, Herenton appointed by School Board Commisioners (surely he has already greased those wheels) as Superintendent, Wharton runs for Mayor and gets elected, Wharton and Herenton work to merge county and city, Memphis and Shelby County schools merge.....He gets what he wanted in the first place
March 21, 2008 6:40 AM
 

MrsWhitey said:

I’m going to hold off celebrating for now. As far as AC goes, I thought he was a standup guy at one time. As I said in a much earlier topic post, he has stated drinking koolaid with Silly Willie. In fact they got one Big Gulp cup and had two straws drinking at the same time. We all know what its going to take to straighten this mess out. It certainly wont be , Fords, Lowery, Morris, or AC. Like I said, WE KNOW.
March 21, 2008 6:57 AM
 

jwood37 said:

Thanks Willie.

I am so glad your sorry a$$ is leaving. Don't take anymore jobs here just leave and
take all your cronies with you. I hope to God that they find somethings illegal you
have done in this last 16 years. Nothing would be better than to see you sorry Black
a$$ thrown in jail.

Since you've ruined our once beautiful city, one thing for me has really change that
causes me a lot of concern. I wear a gun, (I have a permit), everwhere I go
because I am retired now and not young enough to physically address any and all
of the wonderdful people that run around our beautiful assaulting, raping, killing,
mugging, carjacking, shooting, robbing and busting into homes to steal, kill, rape
and rob, the hard working people who live here. They do this because you, Willie, have made it impossible for people to get a good education and a good job.
Because no one wants to move their business into Hickory Hill or Raleigh or North
Memphis, Frayser, East Memphis and soon Cordova. When I lived in Memphis my grocery store moved out of my area because of the crime and had to drive 10 miles
to shop there.

To think you were paid 175K to be our mayor and your worth millions make
everyone think you were taking bribes and making illegal deals. I hope to God that
the FBI investigates you throughly and they discover truly the thief you are. And I
hope that the Tennessee Waltz commission throws you sorry Black, crooked,
immoral *** in jail. THEN people in Memphis will surely rejoice that you are
exposed for the true B@$T@RD you are.


March 21, 2008 7:03 AM
 

ShelterU said:

We all need to ask ourselves, WHY!!!  Something’s going on.
March 21, 2008 7:03 AM
 

jwood37 said:

Hey Herenton - you Black, crooked, immoral, thieving, lying, degenerate b@$t@rd!

What is Ricky Peete, a "convicted felon", doing standing next to you during
your wonderful news to resign? Hurry up a just do it. And when is Ford going
to jail? He's a convicted felon also. When do they throw their a$$e$ in prison?
March 21, 2008 7:19 AM
 

Dover said:

Freedom said:
Mayor Herenton is a great leader.  It would be a detriment to Memphis if he decides to go forward with his resignation.  Memphis is full of people who are Haters and Not Congratulaters.  No one wants to see anyone succeeding higher then themselves (Crab Mentality).  I understand why some people don't like Mayor Herenton, but it puzzles me why some Afro-Americans are so negative toward him.  He has accomplished more in his ealier years before he served as Mayor then most people will accomplish in a life time.  Everyone should take pride in his efforts and accomplishments.   Afro-American people should wake up!  When some people say they want their city back, are they really including you!  The question is not if Mayor Herenton is resigning. The question is why has a great leader fallen?  I will be praying for Mayor Herenton.  This reminds me of the history of a fallen leader similar to MLK assisination in Memphis,TN.  Remember that was not 400 hunderds ago; it was only 40.  Remember Mayor Herenton is resilient, relentless & remarkable leader and "U" can not take that away from him.  He is a man of dignity!  

------------------------------
Freedom - how much did willie pay you to come on this blog and post that nonsense? You would have to be deaf, dumb and blind to believe one third of what you posted, much less all of it. Sheesh! what a joke!
March 21, 2008 7:42 AM
 

gmoney2u said:

Hello Haters! So I guess you really believe that this is it? You are so blind to the facts that are right in front of you idiots! Your all saying! "what is he talking about?" Consolidation! That right there going to do it now that he's stepping down just because of all your your hate for him you can't see the forest for the trees! Ha Ha who's laughing now! Hoever gets in is going to go for the Consolidation anyway wether it be THE GREAT WHITE HOPE CAROL CHUMPLEY, HER-MAN , ETC....Willie knows what the city needs and he's giving up his spot to see that it happens Ha Ha!!! We're gonna have one mayor AC ,but who knows all I do know is the ball is in motion...............  
March 21, 2008 7:49 AM
 

orinjaye said:

Obviously this is a suprise to a lot of people. I know all of the Herenton haters are absolutely giddy with glee. It is quite obvious that these individuals still harbor a deep hatred toward this exemplary public servant! Take for instance the response from that "lemon-headed" Carol Chumney. To attempt to put a "conspiracy theory" spin to this by constantly spouting that back room deal garbage is divisive and unproductive. She only says that crap to attempt to "muddy-up" the relationship between two of this city's most distinguished African-American public servants. All I can say is THANK YOU DR, HERENTON for inspiring a whole generation of memphians. Being able to make history in this city with your election has been a wonderful journey.  You are truly an insipration.
March 21, 2008 8:06 AM
 

orinjaye said:

