FAST FACTS:
(Memphis 08/04/2009) There may be a new mayor, but the familiar tension between the mayor's office and city council is still there.
Mayor Pro Tem Myron Lowery wants his new city attorney to be former federal prosecutor Veronica Coleman-Davis.
But how will he and can he get rid of Elbert Jefferson who has the job right now?
Tuesday the city council agreed to Mayor Lowery's request to put that matter on hold for the time being.
So what's really going on here?
Mayor Lowery says he's extending an olive branch. "In the spirit of cooperation, you extended your hand and I extended mine back. I want us to work together."
That sounds kind and considerate of the council's time, but city attorney Elbert Jefferson says don't be fooled!
He thinks no matter what the judge decides, the new mayor will make sure he's out of work.
"Mark it down in your files. Between now and the court date or in two weeks Elbert Jefferson will be suspended for insubordination. That's the whole scheme," says Jefferson.
Lowery isn't entertaining questions about Jefferson's theory.
"I asked the council to delay it until court hearing is held tomorrow. We'll deal with it at that time."
But what the mayor will say is that part of his change of heart to delay the vote was inspired by a letter written by Memphis City Councilman Harold Collins.
It talks about the opportunity to "work collaboratively" and "accomplishing great things" with the council through "collaboration."
"He extended an olive branch and I accepted," explained Lowery.
But others argue Lowery accepted the fact that he didn't have enough votes to get his appointee, Veronica Coleman-Davis, passed.
Councilwoman Barbara Swearengen Ware made it clear, her loyalties lie with Jefferson.
"I appreciate Lowery pulling his nomination because we already have a city attorney."
Depending on what the court does during Wednesday's injunction hearing the residency issue could come into play.
Coleman-Davis does not live in Memphis. And several council members have made it clear...they're not happy with that.
- Mayor Myron Lowery request delayed vote on appointee for city attorney
- Wants courts to make his decision
- City Attorney says Lowery plans to put him out of a job no matter what
(Memphis 08/04/2009) There may be a new mayor, but the familiar tension between the mayor's office and city council is still there.
Mayor Pro Tem Myron Lowery wants his new city attorney to be former federal prosecutor Veronica Coleman-Davis.
But how will he and can he get rid of Elbert Jefferson who has the job right now?
Tuesday the city council agreed to Mayor Lowery's request to put that matter on hold for the time being.
So what's really going on here?
Mayor Lowery says he's extending an olive branch. "In the spirit of cooperation, you extended your hand and I extended mine back. I want us to work together."
That sounds kind and considerate of the council's time, but city attorney Elbert Jefferson says don't be fooled!
He thinks no matter what the judge decides, the new mayor will make sure he's out of work.
"Mark it down in your files. Between now and the court date or in two weeks Elbert Jefferson will be suspended for insubordination. That's the whole scheme," says Jefferson.
Lowery isn't entertaining questions about Jefferson's theory.
"I asked the council to delay it until court hearing is held tomorrow. We'll deal with it at that time."
But what the mayor will say is that part of his change of heart to delay the vote was inspired by a letter written by Memphis City Councilman Harold Collins.
It talks about the opportunity to "work collaboratively" and "accomplishing great things" with the council through "collaboration."
"He extended an olive branch and I accepted," explained Lowery.
But others argue Lowery accepted the fact that he didn't have enough votes to get his appointee, Veronica Coleman-Davis, passed.
Councilwoman Barbara Swearengen Ware made it clear, her loyalties lie with Jefferson.
"I appreciate Lowery pulling his nomination because we already have a city attorney."
Depending on what the court does during Wednesday's injunction hearing the residency issue could come into play.
Coleman-Davis does not live in Memphis. And several council members have made it clear...they're not happy with that.
