FAST FACTS:
First time in more than 20 years somebody not named Herenton is elected. Wharton says he'll take time on department heads. Met with Police Director only hours after taking oath of office.
(Memphis 10/26/09) The A C in A C Wharton are just initials.
They don't stand for anything. But shortly after high noon on October 26th, 2009, A C Wharton stood for his oath of office, saying he represents all in this city and vowed for "One Memphis."
Mayor Wharton started the day by signing his resignation letter as Shelby County Mayor. Then, for the first time in more than 30 years, Wharton was unemployed. Granted it was for only about 3 hours, but they'd be the freeest 3 hours Wharton could expect for at least the next two years. He walked from the Shelby County Office building with his wife just before noon, walked into the Hall of Mayors, and took his oath of office. A C Wharton, who won 60 percent of the vote in the October 15th election, is now the Mayor of Memphis.
Wharton was born in the small town of Lebanon, Tennessee. "Things just fell the right way in my life," he said. He might not feel that way after a few weeks or months. Memphis is a city that will keep a mayor awfully busy.
Memphis was once called "The City of Good Abode." It's been awhile since anybody used that term to describe this city. Instead, Memphis is known for high crime, poverty, a stumbling economy, and an educational system that needs help. Memphis is a regular on the list of "Worst Cities" or "Highest Crime" cities, or "Out of Shape" cities. If anything, the city is like an old Hollywood sex symbol. Paint on enough make-up and powder, and make sure the lighting is good, and Memphis looks passable. Get close, and you'll see the crow's feet.
A C Wharton knows all about the problems. As Shelby County Mayor, he couldn't do his job without dealing with Memphis issues. He knows there are many who expect a lot from him quickly. "There are many things I will be sharing in the coming days," Mayor Wharton said, "...including my plans for a new ethics code, a new open door policy in the Mayors office for citizens and employees, and other initiatives and plans. We will implement them within the next 30 to 45 days." Another thing he says will happen quickly is the consolidation of the city and county fire departments.
Wharton again said there was no room for racial divisions in Memphis. He again called for "One Memphis."
Former Mayor Dick Hackett says that issue is critical for Wharton to have any success. "I think some of this divisiveness and the statements that are sometimes made by other elected officials," Hackett said,"...will be dead stopped in their tracks with A C Wharton in the room. I think that's going to make us a healthier community."
First time in more than 20 years somebody not named Herenton is elected. Wharton says he'll take time on department heads. Met with Police Director only hours after taking oath of office.
(Memphis 10/26/09) The A C in A C Wharton are just initials.
They don't stand for anything. But shortly after high noon on October 26th, 2009, A C Wharton stood for his oath of office, saying he represents all in this city and vowed for "One Memphis."
Mayor Wharton started the day by signing his resignation letter as Shelby County Mayor. Then, for the first time in more than 30 years, Wharton was unemployed. Granted it was for only about 3 hours, but they'd be the freeest 3 hours Wharton could expect for at least the next two years. He walked from the Shelby County Office building with his wife just before noon, walked into the Hall of Mayors, and took his oath of office. A C Wharton, who won 60 percent of the vote in the October 15th election, is now the Mayor of Memphis.
Wharton was born in the small town of Lebanon, Tennessee. "Things just fell the right way in my life," he said. He might not feel that way after a few weeks or months. Memphis is a city that will keep a mayor awfully busy.
Memphis was once called "The City of Good Abode." It's been awhile since anybody used that term to describe this city. Instead, Memphis is known for high crime, poverty, a stumbling economy, and an educational system that needs help. Memphis is a regular on the list of "Worst Cities" or "Highest Crime" cities, or "Out of Shape" cities. If anything, the city is like an old Hollywood sex symbol. Paint on enough make-up and powder, and make sure the lighting is good, and Memphis looks passable. Get close, and you'll see the crow's feet.
A C Wharton knows all about the problems. As Shelby County Mayor, he couldn't do his job without dealing with Memphis issues. He knows there are many who expect a lot from him quickly. "There are many things I will be sharing in the coming days," Mayor Wharton said, "...including my plans for a new ethics code, a new open door policy in the Mayors office for citizens and employees, and other initiatives and plans. We will implement them within the next 30 to 45 days." Another thing he says will happen quickly is the consolidation of the city and county fire departments.
Wharton again said there was no room for racial divisions in Memphis. He again called for "One Memphis."
Former Mayor Dick Hackett says that issue is critical for Wharton to have any success. "I think some of this divisiveness and the statements that are sometimes made by other elected officials," Hackett said,"...will be dead stopped in their tracks with A C Wharton in the room. I think that's going to make us a healthier community."