Obviously this is a suprise to a lot of people. I know all of the Herenton haters are absolutely giddy with glee. It is quite obvious that these individuals still harbor a deep hatred toward this exemplary public servant! Take for instance the response from that "lemon-headed" Carol Chumney. To attempt to put a "conspiracy theory" spin to this by constantly spouting that back room deal garbage is divisive and unproductive. She only says that crap to attempt to "muddy-up" the relationship between two of this city's most distinguished African-American public servants. All I can say is THANK YOU DR, HERENTON for inspiring a whole generation of memphians. Being able to make history in this city with your election has been a wonderful journey.  You are truly an insipration.
March 21, 2008 8:09 AM
 

mnshadow53 said:

LOL @ gmoney.....all us haters huh?  I am STILL waiting for you to tell me one good thing Willie has done in his tenure at mayor.  I KNOW you won't, because you can't.  You just get on here and defend Willie the moron because he is black.  If he was white you'd be driving through the streets, in one of your many (HA HA) BMWs, screaming "lynch the whitey."  Leadership, honesty, integrity and innovative thinking know no color.  Herenton is a liar, jerk, moron and morally reprehensible not because he is black, but because he has no moral compass.  HE is the hater and people like gmoney and freedom cannot see it (or will not see it).  There are none so blind as those who WILL NOT see.  
March 21, 2008 8:12 AM
 

mnshadow53 said:

I also believe there is more to this than Herenton feeling he has no more to accomplish here in Memphis. I do agree with him on that statement.  He certainly can do no more to make Memphis a horrible place to live.  He has stripped all the money he possibly could with all his "under the table" dealings.  Memphis has sunk to a crime-ridden cesspool full of poverty.  Educated blacks and whites alike are fleeing the city in droves.  The schools are awful and jobs are scarce.  If it weren’t for FedEx, and a couple other large companies, Memphis would blow away.  Yep, I think Herenton has accomplished all he can here!  Please GOD help us out of this mess!  
March 21, 2008 8:17 AM
 

mnshadow53 said:

orinjaye said: THANK YOU DR, HERENTON for inspiring a whole generation of memphians

Please orinjaye, tell me what Herenton has inspired you to do....kill, rape, lie, steal, fornicate and make babies out of wedlock, screw up the Memphis school system?????  Those are admirable things to be inspired about!  NOT!
March 21, 2008 8:20 AM
 

pgillesp1 said:

Mayor Herenton wants again has put himself first and not this city!! He says he is NOT arrogant, but what do you call a person who cost the taxpayers of this city time and money for an election to just prove that he could win a fifth term and knowingly not intending to serve the whole term? He didn't just decide on a whim, after hugging a young man in juvenile court, that the Memphis youth needs him and he must retire July 1st to accomplish this goal. As mayor of this city for 16 years, has he just realized that the youth of Memphis needs people who care about them? I don't think so!! We are not that naive to see through his true intentions. His crocodile tears resulting from a hug was just a way to pull at Memphians heartstrings to shed a good light on his quick exit. Mayor Herenton (in my opinion)has had other plans for his future and he has known about these plans for some time. The citizens of Memphis will eventually find out these plans. He certainly did NOT have the citizens of Memphis as the priority when he ran for another term, only himself!! Carol Chumney and Hermann Morris ran for mayor with the city of Memphis as their priority and not themselves. They truly wanted to make a difference in our city and they put a lot of time and energy into trying to win against a person who just wanted to play them all and the people who voted for him.
March 21, 2008 8:46 AM
 

orinjaye said:

What planet are these "space cadets" from who constantly make these stupid remarks about how much "better" the city was before Dr.Herenton was electrd into office. I too was born here, educated in a Herenton-led school system, and currently reside here in this great and wonderful city. Before  Dr,Herenton's election
this city was a damn dump. Everybody in memphis politics in those days were a bunch of vile, self-serving, low-life, racist pond scum. Very few of them truly cared about the citizens of memphis as a whole.They used thier politics to further "pimp" this city for as much as they could and then they "retreated" to the suburbs, Mississippi, or Arkansas.
March 21, 2008 8:51 AM
 

Catgirl said:

Oh, happy frickin' day to all!!!

Is not the sun shining brighter today? The birds singing sweeter? The air smelling cleaner? People walking around with HUGE smiles on their faces? Yes, yes, they are...

WHY? Because Willie is resigning, Willie is resigning (sung in sing-song voice)!!!

I heard this on the news last night and started calling everyone I knew. They were all THRILLED.

Now- that being said- there is something fishy about the whole thing. It will be interesting to see how things play out. BUT... fate has given us a GOLDEN opportunity to finally do something good for the city. VOTE for someone with a brain and a vested, sincere interest in doing good for ALL the citizens in Memphis.

Dover- Willie World closed July 31, 2008! Priceless. LMAO...

