- FAST FACTS:
- Jefferson Sends Resignation Letter
- Wharton Says He Cannot Take Action
- Election Results not yet Certified, Lowery still Acting Mayor
tom.powell@wreg.com
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(MEMPHIS October 16, 2009 9:10 PM) -- A day after Memphians elected A C Wharton as the next Mayor of Memphis, City Attorney Elbert Jefferson sent him a letter of resignation.
Wharton said he can't accept the letter of resignation yet, because he hasn't been sworn-in. Mayor Pro Tem Myron Lowery is still Jefferson's Boss.
"I would think that he would know that," said Lowery. "That's why I thought this was strange."
Wharton said if he was in a position to act on the letter, he would accept Jefferson's resignation. Right now though, he's simply the mayor-elect. The election results have yet to be certified. "I have absolutely no authority to even consider a resignation at this time. I'm going to make it clear we've got one mayor at a time," Wharton said.
Lowery had a theory on Jefferson's timing. "Quite frankly, I think he did this in an attempt to circumvent the ouster suit that is scheduled for Monday," Lowery said. "I think he doesn't want to face a judge."
Jefferson's Attorney, Ted Hansom, said his client is ready for the hearing to move forward. He said Jefferson's intention with the letter was to allow Wharton to move forward with a new team. "He (Jefferson) doesn't want to be a distraction any longer," Hansom said.
