(Memphis 6/25/2009) Willie Herenton, captain of the S.S. City of Memphis government.
His critics say he did more slipping and sliding than guiding over the last few years.
While his supporters say Willie Herenton will go down in history as a mayor who got things done in memphis.
He spoke before city employees and told them that there was a time in Memphis about thirty years ago, where there were only three African American people working at city hall, "What we did, we brought opportunities. We brought diversity. We gave people opportunities irrespective of race, gender or religion."
The mayor said the improvement in public housing and rebuilding the city's reserve funds from 3 million to a record 84 million are his proudest achievements. He talked about his legacy...and about his mark on memphis history.
Herenton, "...this hall of mayors, if i continue to live, will have a portrait that reflects the diversity of this great city."
Willie Herenton will go into business with his sons investment firm but his real work will be preparing for his campaign for the 9th congressional seat that's currently held by Steve Cohen.
Herenton says he is not worried, "It won't be a hard race. i mean, i look at you guys talking about two titans. We're in different leagues."
His critics say he did more slipping and sliding than guiding over the last few years.
While his supporters say Willie Herenton will go down in history as a mayor who got things done in memphis.
He spoke before city employees and told them that there was a time in Memphis about thirty years ago, where there were only three African American people working at city hall, "What we did, we brought opportunities. We brought diversity. We gave people opportunities irrespective of race, gender or religion."
The mayor said the improvement in public housing and rebuilding the city's reserve funds from 3 million to a record 84 million are his proudest achievements. He talked about his legacy...and about his mark on memphis history.
Herenton, "...this hall of mayors, if i continue to live, will have a portrait that reflects the diversity of this great city."
Willie Herenton will go into business with his sons investment firm but his real work will be preparing for his campaign for the 9th congressional seat that's currently held by Steve Cohen.
Herenton says he is not worried, "It won't be a hard race. i mean, i look at you guys talking about two titans. We're in different leagues."