Also- school superintendent? Get real... He f*#%ed it up the first time, let's not let him do it again. But, I'm sure the idiot school board will let him have the job- because as we all know, the right person for that job is male and black. Question- where the hell is the ACLU/EOO on that one? They can't discriminate against someone based on race/sex, right?  But, when the real reason for his resignation comes out he'll resign from that job too (or be fired when he gets carted off to jail). Let's save time, effort, and money and just say NO to Willie.
March 21, 2008 8:52 AM
 

mnshadow53 said:

orinjaye said:
What planet are these "space cadets" from who constantly make these stupid remarks about how much "better" the city was before Dr.Herenton was electrd into office. I too was born here, educated in a Herenton-led school system, and currently reside here in this great and wonderful city. Before  Dr,Herenton's election
this city was a damn dump. Everybody in memphis politics in those days were a bunch of vile, self-serving, low-life, racist pond scum. Very few of them truly cared about the citizens of memphis as a whole.They used thier politics to further "pimp" this city for as much as they could and then they "retreated" to the suburbs, Mississippi, or Arkansas.


AGAIN...I ask what has Herenton done?  I am so sick of these blind fools who continue to defend Mayor Bozo Butt.....but cannot or will not answer my question.
March 21, 2008 9:00 AM
 

mnshadow53 said:

orinjaye said:  I too was born here, educated in a Herenton-led school system

ROTFL....well THAT explains everything!  
March 21, 2008 9:02 AM
 

mnshadow53 said:

@ CatGirl  ROTFL   You are so right!  The sun is shining more brightly today.  You know, Sunday is Resurrection Sunday.  Perhaps Memphis can be reborn, rising like a phoenix from the ashes of poverty, crime, joblessness, moral deficiency and lack of values that Mayor Herenton has been a purveyor of for so many years!    
March 21, 2008 9:05 AM
 

Catgirl said:

Only if the voters go to the polls (more than 30+%) this time and vote based on experience, qualifications, character, and integrity and NOT just skin color. Yep, I said it! Bring it. The only reason people will yell at me for that comment is because in their heart of hearts they know I'm right. To disagree with me will prove my point.

If we had voted for the right person for the right reasons we would not have to worry about our libraries and community centers. Our city would not look like a giant trash dump. Our crime rate would not be out of control.

Now, Ford Jr? I'd LOVE to see him as mayor. In spite of his crazy a$$ family.




March 21, 2008 9:15 AM
 

orinjaye said:

mnshadow53 is proof positive that ignorance and stupidity can be personified. I generally don't respond to these type of nut-jobs. Kill, rob, steal, rape.... you are pathetic! Listen you ding-dong, it's obvious you harbor a deep hatred for the mayor but to say he inspires one to kill,rob,steal and rape is down right disrepectful to all people of color. Your horns are showing!!!!!
March 21, 2008 9:20 AM
 

Catgirl said:

Orinjaye- did he inspire anyone to do the right thing? He, who had an affair and a resulting ILLEGITIMATE child? I believe that is a sin. He inspires one to sin. What else is a sin? Taking money from your poverty stricken citizens than you deserve is a sin- it's called GREED. Being a racist and making BLATANTLY racist comments? A sin. Or wait, is it only a sin if I do it? Because only white people are racist, right? Answer no to that question and YOU will be sinning as well- you'll be lying.
March 21, 2008 9:29 AM
 

orinjaye said:

Catgirl I would LOVE to see that too.  Harold Ford Jr. as this city's mayor would be a wonderful step in the right direction. It's just a shame that the "pickins are too slim" for honest, dependable leaders.
March 21, 2008 9:33 AM
 

Catgirl said:

Let me correct- I typed too fast.

Taking MORE money from your poverty stricken citizens...

And- if you say that ONLY white people are racist you are lying.

March 21, 2008 9:35 AM
 

mnshadow53 said:

Okay Orinjaye.....you quite obviously cannot read English well enough to answer a simple question (you are, in your own words, a product of a Herenton led school system), or you are one of those "nut jobs" who blindly defends Herenton in spite of all evidence pointing to the fact that he is an inept leader at best.

I have absolutely no problem respecting anyone, regardless of color, when respect is deserved.  Herenton does not deserve respect for his lack leadership skills, his moral deficiencies, his absolute inability and lack of desire to give a good rat's rear end about public service, nor his hand in ruining Memphis City Schools.  Now, again, can you tell me of anything worthwhile that this moron has done since he became Mayor of Memphis, or are you going to continue to spout mindless platitudes about this jerk?  
March 21, 2008 9:36 AM
 

mnshadow53 said:

P.S. I am neither mindless nor stupid.....but then I am not a product of a Herenton led school system.  
March 21, 2008 9:40 AM
 

Catgirl said:

So if Willie leaves can we give his bodyguards salaries to the libraries/community centers? I wouldn't think that the next mayor would be such a prima donna/diva as to "need" six bodyguards making 6 figure salaries...
March 21, 2008 9:55 AM
 

confused said:

I am so GLAD!!!!!! He has screwed Memphis up and I guess he is ready to move to the next screw up he has in store. He never should have been the Mayor. Memphis is horrible. The crime and taxes are sad. Every day you turn on the tv and what do you see????

