The Memphis City Council’s budget committee approved the largest budget for any single city division Tuesday, May 7.

But the committee debate before the vote set the stage for what is expected to be more discussion about how much the Memphis Police Department needs to protect and serve.

2. Congressman, Former Lobbyist Get Housing, FCC Nods - Thursday, May 02, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama on Wednesday tapped a veteran Democratic congressman to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency and a top fundraiser and former lobbyist to head up the Federal Communications Commission.

3. Questions Kick Off City Budget Hearings - Thursday, April 25, 2013

Memphis City Council members opened budget committee hearings Tuesday, April 23, on the clock and with lots of questions about what seemed to some like different budget numbers from last year at this time by the administration of Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr.

4. City Council Approves Fairgrounds TDZ Request - Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Memphis City Council members approved Tuesday, Feb. 19, plans for a tourism development zone to capture sales tax revenue in a large area for a renovation of the Fairgrounds property at first.

The boundaries of the zone go to the state for approval and city Community and Housing Development division director Robert Lipscomb said such a proposal could be at the state building commission in Nashville in April.

5. Events - Saturday, February 16, 2013

The Booksellers at Laurelwood will host former Vice President Al Gore, signing “The Future: Six Drivers of Global Change,” Monday, Feb. 18, at noon at the bookstore, 387 Perkins Road Extended. Visit thebooksellersatlaurelwood.com.

6. Council Votes on Sales Tax Referendum - Tuesday, February 05, 2013

Memphis City Council members take the first step toward a fall referendum on a citywide half percent sales tax hike Tuesday, Feb. 4, as they vote on the first of three readings of the referendum ordinance.

7. McLain Joins Counterpart in Copywriting Role - Wednesday, January 09, 2013

Rebekah McLain has joined Counterpart Communication Design as copywriter. In her new role, McLain will write copy for print and websites, with areas of expertise including higher education, security and disability law, neuropsychology and hospitality.

8. Council Reconsiders Golf Course Closings - Thursday, December 06, 2012

Four city golf courses were scheduled to close for the winter season on Dec. 1, with one of the four – Whitehaven – to close permanently.

That was the decision the Memphis City Council made last spring as it set the city budget for the fiscal year that began July 1.

9. Easy Money - Monday, October 08, 2012

When the Federal Reserve announced a few weeks ago its newest – i.e., third – round of quantitative easing intended to once again try to juice a sluggish economy, an employee of FTN Financial couldn’t resist a metaphor for the Fed’s open-ended commitment.

10. Business Making an Anti-Regulation Pitch to Voters - Wednesday, September 19, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The National Association of Manufacturers, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Federation of Independent Business are working to make the anti-regulatory fervor their members share an issue in the last weeks of the campaign.

11. Council Approves Cut of City Funding For Vehicle Inspections - Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Memphis City Council members voted Tuesday, Aug. 21, to end city funding for vehicle inspections at the end of June 2013.

The 10-2 council vote followed months of discussion among council members about Shelby County government or the state of Tennessee assuming responsibility for the car and truck inspections.

12. Biz Owners Weighing Health Care Law Impact - Monday, August 13, 2012

So far, it’s not easy to get a clear picture of how President Barack Obama’s health care law will affect Memphis-area small businesses.

That’s mainly because there are lots of business owners – including both supporters and even strident critics of the Affordable Care Act – who themselves don’t know what impact the law will have.

13. Sales Tax Weekend Boost for Biz, Consumers - Wednesday, August 01, 2012

Mignonne Wright is looking forward to this weekend. Friday, Aug. 3, kicks off the state’s yearly three-day sales tax holiday that can fuel a boost in business for retailers that carry certain clothing, school supplies and computers.

14. Democrats Hoping to Win Some Seats in Primary - Tuesday, July 31, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – Tennessee Democrats are looking at Thursday's primary as a critical step in the rebuilding urged by an internal analysis last year.

Since 2006, Democrats have lost 19 seats in the House and three seats in the Senate, placing them firmly in the minority of the two chambers. Another nine Democratic incumbents announced earlier this year they weren't running again.

15. NFIB Endorses State Sen. Norris - Wednesday, July 11, 2012

The National Federation of Independent Business has endorsed Mark Norris, R-Collierville, in the 32nd Senate District, which has a primary scheduled for Aug. 2 and the general election to be held Nov. 6.

16. Heritage Garden Showcases Delta’s Ag History - Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Memphis Botanic Garden has unveiled a new garden to honor the heritage of the Mississippi River Delta.

The newly planted Delta Heritage Garden, which showcases the South’s rich agricultural history, is the first of its kind at Memphis Botanic Garden, 750 Cherry Road.

17. Country Songwriters Event Benefits St. Jude, Le Bonheur - Monday, June 25, 2012

The Darryl Worley and Friends Songwriters’ Event featuring country music songwriters Darryl Worley, Mark D. Sanders, Rob Crosby and Jim “Moose” Brown will take place Tuesday, June 26, at 7 p.m. at Bumpus Harley-Davidson, 325 S. Byhalia Road in Collierville.

18. Arthurs Find Success With Dad-Daughter Law Practice - Thursday, June 14, 2012

After graduating from Southern Methodist University in 2000, Megan Arthur took some time off to think about whether law school was truly the right fit for her.

