FAST FACTS:
(Memphis11/6/2009) Mayor A C Wharton doesn't like to talk about Mr. Black.
He used to tell stories about his dog. Wharton would often appear on News Channel 3 Live at 9 and tell Alex and Mary Beth about the latest events in Mr. Black's life. Mr. Black died about a year ago. The Mayor now talks about possibly getting another dog for the grandchildren.
What we have here is simple he says. "I am a Mayor who cares about animals." Wharton says what's been happening at the Memphis Animal Shelter is simply not acceptable. He fired director Ernest Alexander because, according to Wharton, Alexander would not document items properly. Sometimes, according to the Mayor, paperwork was simply missing. Wharton also said Alexander didn't keep an eye on his employees, "improper supervision" is the term he used.
This week, however, the Mayor admits he might have waited too long. A dog was put down at the shelter, and staff did not follow proper procedure. They did not contact the owner of the dog before putting the animal to sleep. "Not following procedures is another reason behind my decision," Wharton said, "...and there's no excuse for it. There's a form they need to follow. It doesn't take a genius to figure it out."
Wharton says for now, Darryl Eldred will run the operation. His assistant is a bit of a surprise. Her name is Lucy Shaw and she is the former head of the Regional Medical Center of Memphis. "It is just an opportunity I have to help the city," Shaw said, "and I believe I can use my expertise to make this shelter one of the best."
3 employees remain on paid suspension. Wharton says he's also had conversations with District Attorney Bill Gibbons, and says the investigation is continuing.
- Shelter Director Ernest Alexander fired by Mayor Wharton
- Veteran City Employee Darryl Eldred interim manager
- Former head of Med also will oversee operations
(Memphis11/6/2009) Mayor A C Wharton doesn't like to talk about Mr. Black.
He used to tell stories about his dog. Wharton would often appear on News Channel 3 Live at 9 and tell Alex and Mary Beth about the latest events in Mr. Black's life. Mr. Black died about a year ago. The Mayor now talks about possibly getting another dog for the grandchildren.
What we have here is simple he says. "I am a Mayor who cares about animals." Wharton says what's been happening at the Memphis Animal Shelter is simply not acceptable. He fired director Ernest Alexander because, according to Wharton, Alexander would not document items properly. Sometimes, according to the Mayor, paperwork was simply missing. Wharton also said Alexander didn't keep an eye on his employees, "improper supervision" is the term he used.
This week, however, the Mayor admits he might have waited too long. A dog was put down at the shelter, and staff did not follow proper procedure. They did not contact the owner of the dog before putting the animal to sleep. "Not following procedures is another reason behind my decision," Wharton said, "...and there's no excuse for it. There's a form they need to follow. It doesn't take a genius to figure it out."
Wharton says for now, Darryl Eldred will run the operation. His assistant is a bit of a surprise. Her name is Lucy Shaw and she is the former head of the Regional Medical Center of Memphis. "It is just an opportunity I have to help the city," Shaw said, "and I believe I can use my expertise to make this shelter one of the best."
3 employees remain on paid suspension. Wharton says he's also had conversations with District Attorney Bill Gibbons, and says the investigation is continuing.
