FAST FACTS:
(Memphis, 7/06/2009) (Memphis, 7/06/2009) Mayor Willie Herenton is putting the brakes on leaving Memphis City Hall. He's pushing his July 10 resignation back to July 30. Mayor Herenton's second resignation letter states he needs more time to complete contractual matters for several city directors.
WREG political commentator Norm Brewer says otherwise.
"There are a couple things driving Mayor Willie Herenton's erratic, bizarre behavior."
Brewer believes one reason for Herenton's delay is the growing field of mayoral wannabes.
"I think he feels none of them are qualified to lead the city. He has said in the past he, Willie Herenton, and he alone is qualified to be mayor."
"The mayor's bigger than that," argues State Rep. G.A. Hardaway of Memphis. "The picture for the mayor involves the City of Memphis and what's in the best interest of the constituents."
After winning his fifth term, Herenton told the Commercial Appeal he ran for re-election to protect Memphis from opponents Carol Chumney and Herman Morris.
He's quoted as saying "I'm concerned about who serves in the office of mayor in this great city...I had no other choice but to run for re-election...I had to protect the progress of this particular city."
Mayor Herenton's control may have limits.
Council attorney Allan Wade says the jury's still out on whether the council can force the mayor to resign after the first letter was submitted.
"They can try to do whatever they want. Whether it is effective is another question. I'm sure I'll be asked that question tomorrow night and I'll be ready to give an opinion then."
- Mayor pushes back resignation date to July 30
- Political analyst says it's a possible political ploy because of potential candidates
- Herenton's admitted in past he's run to protect seat from opponents
(Memphis, 7/06/2009) (Memphis, 7/06/2009) Mayor Willie Herenton is putting the brakes on leaving Memphis City Hall. He's pushing his July 10 resignation back to July 30. Mayor Herenton's second resignation letter states he needs more time to complete contractual matters for several city directors.
WREG political commentator Norm Brewer says otherwise.
"There are a couple things driving Mayor Willie Herenton's erratic, bizarre behavior."
Brewer believes one reason for Herenton's delay is the growing field of mayoral wannabes.
"I think he feels none of them are qualified to lead the city. He has said in the past he, Willie Herenton, and he alone is qualified to be mayor."
"The mayor's bigger than that," argues State Rep. G.A. Hardaway of Memphis. "The picture for the mayor involves the City of Memphis and what's in the best interest of the constituents."
After winning his fifth term, Herenton told the Commercial Appeal he ran for re-election to protect Memphis from opponents Carol Chumney and Herman Morris.
He's quoted as saying "I'm concerned about who serves in the office of mayor in this great city...I had no other choice but to run for re-election...I had to protect the progress of this particular city."
Mayor Herenton's control may have limits.
Council attorney Allan Wade says the jury's still out on whether the council can force the mayor to resign after the first letter was submitted.
"They can try to do whatever they want. Whether it is effective is another question. I'm sure I'll be asked that question tomorrow night and I'll be ready to give an opinion then."