19. White Finds Calling In Family Law Practice - Thursday, May 17, 2012

Leigh-Taylor White, an attorney with Shea Moskovitz & McGhee, didn’t always know she wanted to be a lawyer.

20. Tax Hike At Center Of Budget Debate - Thursday, April 19, 2012

Even as he made his case for a 47-cent property tax hike Tuesday, April 17, Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. outlined alternatives to the full tax hike.

“This is a product in progress,” he said after his annual budget address.

21. Wharton Budget Plan Includes Alternatives To 47 Cent Tax Hike - Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. took a $628.3 million city operating budget proposal Tuesday, April 17 to the Memphis City Council with a 47-cent property tax hike proposed to meet the city’s obligation to fund Memphis City Schools.

22. Millington Candidates File for August Election - Monday, April 09, 2012

The field for Millington mayor in that city’s Aug. 2 nonpartisan general election is three candidates following last week’s filing deadline.

It includes former Mayor Terry Jones, who lost a re-election bid four years ago to Richard Hodges; Kenneth Uselton and Debra Sigee.

23. Cohen-Hart in Congressional Race at Filing Deadline - Friday, April 06, 2012

The chairman of the countywide school board, Billy Orgel, was effectively elected to his District 7 school board seat without opposition at the Thursday, April 5, filing deadline for candidates on the Aug. 2 primary and general election ballot in Shelby County.

24. Council Rejects 18 Cent Property Tax Hike - Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Memphis City Council members voted Tuesday, March 20, to reject a one-time, 18-cent property tax hike to mop up an estimated $13 million in red ink for the current fiscal year.

Instead the council voted to use $10 million from the city’s reserve fund and cut $3.2 million in the existing budget including money for a voluntary buyout program of some sanitation workers that the Wharton administration has yet to activate.

25. Brown Makes Leap To Family Law Firm - Thursday, March 08, 2012

Family law attorney Aubrey Brown will celebrate his 18th year in practice at the Memphis firm he recently joined, Shea Moskovitz & McGhee PLC.

26. Council Weighs In on Electrolux Incentives - Thursday, January 05, 2012

Some Memphis City Council members want to at least slow the appropriation of local government funding to Electrolux North America Cooking Products if the company isn’t more responsive to hiring local for the construction of its Memphis manufacturing plant.

27. Perl Re-Elected As MSCAA Chair - Friday, November 18, 2011

The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority re-elected its chairman and awarded two contracts Thursday, Nov. 17, at its monthly board of commissioners meeting.

Arnold Perl was unanimously voted by his peers for a five-year term as head of the MSCAA board, effective Jan. 1. The nominating committee included board vice chairman Jim Keras and commissioners Herb Hilliard, John Stokes, Jack Sammons, Ruby Wharton and Jon Thompson.

28. Perl Re-Elected as MSCAA Chair - Thursday, November 17, 2011

The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority re-elected its chairman and awarded two contracts Thursday, Nov. 17, at its monthly board of commissioners meeting.

Arnold Perl was unanimously voted by his peers for a five-year term as head of the MSCAA board, effective Jan. 1. The nominating committee included board vice chairman Jim Keras and commissioners Herb Hilliard, John Stokes, Jack Sammons, Ruby Wharton and Jon Thompson.

29. Millington Board to Pick New Mayor - Wednesday, November 09, 2011

The Millington Board of Aldermen will select the next mayor of the city in February or March following the retirement of Mayor Richard Hodges on Jan. 13.

30. Memphian Cobb Joins MIFA As Meals on Wheels Director - Wednesday, November 02, 2011

Trentwood Cobb has joined Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association as director of MIFA Meals on Wheels, which provides hot meals to senior citizens in the greater Memphis area.

Hometown: Memphis

31. CMOM Names Roberts Marketing, Fundraising Coord. - Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Carrie Callaway Roberts has been named marketing and fundraising coordinator at The Children’s Museum of Memphis.

32. Road Trip - Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Tennessee Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey is going on a road trip.

The speaker of the state Senate wants to host a series of discussions with business owners from every corner of the state about red tape and any unnecessary obstacles that make life difficult for them.

33. Seeing Success - Monday, October 10, 2011

On the surface, they don’t have much in common other than their home turf. They include everything from a venerable law firm, prominent regional investment companies, tech firms and even a business that manufactures food products like hot dogs and sandwich meats.

34. Wharton, Fullilove & Conrad Re-Elected -- Harris-Ford to Runoff - Friday, October 07, 2011
Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. won a full four-year term of office as mayor Thursday, Oct. 6, two years after he claimed the mayor’s office in a special election.

And all 12 of the Memphis City Council members seeking re-election won new four year terms in the city election cycle, marking the largest return of incumbents to the 13-member council in the 43-year history of the mayor-council form of government.

35. Plotting a Course - Monday, September 19, 2011

State and federal officials are developing new programs and legislation to bolster small businesses.Many companies are facing a variety of hurdles in a lackluster economy in which millions remain jobless and the outlook for consumer confidence and companies’ confidence in hiring and investing remain bleak. But what shape those hurdles have taken depends on who you ask.

36. Vote for Me - Monday, September 12, 2011

Four years after the biggest turnover on the Memphis City Council, the Oct. 6 city elections could see the biggest return of incumbents ever on the council. Early voting begins Friday, Sept. 16.

