- FAST FACTS:
- Herenton postpones resignation
- Date now set for July 30, 2009
- Mayor has questions about charter
tom.powell@wreg.com
(MEMPHIS July 6, 2009 5:26 PM) -- Memphis Mayor Wilie Herenton sent a letter to Council Chairman Myron Lowery Monday. "This is to inform you that I am delaying my retirement date to July 30, 2009. A retirement reception in my honor will be held in the Hall of Mayors on July 31, 2009 between 2:00p.m. - 4:00p.m.," Herenton writes
The Mayor's original resignation date was set for Friday.
Councilman Jim Strickland says many of his constituents have been asking him whether he really thinks Herenton will retire at all. "Most people that I've talked to from my district are just concerned that the mayor actually resigns," Strickland says. "They don't believe it yet, and the actions today may feed into that."
In the mayor's letter, he also writes about concerns over the Mayor Pro-tem. "First, is it appropriate for the MAyor Pro-tem to hold an executive and legislative position at the same time. SHould the citizens in a special election vote for a Mayor and your vacant Council Seat? We need answers? An immediate friendly lawsuit may be necessary," the mayor writes.
Councilman Strickland, who is an attorney wonders if there is any such thing as a "friendly" lawsuit. "And I'm not sure that statement was made as a friendly gesture either," he says.
There has been some talk among members of the council that they would vote to declare the Office of the Mayor vacant as of Friday because of Herenton's original resignation letter.
Late Monday, Herenton released yet another letter stating, "This correspondence serves as official notice that I am rescinding my June 25, 2009 notice of and ensuing date of retirement as Mayor of the City of Memphis. All other notices and correspondence heretofore are hereby rescinded."
The last line of that letter caused some confusion. By rescinding "all other notices and correspondence heretofore," it would be reasonable to assume that would include all letters regarding the topic sent before the final letter. However, Herenton's spokesperson clarified the release, saying the letter stating the July 30th retirement date still stands.
This could take another turn tomorrow when the council meets, so stay tuned.
