FAST FACTS:
(Memphis 08/02/2009)
Memphis City Attorney Elbert Jefferson sat in his car Sunday afternoon waiting for someone to let him into City Hall. Jefferson wasn't allowed in his office because of this letter sent to him Friday by Mayor Pro Tem Myron Lowery relieving him of his appointment as city attorney. But by Saturday night, Jefferson fired back serving Lowery with an injunction.
"Whether there's a difference of philosophy the charter speaks to the process that's supposed to be taken and the Mayor is intentionally violating the dictates of the charter," said Jefferson.
The injunction allows Jefferson to keep his position saying Lowery violated the city's charter and needs a majority council vote to remove Jefferson. Lowery says he acted within the powers of the mayor's office and understands a city council vote is needed, "Which comes first the chicken or the egg." said Lowery.
Lowery says it was a News Channel 3 investigation into the city's legal fess that led him to axe Jefferson. Investigators uncovered figures showing what the city attorney has paid outside firms has more than doubled in the last four years totaling just under 8 million dollars.
"Those reports made it very clear that dollars are going out of the office in a tremendous way and its time to stop that. This injunction is all about money," said Lowery.
But Jefferson says it's about principal, "Tuesday is just a few days away and the council will speak. I will respect everything that council says and that's all I'm asking." said Jefferson.
City Council is expected to vote on the matter Tuesday. A court hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
- Mayor Pro Tem Myron Lowery Served Injunction
- City Attorney Elbert Jefferson Says He Was Unlawfully Terminated
- Jefferson Hold Position Until Council Vote or Court Hearing
(Memphis 08/02/2009)
Memphis City Attorney Elbert Jefferson sat in his car Sunday afternoon waiting for someone to let him into City Hall. Jefferson wasn't allowed in his office because of this letter sent to him Friday by Mayor Pro Tem Myron Lowery relieving him of his appointment as city attorney. But by Saturday night, Jefferson fired back serving Lowery with an injunction.
"Whether there's a difference of philosophy the charter speaks to the process that's supposed to be taken and the Mayor is intentionally violating the dictates of the charter," said Jefferson.
The injunction allows Jefferson to keep his position saying Lowery violated the city's charter and needs a majority council vote to remove Jefferson. Lowery says he acted within the powers of the mayor's office and understands a city council vote is needed, "Which comes first the chicken or the egg." said Lowery.
Lowery says it was a News Channel 3 investigation into the city's legal fess that led him to axe Jefferson. Investigators uncovered figures showing what the city attorney has paid outside firms has more than doubled in the last four years totaling just under 8 million dollars.
"Those reports made it very clear that dollars are going out of the office in a tremendous way and its time to stop that. This injunction is all about money," said Lowery.
But Jefferson says it's about principal, "Tuesday is just a few days away and the council will speak. I will respect everything that council says and that's all I'm asking." said Jefferson.
City Council is expected to vote on the matter Tuesday. A court hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