I say GOOD! Go now!
March 21, 2008 9:56 AM
 

orinjaye said:

catgirl if you would like to personally see the impact this man has made in the lives of people you have to stop blogging and come meet us so we can let you see just how and why he is an inspiration. Dr. Herenton is not my spiritual or moral authority. My admiration for him is not based on his spirituality.  Let's plan a visit so you can meet some of these people. The positives that the mayor have accomplished are real and evident in a lot of his supporters eyes. They are truly inspired and uplifted by the things he has done in thier neighborhoods. I know some of you want to see specifics in this blog. I'll do you one better. Let's go and see!
March 21, 2008 9:56 AM
 

mnshadow53 said:

orinjaye said:  The positives that the mayor have accomplished are real and evident in a lot of his supporters eyes. They are truly inspired and uplifted by the things he has done in thier neighborhoods

More rhetoric.......no substance!  
March 21, 2008 10:01 AM
 

Catgirl said:

Orinjaye- now we're getting somewhere.

Where are these positives. I AM interested to see, and I'm sure others on here are too. Tell us more. Please.
March 21, 2008 10:01 AM
 

Dover said:

I have to give it to orinjaye---he took gmoney's place as "The Director of Avoidance" for Willie's office. So far, all he has proven is, he can duck and dodge. Just like willie! He has been given mulitiple opportunites to prove good judgement and merit....he has failed both counts.

Can one of the FEW willie loyalists on this blog give a straight and direct EXAMPLE of ONE good thing willie has done for Memphis? Read their posts---that's proof positve that .........NO they cannot.
March 21, 2008 10:24 AM
 

Dover said:

Oh wait, I have come up with one thing willie did for Memphis!

He promoted and became a role model when his girlfriend exposed him as ‘a baby daddy’!!

Reported 2/11/05:  Last week Mayor Herenton said he was “looking forward to assuming the privileges and responsibility of parenthood.” But except for a regular child support check, Marsh says Herenton hasn’t been there for his baby. “He has not explained himself. He said it would come... but my question is when? When does being a parent begin? Doesn't being a father start immediately?” Marsh says the Mayor has seen his son twice, once when he was two-weeks-old, for five minutes, and then again at two-months-old.

I won’t wait around for  ‘willie loyalists’ to give an example of  ONE good thing willie has done for Memphis, because they can’t. BYE BYE WILLIE, HELLO HAPPINESS!!
March 21, 2008 10:28 AM
 

mnshadow53 said:

Thanks Dover.....I was beginning to feel like I was unable to communicate!  
March 21, 2008 10:28 AM
 

mandm8250 said:

This is the best thing I've heard since Willie was elected --that he is resigning.  He has divided this city racially far more than it was ever divided before he was elected. Under his reign he has made Memphis a joke in the national media, let crime increse to an unbelievable rate, brought in unqualified cronies to all parts of Memphis government and public institutions such as the library, and made me vow to never say I'm from Memphis -- I always say I live in Bartlett in western Tennessee (which I do).  

I have lived here for 20 years - unfortunately most of it with Willie reigning, and I have seen a once proud, clean, beautiful city turn into a cesspool of corruption and crime.  I'll be out of here once I can retire next year --and if I had known what his reign was going to bring I would never have moved here.

He is the biggest embarassment and horrid role model this city has ever had and I am ECSTATIC he is resigning...but I wonder what plans he has up his sleeve -- such as collusion with Wharton to consolidate the governments of Memphis and Shelby County.  Just what we need -- Shelby County in the same boat Memphis is in - I pray not.

So, now he goes on to either ruin the school system which is just now recovering from his reign there, or bring more embarrassment to Memphis by running for Congress.  We'll never hear the end of his embarrassments.
March 21, 2008 10:31 AM
 

Dover said:

Shadow...you have asked direct, simple,  questions and the willie lovers cannot give  ONE direct, simple,  answer. They're continuing to  prove us right so let us thank them! lol ;-)
March 21, 2008 10:36 AM
 

mnshadow53 said:

mandm8250 said:  I have lived here for 20 years - unfortunately most of it with Willie reigning, and I have seen a once proud, clean, beautiful city turn into a cesspool of corruption and crime.  I'll be out of here once I can retire next year --and if I had known what his reign was going to bring I would never have moved here.

See.....a long term resident who tells the truth!  

March 21, 2008 10:44 AM
 

clmnms said:

There is an awful lot of time between now and July 31st and he can retract his resignation at anytime. He is arrogant and evil enough to do just that, too. Then he will be all over the news laughing at all of the white people who got so excited about him leaving. Don't get me wrong ... I'm one of those white people and I was so excited when I read the news yesterday afternoon (I don't even live in Memphis but work here) but I just think it's too good to be true for this city!

