Fast Facts:
(Memphis, 08/13/2009) She's a recently declared mayoral candidate, but Wanda Halbert is no stranger to Memphis politics.
Halbert is a first-term city councilwoman and a former Memphis City School Board commmissioner first elected in 2000. She considers herself aggressive, bold and daring at a time she says Memphis doesn't need the status quo.
Halbert said, "Memphis needs a generational change. It's time for us to be bold and daring and pursue electing a new generation of leadership."
Councilwoman Halbert says unlike other candidates she has unveiled a core platform of seven key areas she will emphasize. She will focus on things such as government effeciency, econonic growth, health, education, tax equity, socio-economic changes and tourism and public safety including better community policing.
Halbert said, "When I hear the police officers are afraid to live amongst the citizens they are hired to serve that is alarming. We need our officers comfortable living in housing programs and encouraging them to have ownership in neighborhoods and communities."
As a former city schools board commissioner and during her council tensure, Halbert has been known to openly talk about race and says she would continue to do so as mayor.
Halbert said, "The mayor should have a leadership role bringing both sides and that middle ground to the table so we can openly discuss and rid ourselves of this racial ugly head."
Regarding hot button issues such as government consolidation, Halbert says the time may not be right to merge the two.
Halbert said, "Bigger is not necessarily better. I will immediately look at some areas where we can consolidate services because I think we can save taxpayers in both Memphis and Shelby County some taxpayer dollars."
Earlier this year Halbert was outspoken about the police department. In fact, she says an incident involving one of her sons was in retaliation for her criticism of the police force, but she that case would not impact her choice for a police director.
Halbert said, "Any personal issues that may be relevant to my family, I'm not going to allow those to become part of my campaign platform. Again the police director will have the same opportunity to reapply for his position just as an other division director."
Even though she didn't name one of her opponents by name, Halbert apparently does have issues with the role of the current mayor pro-tem.
Halbert said, "A temporary individual should not be able to throw items and discussions in the array of the city business that could have long term implications for or against our city."
As far as financing her campaign, Halbert says she will rely on her grassroots supporters to help her make history in Memphis.
Halbert said, "You know, Alex, leadership comes in many different shades and gender. I'm excited about the opportunity to serve as the first female mayor in the city of Memphis."
- City Council Wanda Halbert Runs For Mayor
- Halbert Outlines Her Plans For Change
- Candidate Says Grassroots Campaign Will Help Ensure A Victory
(Memphis, 08/13/2009) She's a recently declared mayoral candidate, but Wanda Halbert is no stranger to Memphis politics.
Halbert is a first-term city councilwoman and a former Memphis City School Board commmissioner first elected in 2000. She considers herself aggressive, bold and daring at a time she says Memphis doesn't need the status quo.
Halbert said, "Memphis needs a generational change. It's time for us to be bold and daring and pursue electing a new generation of leadership."
Councilwoman Halbert says unlike other candidates she has unveiled a core platform of seven key areas she will emphasize. She will focus on things such as government effeciency, econonic growth, health, education, tax equity, socio-economic changes and tourism and public safety including better community policing.
Halbert said, "When I hear the police officers are afraid to live amongst the citizens they are hired to serve that is alarming. We need our officers comfortable living in housing programs and encouraging them to have ownership in neighborhoods and communities."
As a former city schools board commissioner and during her council tensure, Halbert has been known to openly talk about race and says she would continue to do so as mayor.
Halbert said, "The mayor should have a leadership role bringing both sides and that middle ground to the table so we can openly discuss and rid ourselves of this racial ugly head."
Regarding hot button issues such as government consolidation, Halbert says the time may not be right to merge the two.
Halbert said, "Bigger is not necessarily better. I will immediately look at some areas where we can consolidate services because I think we can save taxpayers in both Memphis and Shelby County some taxpayer dollars."
Earlier this year Halbert was outspoken about the police department. In fact, she says an incident involving one of her sons was in retaliation for her criticism of the police force, but she that case would not impact her choice for a police director.
Halbert said, "Any personal issues that may be relevant to my family, I'm not going to allow those to become part of my campaign platform. Again the police director will have the same opportunity to reapply for his position just as an other division director."
Even though she didn't name one of her opponents by name, Halbert apparently does have issues with the role of the current mayor pro-tem.
Halbert said, "A temporary individual should not be able to throw items and discussions in the array of the city business that could have long term implications for or against our city."
As far as financing her campaign, Halbert says she will rely on her grassroots supporters to help her make history in Memphis.
Halbert said, "You know, Alex, leadership comes in many different shades and gender. I'm excited about the opportunity to serve as the first female mayor in the city of Memphis."