Twelve of the 13 incumbents are seeking re-election. It would have been 13 had Barbara Swearengen Ware not taken a plea deal on an official misconduct charge.

37. Investors Group Meeting Features Asset Protection - Thursday, September 08, 2011

The Memphis Investors Group will host a meeting Thursday, Sept. 8, featuring real estate investor Dyches Boddiford, a renowned author and speaker on the subject of asset protection.

Slated topics include structuring entities to protect assets and minimize taxes. Boddiford will provide an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of various entities, such as “C” & “S” corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships and land trusts, while explaining how these entities can benefit business and real estate-investment portfolios.

38. 4 Council Members - All 3 City Court Judges To Run Unopposed In Oct. Elections - Friday, July 22, 2011

Four incumbent Memphis City Council members and all three incumbent City Court Judges were effectively re-elected at the Thursday, July 21, noon deadline for candidates to file their qualifying petitions for the Oct. 6 Memphis ballot.

39. City Council Still Debating Budget Decision - Wednesday, July 06, 2011

In some ways, the city budget season isn’t over just yet.

Memphis City Council member Joe Brown moved Tuesday, July 5, to reverse an effective 4.6 percent pay cut for city employees through 12 unpaid furlough days.

40. Pieces of the Puzzle - Monday, June 27, 2011

Memphis City Council members left the city property tax rate at $3.19 Tuesday, June 21, as they ended their budget season.

But they added 18 cents to the tax rate on a one time basis with a separate resolution.

41. Conrad’s City Budget Plan Offers Balance - Friday, June 03, 2011

At week’s end, Memphis City Council members and Shelby County commissioners were each moving toward final votes next week on budgets for both local governments.

And each body is debating whether to do what’s necessary to balance their respective budgets before the July 1 start of the new fiscal year or to dig deeper for long-term shifts in the scope of their governments.

42. Grubb & Ellis Survives, Prospers in Economy - Monday, May 30, 2011

Like everybody else in the real estate business, the last 36 months or so have been trying times for Grubb & Ellis Co. Memphis, a commercial realty firm that splits its business between leasing/management and sales.

43. Tenn. Senate Requires Insurance Cover Hearing Aids - Friday, May 06, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – The Senate on Thursday approved a bill that would require Tennessee insurance companies to include hearing aids for individuals up to 18 years of age in their policies despite opponents who say the mandate could drive up health care costs.

44. Bryant Joins RedRover - Wednesday, May 04, 2011

Sarah Bryant has joined RedRover Sales & Marketing as a marketing account executive. She previously worked for the Atlanta Falcons.

45. Council to Consider Sewer Fee, Postponing Layoffs - Tuesday, May 03, 2011

A voting majority of Memphis City Council members seem to have reached an early agreement on lowering the city sewer fee.

At a 10 a.m. council committee session Tuesday, council members will discuss the proposed ordinance sponsored by eight of the 12 council members to cut the maximum monthly residential sanitary sewer fee from $50 to $25.

46. Analysts: First Horizon Could Report Small Q1 Profit - Monday, April 11, 2011

The consensus estimate of more than two-dozen analysts is that First Tennessee Bank’s Memphis-based parent company will report a 4-cent profit for the first quarter when First Horizon National Corp. announces earnings this week.

47. Serving Education - Thursday, February 17, 2011

The last time Memphis Catholic High School had a kitchen that served hot meals, the school’s mascot was a terrier and it was an all boys school.

Since the 1970-1971 school year, it’s been reheated food, vending machines and brown bags.

48. Even in Liberal Bastions, GOP Sees Election Chance - Wednesday, October 20, 2010

HYANNIS PORT, Mass. (AP) — In the congressional district that's home to the Kennedy family compound, a Kennedy public skating rink and a Kennedy museum, the heart of liberalism is beating uneasily.

49. Colleges: Freshmen Looking for Career Advice Now - Tuesday, September 14, 2010

PHILADELPHIA (AP) – As college freshmen nationwide continue exploring their campuses – finding dining halls, laundry rooms, bookstores and gyms – officials at many schools say the newbies are increasingly finding their way to career centers.

50. Taking Care of Business - Monday, August 30, 2010

A diverse mix of Memphis businesses is defying the odds and finding success spanning multiple family generations. Grant & Co., Champion Awards, Jim’s Place East, Barden Stone and Broadway Pizza are among the Memphis institutions thriving under second- and third-generation ownership and management.

51. Pension Bomb - Monday, July 12, 2010

For years, government pension liabilities – the lifetime retirement benefits paid to everyone from local cops to garbage collectors – have been the equivalent of ticking time bombs.

They were assembled when governments like Memphis and Shelby County, among many others, mixed together some explosive materials.

52. Renaissance Avenue - Monday, June 28, 2010

When Larry Schmitt bought a two-story building on the corner of Broad Avenue and Collins Street in 1993, he knew the place needed some TLC.

53. New Oil Numbers May Mean More Environmental Damage - Monday, June 14, 2010

HOUSTON (AP) — New numbers showing the amount of oil gushing from a well in the Gulf of Mexico may be double as much as previously thought means the crude is likely to travel farther away, threatening more birds, fish and other wildlife that call the fragile waters their home, scientists said Friday.