I, personally, could care less why he's leaving or what he takes with him when he goes ... just GO! I moved out of Memphis because of how awful it is.

What's sad to me is, coming from a beautiful city up north for a job, I came here in 2000 and was sickened by the filth and crime and was amazed that most of the people here turn a blind eye to it. Say "it's not that bad" - like the police saying crime is down. Compared to WHAT? The teens in this city surrounded by crime know nothing else. They don't know there is a great big beautiful world out there that isn't crime ridden. It's time they are shown that this city can also be like that!
March 21, 2008 11:12 AM
 

jamia24 said:

I think Mayor Herenton is probably making a smart decision on leaving, not because he's bad, but because he has been doing it for awhile. I hate that some of the WHITE people in Memphis, still show racism towards a black man/woman that is on top of something, and claim we can't do anything right.

And I really believe he has fix downtown up great, because it was once a crack town;full of crack heads and prostitutes, and now he has made it upscale. So people, this man is not that bad of a mayor, he has really  mad downtown look nice.

Give the man a great, geeezze!!!
March 21, 2008 11:22 AM
 

jamia24 said:

I  am probably guessing most of the people on  the board against mayor Herenton is White or not black. The world is still racist and prejudice. Its sad white people want just accept us for us.  
March 21, 2008 11:28 AM
 

Catgirl said:

Jamia- not one word has been written here that says "we hate Willie because he's black."

You ASSume that we don't like him for that reason. You would be WRONG. And... you would be guilty of the sin of judging us. Seems to me that you live in a glass house yourself and should be careful before you pick up that rock.

Your statements are the exact same thing as you are accusing us of saying. Are you capable of seeing that?
March 21, 2008 11:30 AM
 

labrat said:

As many have said here..."It's about time." The city should celebrate and also pray that he's not replaced by someone who works from the same overtly racist, self centered, egotistical, power hungry playbook that this "Slick Willie" has used to turn Memphis into the sewer it has become.

As for the schools...DO we really want the man who, while he was in Nashville asking formoney and help with consolidation, commented that children in county schools would not understand until they were made to suffer like the inner city children. Here is racism at it's worst.

We can only hope his future plans take him far, far away from Memphis. Maybe Obama needs another racist on staff to replace the good reverned White.
March 21, 2008 11:33 AM
 

clmnms said:

So, tell me, why is it okay for Herenton to say negative things about whites and he's not racist but the minute whites are happy he is out of office we are racist?
March 21, 2008 11:41 AM
 

Catgirl said:

Clmnms- didn't you get the memo? Only white people are racist. That's why we DON'T have words (which won't make it past the censor, but here goes) like honk--, cracker, whitey, white devil, etc.
March 21, 2008 11:47 AM
 

labrat said:

clmnms said:
"So, tell me, why is it okay for Herenton to say negative things about whites and he's not racist but the minute whites are happy he is out of office we are racist?"

We are "racist" only in the eyes of the same "braintrusts" that kept re-electing him again and again. These same people actaully believe he had the interests of Memphis at heart. Take their opinions for what they are worth ... nothing
March 21, 2008 11:48 AM
 

captaindes said:

Hmmmm....84 comments and still no one has listed even one of Herenton's "many" great accomplishments.  They have demonstrated over and over one of his greatest accomplishments though...convincing those who consider him great that his detractors are "haters" because they disagree.

Herenton is one of the most arrogant politicians I have ever seen.  He considers himself above accountability to those he serves.  I just hope he doesn't do too much more damage before he departs.
March 21, 2008 11:57 AM
 

East Memphis said:

"Catgirl said:
Clmnms- didn't you get the memo? Only white people are racist. That's why we DON'T have words (which won't make it past the censor, but here goes) like honk--, cracker, whitey, white devil, etc."
______________________________________________________________

Now that was a good post
March 21, 2008 12:28 PM
 

Catgirl said:

*curtsies* (for East)

Oh, and btw- Happy Easter to all my blog buddies, even the disillusioned ones. ;)

And thanks to Slick Willie for the resignation. It's better than any Easter basket.
March 21, 2008 12:34 PM
 

mnshadow53 said:

jamia24 said:
I think Mayor Herenton is probably making a smart decision on leaving, not because he's bad, but because he has been doing it for awhile. I hate that some of the WHITE people in Memphis, still show racism towards a black man/woman that is on top of something, and claim we can't do anything right.

And I really believe he has fix downtown up great, because it was once a crack town;full of crack heads and prostitutes, and now he has made it upscale. So people, this man is not that bad of a mayor, he has really  mad downtown look nice.
____________________________________________________________________

First of all....you are the biggest racist for ASSuming that the majority of us who do not like Herenton are white.  Second, you are stupid if you think only whites are racist.  Third, what Memphis do you live in?  You really think there are no crack heads or prostitutes downtown?  Have you been there in this century???   Again, another fool spouting rhetoric.....I am still waiting for one of these geniuses to tell me what Herenton has done that is so good.    
March 21, 2008 12:49 PM
 

mnshadow53 said:

Happy Easter to all my blog buddies.  Have a wonderful weekend!  :- )
March 21, 2008 12:50 PM
 

Dover said:

jamia24 said: And I really believe he has fix downtown up great, because it was once a crack town;full of crack heads and prostitutes, and now he has made it upscale. So people, this man is not that bad of a mayor, he has really  mad downtown look nice.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another product of  MCS?

