MEMPHIS, TN - It looks like Memphis Mayor W.W. Herenton isn't planning on retiring next month, instead he's thinking of running for another term.  Last March, Herenton sent a letter to the Chief Administrative Officer, saying he was planning to retire; now Herenton says that wasn't really a resignation letter.  Herenton says he wrote the letter to stir up debate about whether or not to hire an outsider or insider for the Memphis City Schools Superintendent job. 

Herenton also pointed his finger at the U.S. Justice Department and some local businessmen saying "there is a very serious effort that is ongoing to remove Willie Herenton as mayor by any means." Herenton said

Herenton went on to say, "They are working desperately to try to find reasons to indict the African American mayor”

Earlier this week the federal case against former MLGW president Joseph Lee was tossed out. Herenton says Lee is a victim and that his life and reputation have been ruined.  

Herenton also said that Lee was targeted because he was a Herenton appointee.

Herenton did confirm that the city has received nine subpoenas for records. He said all are connected to African American businesses that have contracts with the city of Memphis.

The mayor also said he has not been interviewed by the FBI, nor has he been called to appear before a grand jury.