54. BP Oil Collection Ramps Up; So Do Claims Questions - Thursday, June 10, 2010

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — BP plans to bring in an oil-burning device and a tanker from the North Sea as it tries to contain the crude spewing into the Gulf of Mexico, a disaster creating headaches for people who make money off the sea and those processing their claims of financial loss.

55. US Senate Nears Vote on Four TVA Board Nominees - Wednesday, May 19, 2010

US Senate Nears Vote on Four TVA Board Nominees

CHATTANOOGA (AP) - The U.S. Senate is nearing confirmation votes on four new directors for the Tennessee Valley Authority.

The votes, expected this week or next, would restore the nine-member board to full strength.

56. What’s Coming Up This Election Season - Monday, March 15, 2010

After a year of turbulence, the Memphis political scene continues to remake itself.

The May 4 and Aug. 5 elections don’t have the focused drama of last October’s special election for Memphis mayor, but they represent new chapters in a story that could end with a new generation of political leaders and at least a passing of the political baton.

57. Noel Becomes ABA Delegate From Tennessee - Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Randall D. Noel has been elected as the Tennessee delegate to the American Bar Association’s House of Delegates.

Noel is a member of Butler, Snow, O’Mara, Stevens & Cannada PLLC’s Commercial Litigation Group. Noel is a Fellow of the American, Tennessee and Memphis Bar Foundations and has served as president of the Tennessee Bar Association.

58. Debate Over City Elections Continues - Friday, February 26, 2010

For the second time in three years, Memphis voters may be changing the timing of city elections.

The new proposed change would undo those made in 2008 by the Memphis Charter Commission.

Memphis voters approved the move to stagger City Council members’ terms in November that year, along with seven other changes to the charter.

59. Council Battles Funding Issues - Thursday, February 25, 2010

As Memphis political leaders made another trip to Nashville this week seeking money for The MED, others questioned the hospital’s life expectancy.

Memphis City Council members this week delayed a vote on $2 million in emergency funding for The MED until April.

60. MED Funding a State Issue, Leaders Say - Friday, January 29, 2010

The issue of double taxation reared its head this week as a plan to provide $12 million in local emergency funding for the Regional Medical Center at Memphis scored $10 million.

The county funding cleared the Shelby County Commission on a 9-3 vote after lots of debate Monday.

61. School Funding Debate Marches On - Thursday, January 28, 2010

The city of Memphis is pursuing a last appeal in the Memphis school funding court case, and the City Council this week came up with a plan to provide $50 million in court-ordered funding to the school system.

62. Gut-Check for Obama and Dems on Health Care - Thursday, January 21, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) - Abandoning the health care overhaul is not an option, a senior White House official said Wednesday, after President Barack Obama's top domestic initiative took a devastating hit with the Democratic loss of the Massachusetts Senate seat.

63. Angst Lingers Behind Uptick In Biz Permits - Monday, January 18, 2010

Permits issued for businesses to operate in Shelby County during 2009 indicate a rebound in entrepreneurship, but tight credit and economic angst continue to be a drag on activity.

The number of permits issued for new businesses or renewed for established ones increased 5.7 percent compared to 2008. That’s an easy benchmark for measuring success because that year business permits plunged 11 percent from 2007.

64. Events - Wednesday, January 13, 2010

The Alliance for Nonprofit Excellence will hold a workshop today from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at its office, 5100 Poplar Ave., Suite 502. Jim Kovarik, professional writer and director of the Grant Editing Center at the University of Memphis, will speak. Cost is $99 for members, $150 for nonmembers and $89 for those in the Program for Nonprofit Excellence. For more information, call 684-6605 or visit www.npexcellence.org.

65. Events - Tuesday, January 12, 2010

The Alliance for Nonprofit Excellence will hold a workshop today from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at its office, 5100 Poplar Ave., Suite 502. Karen Kitchens, program officer of The Assisi Foundation of Memphis Inc., will speak. Cost is $99 for members, $150 for nonmembers and $89 for those in the Program for Nonprofit Excellence. For more information, call 684-6605 or visit www.npexcellence.org.

66. Dixon to Feature National Ornamental Metal Museum Work - Monday, January 11, 2010

he National Ornamental Metal Museum isn’t moving from its haven above the Mississippi River, but East Memphis arts patrons soon will have a chance to view metal art from local artists without trekking Downtown.

67. Events - Monday, January 11, 2010

The Memphis Orthopaedic Research Lecture will be held today from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Wunderlich Auditorium on the Memphis University School campus, 6191 Park Ave. The program is free. To R.S.V.P., call 866-1452.

68. Glankler Brown’s Thornton Receives Annual Pro Bono Award - Thursday, January 07, 2010

Laurie M. Thornton, an attorney at Glankler Brown PLLC, has received the firm’s third annual Frank J. Glankler Jr. Pro Bono Award. This is the second consecutive year Thornton has received the honor. She provided more than 40 hours of free legal services during 2009.

69. Holiday Stragglers Find Shortages of Hot Items - Thursday, December 24, 2009

NEW YORK (AP) - Looking for UGG boots? Or what about the last string of holiday lights or inflatable Santas to spruce up the lawn? You might be out of luck.