March 21, 2008 12:59 PM
 

mnshadow53 said:

LOL Dover...I was thinking that too......orinjaye has the same grammatical problems and he admits he's a product of MCS.  
March 21, 2008 1:05 PM
 

StarChild said:

The worthless Herenton is leaving. The damage that he has caused Memphis is done.  The Herenton Lover's and the Herenton Hater's have more important issues to concern themselves with besides his useless fate or who did what or his legacy. God will ensure that Willie gets his just rewards.  This time pick a leader that is a true leader for all the people of Memphis not just Blacks or Whites but all the people. I DO NOT RECOMMEND A FORD! Before the election vote for term limits so that you do not install another dictator into place. Try and base your decision on his qualifications not on his personality or race. You need a leader that can bring back the corporations back into the city. Is will to get dirty as far as education and the school system is concerned. Take full responsibility for crime. Perhaps you may need to bring in an outsider into the city to run the city. Just do not make the same mistakes again for God sakes, Memphis perhaps has received a slight blessing, I suggest that YALL take advantage of it.
March 21, 2008 1:12 PM
 

Dover said:

Shadow, I noticed that orinjaye was on the 'same page' as jamia24 in several ways. Neither are racists (HA HA HA HA). Both love wee willie unconditionally. Both need a refresher course in English 101, preferably not at a MCS!
March 21, 2008 1:13 PM
 

StarChild said:

Stop wasting energy bickering, start looking for a leader to save your city........Start doing research, start getting knowledge on the system.  Get your facts in order, know whats going on so you can question the candidates on the issues to see if that can do the job. Don't get bamboozled again!
March 21, 2008 1:22 PM
 

StarChild said:

Yall need to find out how he is going to pick a successor and whether or not there is a legal method to contest if you do not agree with his selection.
March 21, 2008 1:25 PM
 

StarChild said:

Peace Memphis! I wish you all Good Luck! I hope that you all use wisdom and not emotions.
March 21, 2008 1:29 PM
 

Outkast3000 said:

GOD bless you Mr. Mayor...Thanks for the 2nd chance. You will be greatly missed. You have improved this city regardless of what these Haters think....Now let's see how the next Mayor will handle his or her business...How will the next Mayor compare to you...AND TO THOSE HATERS THAT LEFT MEMPHIS BECAUSE OF YOU....I HOPE THEY WON'T RETURN..STAY IN MISSISSIPPI,COLLIERVILLE,GERMANTOWN,BARTLETT OR
WHERE EVER YOU ARE. THE DOORS TO MEMPHIS ARE LOCKED,THE MOAT IS FULL OF ALLIGATORS. PLEASE DON'T COME BACK...THANKS WILLIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 21, 2008 1:30 PM
 

mandm8250 said:

jamia24 said:
I think Mayor Herenton is probably making a smart decision on leaving, not because he's bad, but because he has been doing it for awhile. I hate that some of the WHITE people in Memphis, still show racism towards a black man/woman that is on top of something, and claim we can't do anything right.

And I really believe he has fix downtown up great, because it was once a crack town;full of crack heads and prostitutes, and now he has made it upscale. So people, this man is not that bad of a mayor, he has really  mad downtown look nice.
*******************
I work downtown and I can daily attest (at least during the daylight) to the fact that the downtown facade might be more pleasant in some areas, but the underlying structure is full of filth and panhandlers.  The changes for the better along Main had nothing to do with Willie, but developers who believed in dowtown.  

Unfortunately, tourists are exposed to the rib bones that are always on the sidewalks in the downtown area, panhandlers in the parks and on the streets, and fear of muggings.  In Court Square which was renovated in the last few years there is (or was) wireless installed for workers and tourists to use while in the park, but who would want to sit in that park with a a laptop when each bench is occupied by a homeless person who might be a crackhead.  You cannot walk through that area without being accosted.  I'm sure there are many other areas like that downtown.

We need a mayor who can negotiate the racial boundaries lightly and impartially and bring all law-abiding citizens together for the good of the city -- and prosecute to the fullest those who are not law-abiding.

As for me, I'm getting a permit to carry concealed because I fear for my life when I'm downtown.  
March 21, 2008 1:34 PM
 

manofmemphis said:

After 16 years as serving as mayor of Memphis, Tennessee Dr. W.W. Herenton annouced that he was resign as the city top official. The reaction of the city was mixed. The mayor’s supporters were surprise that the mayor decide to call it quits after just winning a record 5th term in office. Then you had the anti-Herenton crowd that was JUMPING for JOY saying"KING WILLIE GONE".

