- FAST FACTS:
- Four candidates attended forum
- Candidates answered questions about crime, the economy and ethics
- Standing room only crowd showed tremendous interest
tom.powell@wreg.com
(MEMPHIS 2/15/2010) -- If Monday night's crowd at a forum in the Shelby County Mayor's race is an indication, this contest will be closely watched and highly debated.
The League of Women Voters held the forum at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library. It was a standing room only crowd, in fact several several people stood in the hallway waiting for space to go inside to listen to the candidates.
"People are very, very interested in this because they know whomever is going to win is going to mold the future," says League President Peggy Watkins.
The stage was set for an interesting discussion as four candidates sat ready to take questions from the large crowd. The following candidates appeared in the forum: County Commissioner Deidre Malone, Shelby County Sheriff Mark Luttrell, General Sessions Court Clerk Otis Jackson and Interim Mayor Joe Ford.
The four answered questions about crime, the economy and ethics in government.
They also tackled topical questions, including how they felt about law enforcement agencies selling or trading confiscated guns. The panel unanimously agreed those weapons should be destroyed.
Perhaps the most interesting exchange came between Commissioner Deidre Malone and Interim Mayor Joe Ford after they were asked a question about ethical standards in government.
The question turned into a debate over the status of the MED.
Ford told the crowd he's worked long days, "to make sure this county is run properly and to make sure that the MED was saved, and that's what it's all about."
Commissioner Malone quickly responded. "We have to start by telling the truth. The MED is not saved, " she said. "We still have funding issues, so we have to start tonight."
This will be one of several forums and debates before the general election which will be held in August.