Some last-minute holiday shoppers are facing disappointment. Stores are running out of key holiday items – and not just Zhu Zhu pets, those robotic hamsters that have been hard to find since before Thanksgiving.

70. No Scrimping on Christmas Trees This Year - Friday, December 11, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Some families may be cutting back on expensive Christmas gifts under the tree this year, but they aren't settling for a limp Charlie Brown sapling for the holidays.

71. City’s Dilemma: Fight Crime or Bust Blight? - Thursday, December 03, 2009

Some Memphis City Council members question whether the city’s crackdown on crime is coming at the expense of efforts to eliminate or prevent blight in neighborhoods.

That sentiment surfaced in a council committee session this week. It came the same week that Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. talked of an emerging anti-crime strategy at his first town hall meeting.

72. Small Biz Group Wary of House Health Bill - Thursday, November 12, 2009

The health care reform bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last week has caused members of one small business group to circle their wagons and call out for help.

Jim Brown, state director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, said members of the organization are reaching out to their congressmen about mandates in the bill for employer-based insurance and tax penalties against businesses that don’t provide coverage.

73. A City in Transition - Monday, November 09, 2009

Just before sunrise on a rainy Tuesday morning, the armed officers raided the city office. They didn’t make any arrests, but they took files, interviewed employees and served search warrants. And they temporarily closed the Memphis Animal Shelter.

74. Ark. Supreme Court Suspends Circuit Judge - Friday, November 06, 2009

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - The Arkansas Supreme Court suspended a judge on Thursday until the end of his term next year, ruling that he kept practicing law while serving as a circuit judge.

Justices suspended Phillips County Circuit Judge L.T. Simes without pay until Dec. 31, 2010. The court said, however, that Simes could seek office again – rejecting a recommendation from the state panel that disciplines judges.

75. Chaotic Council Welcomes Wharton To ‘Land of Fire’ - Thursday, October 22, 2009

Memphis Mayor-elect A C Wharton Jr. got an early welcome to the ways of City Hall in the week before he took the oath of office.

It came from the City Council he will serve with for the next two years.

76. Morris Confirmed As City Atty. - Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Memphis Mayor elect A C Wharton Jr. was put to the test by Memphis City Council members before he even takes office.

The council approved his indirect nomination of Herman Morris as the new city attorney.

And it approved his five indirect nominees to the Metro Charter Commission.

But there was a lot of discussion among council members this afternoon and evening about:

-Morris being paid $140,000 a year as city attorney, $15 thousand more than his predecessor, Elbert Jefferson.

-Whether Morris was the choice of outgoing Mayor Pro Tempore Myron Lowery or Wharton. The answer was Wharton with Lowery making the appointment since he is still mayor.

In another rapid move, Wharton and Lowery teamed up to appoint the five city of Memphis representatives to the Metro Charter Commission. All five nominees were recommended by members of the City Council. Normally, the council votes on such groups of nominees to one body with a single vote on the slate. The council voted separately on all five.

The original five nominees were:

-Damon Griffin, an assistant District Attorney General.

-Carmen Sandoval, an administrative director at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

-Steve Ross, a freelance video and technical director who also has a popular political blog.

-Jim Strickland, attorney and Memphis city council member.

-Rev. Ralph White, pastor of Bloomfield Full Gospel Baptist Church and candidate for Shelby County Criminal Court Clerk in past elections as well as in the 2010 elections.

Strickland was named just this week to Wharton’s transition team. But he is giving up the transition team spot to serve on the charter group. Council members Bill Boyd and Joe Brown voted against Strickland’s appointment saying they considered it to be a conflict of interest for an elected official to serve on the commission. Brown didn’t vote on the other nominations. Council member Wanda Halbert passed on Strickland.

Ross encountered vocal resistance during committee sessions from council members upset with critical comments he has made on his blog about council members. Council member Shea Flinn, who recommended Ross, came to his defense during an emotional committee discussion – clashing with Brown as Lowery and Wharton watched from the end of the council committee table.

“I’m a real man,” Brown told Flinn at the end of the exchange. “I’m a real black man. I hope you are a real white man.”

By the time the council voted, Wharton and Lowery decided to pull his nomination and instead nominated Richard Smith, a FedEx executive and son of FedEx founder Fred Smith. Council member Janis Fullilove was the only no vote. Halbert recused herself because she works at FedEx. Brown and Boyd did not vote.

77. Wharton Picks Morris for City Attorney Post - Wednesday, October 21, 2009
 

Memphis Mayor elect A C Wharton Jr. was put to the test by Memphis City Council members before he even takes office.

The council Tuesday approved his indirect nomination of Herman Morris as the new city attorney. And it approved his five indirect nominees to the Metro Charter Commission.

But there was a lot of discussion among council members this afternoon and evening about:

• Morris being paid $140,000 a year as city attorney, $15 thousand more than his predecessor, Elbert Jefferson.

• Whether Morris was the choice of outgoing Mayor Pro Tempore Myron Lowery or Wharton. The answer was Wharton with Lowery making the appointment since he is still mayor.

In another rapid move, Wharton and Lowery teamed up to appoint the five city of Memphis representatives to the Metro Charter Commission. All five nominees were recommended by members of the City Council. Normally, the council votes on such groups of nominees to one body with a single vote on the slate. The council voted separately on all five.