I remember e-mail on last evening when woman stated she move to Southaven b/c the filth, crime, and high taxes in Memphis. I read out peoplesay how Memphis used to win Beautiful City of the Year. I read one e-mail saying he was the worst mayor in City History. I did read some e-mail about the positive of Herenton’s term as mayor. Take downtown Memphis for instance it has taking on some drastic changes for the GOOD. Tourism is up in the city some Fortune 500 companies move here as well. FedEx Forum,  RedBird Stadium, NBA team Memphis Grizzlies, & Tyson-Lewis Fight.

Then there CRIME.....CRIME....CRIME.... This issue as been MAJOR ISSUE in fair CITY...As mayor Herenton had to shoulder the blame, School system as mayor Herenton had to shoulder the blame, economy in the city as mayor Herenton has shoulder the blame.

Let’s be fair to the mayor b/c city council plays its part, let be fair Shelby County Govt plays it part, let be fair Memphis City Schools plays its part, let be  fair the community has plays it part, let be fair the fine citizen of the this city has play it part and let’s be fair I play MY part as well.

I hear people always saying why Memphis can’t be like Atlanta or Nashville...Well 1st of all we should be Memphis. If we want to be on that ATL or Nashville level it take tough decision it might be unpopular but they got to be made. When we got a NEW CITY COUNCIL I happy b/c I believe we need a council that is aggressive and conscience of the city needs...Don’t talk to us only when election time come you have talk to your district. I hated watching the mayor and city council fight all-time it didn’t HELP our city at all.

Let’s step back when I read those e-mails about let go back how things were Pre-Herenton....This city was separated by race before Herenton we were known for Elvis Bar-Q, and the city that killed Dr. King. I believe we couldn’t never get that stain off our city until Herenton was elected MAYOR 1991.

The mayor said he wants to return to his roots and passion the is EDUCATION...When he was  superintendent of Memphis City School is one the nation’s top school official. He offers to run Atlanta and New York school system but he stayed here. Maybe as superintendent educating OUR children would HELP in lower crime in our City. I believe the school system’s Blue Ribbon Plan has put our teachers in a corner that they can’t escape. Our teachers need our support there not babysitters they are here to educate our child.  As parent we need to know how your child got a gun to school For most people crime is not problem until it hits there community....That’s the problem the CITY itself is our community no matter what part of town.

It wasn’t the mayor policies that had people disliken him it more on personality...Remember Mayor Hackett live in Southaven,MS while mayor of Memphis....Do that make sense? We have more black own business in this city b/c Herenton. I admit his EGO shine too much but he told how feel and you knew were STAND...The last election was decided by RACE an as you know RACE is become  more and more issue in the Presidential Election...We need to be HONEST with ourselves we NEED REAL SOLUTION about this ISSUE.

Instead talking about Memphis be more an solution because at the end day its OUR CITY.



p.s. Henry Loeb was the worst Mayor.....Remember Dr. King
March 21, 2008 1:36 PM
 

mnshadow53 said:

Outkast3000 said:
GOD bless you Mr. Mayor...Thanks for the 2nd chance. You will be greatly missed. You have improved this city regardless of what these Haters think....Now let's see how the next Mayor will handle his or her business...How will the next Mayor compare to you...AND TO THOSE HATERS THAT LEFT MEMPHIS BECAUSE OF YOU....I HOPE THEY WON'T RETURN..STAY IN MISSISSIPPI,COLLIERVILLE,GERMANTOWN,BARTLETT OR
WHERE EVER YOU ARE. THE DOORS TO MEMPHIS ARE LOCKED,THE MOAT IS FULL OF ALLIGATORS. PLEASE DON'T COME BACK...THANKS WILLIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
_____________________________________________________________________

Ok Outkast you dummie.....Willie the jerk lives in Mississippi...so I guess he is a hater too.  Since you are such a supporter of his, perhaps YOU can tell me what wonderful things he has done for Memphis?  
March 21, 2008 2:09 PM
 

mnshadow53 said:

The city is still seperated by race...especially when you have a mayor who says it's not his fault...he didn't break it.  IT IS HIS RESPONSIBILITY as the leader of what was once a fine city to at least TRY BY EXAMPLE to mend the racial divisions and misunderstandings.....not fuel the fire with "shake off the haters" rhetoric.  Mayor Herenton is a thug in a suit.  I have yet to see these "nut job" supporters of his give ONE EXAMPLE of all the marvelous good this moron has done for Memphis!  
March 21, 2008 2:14 PM
 

StarChild said:

This message board illustrates just why Herenton was bad for Memphis. You cannot have a prosperous city with such a divisive leader! Haters versus the Lovers, back and forth, on and on. Name calling over irrelevent issues. Childishness. Memphis is doomed unless you people get over it.
March 21, 2008 2:16 PM
 

StarChild said:

This message board illustrates just why Herenton was bad for Memphis. You cannot have a prosperous city with such a divisive leader! Haters versus the Lovers, back and forth, on and on. Name calling over irrelevent issues. Childishness. Memphis is doomed unless you people get over it.
March 21, 2008 2:17 PM
 

mnshadow53 said:

P.S. Telling the truth does not make one a hater.  The truth only bothers those who are guilty of the actions.
March 21, 2008 2:17 PM
 

StarChild said:

On and on and on and on and on and on and on.... and all the while the city is dying...... makes a lot of sense. Stupid really... and sad......I am out of here. Waste of time.... Yall need to wake up and grow up and save your kids and stop acting like kids.
March 21, 2008 2:24 PM
 

gmoney2u said:

@mnshadow53 You said "First of all....you are the biggest racist for ASSuming that the majority of us who do not like Herenton are white. Second, you are stupid if you think only whites are racist.  Third, what Memphis do you live in?  You really think there are no crack heads or prostitutes downtown?  Have you been there in this century???   Again, another fool spouting rhetoric.....I am still waiting for one of these geniuses to tell me what Herenton has done that is so good" Such immature behavior from all you top scholars of the non Willie school system! Now those of us who will tell the truth know all the positive things that have happened to the city but those of you HATERS will only deny everything anyway so why waste our time trying to turn pruns into wine! Now if you want to hold the mayor responsible for grown fools behavior problems even when their enviroment changed then you'll always be little people in a big world of change! ( It's not his job to hold these nuts hand so stop blameing him for the problems your Presidents economy gave birth to!!)
March 21, 2008 2:26 PM
 

StarChild said:

On and on and on and on
March 21, 2008 2:29 PM
 

mnshadow53 said:

LOL @ gmoney.....trying to make a point....reminds me of a child when you say "Go ahead tell me" and they say "Well, I could, but I am not going to."  My experience has always been if you won't tell when you say you can, then you really don't have anything to say!

Sooooooooooooo gmoney.......I PROMISE, if you can tell me something good (provable) that the mayor has done, I will keep an open mind!  And why is it immature to ask those who think Wee Willie is so wonderful to tell us why they think so?  Sounds like none of you fools can do it!  Hmmmmmmmm wonder why?  
March 21, 2008 2:31 PM
 

gmoney2u said:

@ mnshadow53 There's a crackhead in every corner of the city and county as well as prostitutes as well as meth addicts ect..... Plus you probally don't eben get out and go downtown because of your hate for KING WILLIE!
March 21, 2008 2:32 PM
 

mnshadow53 said:

You are right gmoney....I don't "eben" do that LOL  But you still haven't said anything to support your premise that wee willie winkie is a good mayor...whatsa matter....cat got your tongue?????
March 21, 2008 3:13 PM
 

KuteOne said:

I Pray for the school board!! Lords know they are going to need it. If they have to put up with Herentonhenisn so power hungry .....I wonder why he is resigning all of sudden, something is up if you ask me...Now he wants to be Memphis City Schools Superintendent. He already mess Memphis up as it is why is he trying to mess up MCS. Please Memphis City Schools DONT LET MAYOR WILLIE W. HERENTON IN!!!!!!!!!
March 21, 2008 3:57 PM
 

Outkast3000 said:

ok mr. or ms JERK mnshadow53 whoever you may be. Mayor Herenton lives in Memphis on Horn Lake Rd that's Holmes and Horn Lake 38109..that's Memphis not Mississippi Dumb a$$ Bytch Jerk. Go back to AfriKKKa!!!! and check your map and come correct the next time you want to talk about BIG WILLIE...JOB WELL DONE DR. HERENTON!!!!!!
March 21, 2008 3:58 PM
 

Dover said:

@ orinjaye, jamia24, Outkast3000, manofmemphis , gmoney2u

For the sake of  Websters, could you people who love wee willie PLEASE use spellcheck?!?  Shadow and others have asked you repeatedly to name ONE, just ONE, good thing wee willie has done for Memphis. You have not done that because you can’t!

Your inability to name ONE thing is a perfect example of why willie should resign. Your inability to transfer thoughts to text, or punctuate a simple sentence,  is a perfect example of why  willie should NOT be allowed to be superintendent of Memphis City Schools! Thanks again for proving willie ruined MCS and Memphis!


March 21, 2008 4:03 PM
 

Outkast3000 said:

This City has always been racially divided ask Martin Luther King Jr. oh I forgot Yall killed him...nevermind.
March 21, 2008 4:06 PM
 

Outkast3000 said:

who kares about a spel check...Get a life. how wuz dat?
March 21, 2008 4:07 PM
 

Outkast3000 said:

He beat Carol Chubby and Uncle Tom Herman Morris. Thanks Dr. Herenton. Is that better Dover?
March 21, 2008 4:10 PM
 

froberts said:

Well what has willie got himself into this time, that he can't get himself out of? I guess God still loves Memphis. Thank God! I think there's still time to turn this corupt city around. It will take  strong leadership skills. But it can be done if the elections for the new mayor are legit.
March 21, 2008 4:16 PM
 

Outkast3000 said:

I've never seen a sentence end with a question mark,an exclamation point and another question mark. ?!? Dover did you graduate from Northside? You are a fine example of the Memphis City School system with your perfect self. How that be? LOL....
March 21, 2008 4:24 PM