The original five nominees were:

• Damon Griffin, an assistant District Attorney General.
• Carmen Sandoval, an administrative director at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
• Steve Ross, a freelance video and technical director who also has a popular political blog.
• Jim Strickland, attorney and Memphis city council member.
• Rev. Ralph White, pastor of Bloomfield Full Gospel Baptist Church and candidate for Shelby County Criminal Court Clerk in past elections as well as in the 2010 elections.

Strickland was named just this week to Wharton’s transition team. But he is giving up the transition team spot to serve on the charter group. Council members Bill Boyd and Joe Brown voted against Strickland’s appointment saying they considered it to be a conflict of interest for an elected official to serve on the commission. Brown didn’t vote on the other nominations. Council member Wanda Halbert passed on Strickland.

Ross encountered vocal resistance during committee sessions from council members upset with critical comments he has made on his blog about council members. Council member Shea Flinn, who recommended Ross, came to his defense during an emotional committee discussion – clashing with Brown as Lowery and Wharton watched from the end of the council committee table.

“I’m a real man,” Brown told Flinn at the end of the exchange. “I’m a real black man. I hope you are a real white man.”

By the time the council voted, Wharton and Lowery decided to pull his nomination and instead nominated Richard Smith, a FedEx executive and son of FedEx founder Fred Smith. Council member Janis Fullilove was the only no vote. Halbert recused herself because she works at FedEx. Brown and Boyd did not vote.

78. Roberts Mixes Real Estate, Tigers Passions - Friday, October 16, 2009

More than likely, Chuck Roberts’ name is familiar to anyone who has seen a “for sale” sign outside a DeSoto County commercial property. Without a doubt, his voice is familiar to anyone who has attended a Memphis Tigers basketball or football game.

79. Dress Newest Pathologist At Pathology Group of the MidSouth - Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Dr. Matthew A. Dress has joined Pathology Group of the MidSouth PC as its newest pathologist.

Before joining Pathology Group of the MidSouth, Dress served as the chief resident in anatomic and clinical pathology at the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Tennessee. He then completed a fellowship in hematopathology at the University of Rochester Medical Center-Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.Y. 

80. Mayor’s Race Gets ‘Crazy’ As Election Day Approaches - Tuesday, August 25, 2009

“It’s crazy now,” Memphis Mayor Pro Tem Myron Lowery told members of the Downtown Neighborhood Association last week.

Lowery was contemplating the possibility of more than 30 candidates in the Oct. 15 special election for mayor. He described it as “the circus that’s getting ready to happen in this city.”

81. Election Commission to Consider Mayoral Deadline - Thursday, July 09, 2009

The Shelby County Election Commission today is setting the stage for the next step in the coming special election for Memphis mayor.

The commission will meet at 4:30 p.m. to consider setting a deadline for candidates to file and a date for the election itself sometime in late October. In setting the dates, the commission would abide by terms of the Memphis Charter. The charter calls for a special election three months after a vacancy in the mayor’s office if there is no regularly scheduled election within six months of the date the office becomes vacant.

82. City Council Declares Mayoral Vacancy At End Of July - Wednesday, July 08, 2009

The Memphis City Council approved Tuesday on a 7-6 vote a resolution declaring the mayor’s office vacant as of July 31.

The vote came after a debate in which council members questioned each other’s motives, Mayor Willie Herenton’s word and several legal opinions.

83. UPDATE: Council Approves Mayoral Vacancy Effective July 31 - Tuesday, July 07, 2009

The Memphis City Council approved Tuesday on a 7-6 vote a resolution declaring the mayor’s office vacant as of July 31.

The vote came after a debate in which council members questioned each other’s motives, Mayor Willie Herenton’s word and several legal opinions.

84. U of M Law School Appoints Kritchevsky to Director of Advocacy - Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Barbara Kritchevsky has been appointed to the newly created position of director of advocacy at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphrey’s School of Law.

Kritchevsky has been a law professor at the university since 1983, and for the past 20 years has served as a faculty adviser to the school’s Moot Court Board and also served as the school’s associate dean for academic affairs.

85. There Goes the Neighborhood: New hope emerges in one of Memphis’ roughest areas - Monday, July 06, 2009

Hope and despair have co-existed for a long time along the stretch of Poplar Avenue between Danny Thomas Boulevard and Decatur Street. And for the past two years, the area has seen more change than just about any other inner-city avenue in Memphis.

86. Events - Wednesday, July 01, 2009

The Mid-South Real Estate Investors Association Inc. will hold a roundtable discussion today from 10:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at Germantown Athletic Club, 1801 Exeter Road. To register, call 751-7101 or e-mail info@midsouthreia.org.

87. Events - Friday, June 19, 2009

The Center for Southern Folklore will host a free performance by Tempeh Four today at noon at the center, 123 S. Main St. The performance is part of the center’s Brown Bag Lunch Series. For more information, call 525-3655.

88. Money Cut From Schools Considered for City Pay Raises - Friday, June 12, 2009

When City Council members voted earlier this year to cut all funding to the Shelby County Health Department, the Herenton administration followed up.

It proposed and the County Commission accepted a plan to provide one last dose of city funding for the county agency in exchange for a buyout of the county’s share of The Pyramid.

89. Drompp Named Faculty Dean, VP for Academic Affairs at Rhodes - Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Michael R. Drompp has been appointed dean of the faculty and vice president for academic affairs at Rhodes College. Drompp will provide leadership for academic departments and interdisciplinary programs in curricular, personnel and budgetary matters.

90. Bill Would Let Sitting Lawmakers Raise Money - Thursday, May 14, 2009

NASHVILLE (AP) – Tennessee lawmakers running for governor could raise campaign money during the legislative session under a bill advanced by a Senate committee on Tuesday.

The bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Randy McNally of Oak Ridge would also increase maximum campaign contributions by retroactively adjusting for inflation the amounts allowed in a law passed in 1995.

91. Pyramid Funding Details Shift to Legal Front - Thursday, May 07, 2009

Now the attorneys begin drafting a contract.

This week, the Memphis City Council signed off on a three-part deal that gives the city of Memphis complete ownership of The Pyramid and continues city funding of the Shelby County Health Department for one more fiscal year.

92. Pyramid-Health Dept. Deal Approved By Council - Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Memphis City Council members Tuesday approved an $8.5 million deal giving the city complete ownership of The Pyramid and providing a last installment of city funding for the local Health Department.

93. City Council Approves Pyramid - Health Dept. Deal - Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Memphis City Council members tonight approved an $8.5 million deal giving the city complete ownership of The Pyramid and providing a last installment of city funding for the local Health Department.

94. Fentress Joins Harris Shelton - Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Susan Fentress has joined the Downtown offices of Harris Shelton Hanover Walsh PLLC. Fentress concentrates her practice in the areas of intellectual property and biosciences.

95. Bredesen Releases Administration Package - Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Another run at eliminating a special tax exemption for family owned rental properties is among 97 bills that form Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen’s legislative package this year.

The Democratic governor’s effort to eliminate what he calls a tax loophole for affluent investors was thwarted by a bipartisan coalition in the General Assembly last session.

96. Council Again Rejects Lee Legal Fees - Tuesday, December 02, 2008

The Memphis City Council this evening affirmed its vote in Oct. to reject paying the legal fees of former Memphis Light Gas & Water Division president Joseph Lee.

The bill for Lee’s legal defense in a grand jury probe that led to his indictment as well as a hearing before the council came to $426,422. The corruption charges were later dropped by federal prosecutors.

The 7-6 vote came at the end of a day in which MLGW president Jerry Collins told council members talks between the utility and Lee’s attorney, Robert Spence, failed to reach any terms for a lesser amount.

Council members voting against the proposed settlement were: Bill Boyd, Kemp Conrad, Shea Flinn, Reid Hedgepeth, Myron Lowery, Bill Morrison and Jim Strickland. Those voting for it were: Joe Brown, Harold Collins, Edmund Ford Jr., Janis Fullilove, Wanda Halbert and Barbara Swearengen Ware.

Spence told The Daily News an announcement on a decision by Lee about pursuing the legal fees in a lawsuit against the city could be made as early as Tuesday.

The council has also given final approval this evening to an ordinance regulating the location of financial services, payday loan and title loan businesses.

The council vote was unanimous on third and final reading. Third and final vote before the Shelby County Commission is scheduled for Dec. 8.

The council passed an amended version that emerged as a compromise during today’s council session.

The ordinance bans the businesses from being with 1,000 feet of each other. The compromise worked out by council member Bill Morrison, with agreement from the payday loan industry, deals with a 90 day grace period for existing businesses to apply for a waiver.

Council member Barbara Swearengen Ware argued the location of the businesses isn’t the problem. It’s the high interest rates the companies charge – up to 264 percent annually.

“We need to deal with the root of the problem,” she said. “And if we could regulate how much (of an) interest rate is charged or how much the fees are, then we would be doing a service to the community,” Ware said. “I know we mean well here, but it’s supply and demand that is driving these businesses.”

But usery rates are regulated by the state and not the city council.

Morrison said the businesses cluster in his district which covers Frayser and Raleigh. Frayser is among the areas of the city hardest hit by home foreclosures.

Council member Harold Collins, whose district includes Hickory Hill – also hit hard by home foreclosures – said there is a connection. He counted at least 20 pay day lenders along one stretch of Winchester.

“Maybe they’re not contributing to the fact that many of the people in my district are losing their homes. But they are sure out there,” he said. “There needs to be some kind of line drawn that will keep the people in Hickory Hill from losing their homes.”

Steve Lockwood, head of the Frayser Community Development Corporation, said the close proximity of the lenders allows people in desperate financial straits to get around a limit of two loans totaling $500 from a particular lender by simply going to the payday lender next door.

He termed the location limits “an opening shot across the bow.” He said his organization’s financial counselors see a connection between the lenders and foreclosures.

“I think that the neighborhoods that are really going to benefit from this are in Cordova,” Lockwood said. “If you want Cordova to look like Winchester or Frayser, don’t pass this.”

In other action, a Fairgrounds development agreement is tentatively set to have the first of three Memphis City Council votes in two weeks.

The city picked Fair Ground LLC to develop a master plan for the property that includes the Mid-South Coliseum, The Liberty Bowl and The Children’s Museum of Memphis. What is still being worked out is a contract with the terms for drawing up that master plan.

There are still several formidable obstacles to putting a development agreement in writing.

Shelby County government owns some of the Fairgrounds land including some of the land under The Liberty Bowl.

City Housing & Community Development director Robert Lipscomb told City Council members he will again pursue an agreement in which the county would sell its share in The Fairgrounds as well as The Pyramid.

The Shelby County Commission rejected such a sell-off by the county during consideration of a development agreement for The Pyramid involving Bass Pro Shops.

The commission eventually approved the development agreement after the agreement won approval from the city council.

Without a sell-off, the Fairgrounds development agreement appears on its way to the same dual track debate and voting process.

Lipscomb also told The Daily News there are conflicting legal opinions on the amount of public infrastructure financing the city would have to put up to leverage private investment.

He said the amounts vary from $75 million to $200 million. The city is seeking legal opinions on the public amount required under terms of Tourism Development Zone (TDZ) financing. If the amount is $200 million or close to it, Lipscomb said it makes the Fairgrounds renovation much harder to accomplish.

Henry Turley, one of several developer partners in Fair Ground LLC, said he considers the city’s contribution to be $75 million. Turley was instrumental in drafting the state legislation that allowed for the Tourism Development Zones.

The TDZs allow for financing of bonds through sales tax revenue generated in the designated area or zone.

Turley wants to include a big box retail store on the site and possibly a hotel according to tentative plans that are fluid on the location of those and other parts of an overall plan. The sales tax revenue from the store would go to pay off the TDZ bonds. No local government general fund revenue would be used.

97. Stretch In MPD Residency Requirement Rejected By Council On 6-7 Vote - Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Memphis City Council members Tuesday voted down a proposed loosening of residency requirements for police officers.

The 6-to-7 council vote rejected a resolution which would have allowed the police department to hire applicants who live within 20 miles of Shelby County.

The department is currently able to hire applicants who live within Shelby County including Memphis under a provision that allows the council to waive the requirement that all city employees must live in Memphis. The Shelby County waiver expires in February.

The council vote, which was along racial lines, came after four hours of debate among council members and citizens who filled the chambers. Most of the citizens who filled out cards to speak, over 70, were in favor of hiring outside Shelby County. But opponents, including several retired Memphis police officers, were also vocal in their opposition.

Council member Wanda Halbert argued that Memphians who apply for jobs as police officers are being rejected because they are being discriminated against.

Council member Bill Boyd termed Halbert's comment "trash".

Other council members said they respected council members with opposing viewpoints. But the disagreements were over issues other than the need to hire more police officers. They were over the best way to do that.

Those voting yes were: Boyd, Kemp Conrad, Shea Flinn, Reid Hedgepeth, Bill Morrison and Jim Strickland.

Those voting no were: Halbert, Joe Brown, Harold Collins, Edmund Ford Jr., Janis Fullilove, Myron Lowery and Barbara Swearengen Ware.

Read more about the issue in Thursday's edition of The Daily News.

In other action, the council elected Myron Lowery as its chairman for 2009. Lowery has been chairman since the resignation of chairman Scott McCormick.

Council member Harold Collins was elected vice chairman for the coming year.

Tuesday was also the first council meeting for Kemp Conrad who was elected on the Nov. 4 ballot to fill the vacancy created by McCormick's resignation.

98. Council Rejects Police Residency Stretch Outside Shelby County - Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Memphis City Council members have voted down a proposed loosening of residency requirements for police officers.

The 6-to-7 council vote rejected a resolution which would have allowed the police department to hire applicants who live within 20 miles of Shelby County.

The department is currently able to hire applicants who live within Shelby County including Memphis under a provision that allows the council to waive the requirement that all city employees must live in Memphis. The Shelby County waiver expires in February.

The council vote, which was along racial lines, came after four hours of debate among council members and citizens who filled the chambers. Most of the citizens who filled out cards to speak, over 70, were in favor of hiring outside Shelby County. But opponents, including several retired Memphis police officers, were also vocal in their opposition.

Council member Wanda Halbert argued that Memphians who apply for jobs as police officers are being rejected because they are being discriminated against.

Council member Bill Boyd termed Halbert's comment "trash".

Other council members said they respected council members with opposing viewpoints. But the disagreements were over issues other than the need to hire more police officers. They were over the best way to do that.

Those voting yes were: Boyd, Kemp Conrad, Shea Flinn, Reid Hedgepeth, Bill Morrison and Jim Strickland.

Those voting no were: Halbert, Joe Brown, Harold Collins, Edmund Ford Jr., Janis Fullilove, Myron Lowery and Barbara Swearengen Ware.

99. Council Could Revisit Lee’s Legal Bill Payment - Friday, October 17, 2008

The Memphis City Council has a chance next week to reconsider its decision not to pay more than $426,000 in legal fees incurred by former Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division president and CEO Joseph Lee.

100. Lee’s Legal Fees Suit Could Surface Again - Thursday, October 09, 2008

It was one year ago this week that nine new members were elected to the Memphis City Council.

It was the largest turnover of seats on the 13-member body in its 40-year history.

This week, the council had its most serious difference of opinion to date over a controversy that began onthe watch of the previous council. And it was one of the previous council members that made the difference in the outcome.