Fast Facts:
(MEMPHIS, TN) 7/15/09--- Even in the shade, the heat was like a baseball bat, slowly but surely beating even the strongest person into submission. Perspiration was worn like a badge of courage. We were waiting for AC, and we're not talking about air conditioning.
Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton pulled up to the loading docks of the Memphis Food Bank about 25 minutes late. He was wearing a shirt/tie and a double breasted suit. Sweat wouldn't dare come near A C Wharton. Some have referred to him as one of the best dressed mayors in America. "I'm just like a Timex watch," he said. "I take a licking and keep on ticking."
Wharton wants to be the Mayor of Memphis. He is one of a large group of people who are or who are considering running for mayor in the special election. "I'm troubled by the size of the field," Wharton said. "I mean, a candidate who had the biggest family or the most friends could end up winning this election, and I don't think that would be in the best interests of the citizens of Memphis." Wharton says he wants to meet with those who are running to talk about ideas. "There's a distinct difference between talking with them and telling them I think they should drop out," he said. "I mean, who am I to do that? I ain't done it and won't do it."
Shelby County Commissioner Sidney Chism has said that a big field would hurt Wharton's chances of being city mayor. "I mean AC"s a nice guy and all," Chism said, "...but all those candidates have a solid core of supporters. And every vote for them is a vote that AC won't get," Chism said.
It didn't take long for other candidates to respond. Former Memphis City Councilwoman Carol Chumney, who was a candidate for Mayor in 2007 says "the crowded field shows that no one candidate has a lock on this election." Chumney released a written statement saying "obviously Wharton is worried because after seven years as County Mayor in public office, he knows he doesn't have a mandate of the people in this election."
City Councilman Jim Strickland is thinking about running. Strickland says as far as he's concerned there's no such thing as too big a field. "Everyone is welcome," Strickland said. As far as him making a decision, Strickland said "I've still got a couple of weeks to make my decision."
For Mayor Wharton, it's been a week of criticism. He didn't go to the first candidates forum because he said it was too early to start campaigning. "I"ve got a county to run," Wharton said. And when asked if he's concerned about so many candidates why doesn't he drop out, Wharton responded quickly. "I'm the best candidate," he said. When told that every candidate thinks they're the best candidate, Wharton said, "well that's why we're going to have an election in October."
- Special election for city mayor will be held in October
- County Mayor A C Wharton concerned about number of candidates
- Candidate Carol Chumney and others say size of field no factor to them
(MEMPHIS, TN) 7/15/09--- Even in the shade, the heat was like a baseball bat, slowly but surely beating even the strongest person into submission. Perspiration was worn like a badge of courage. We were waiting for AC, and we're not talking about air conditioning.
Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton pulled up to the loading docks of the Memphis Food Bank about 25 minutes late. He was wearing a shirt/tie and a double breasted suit. Sweat wouldn't dare come near A C Wharton. Some have referred to him as one of the best dressed mayors in America. "I'm just like a Timex watch," he said. "I take a licking and keep on ticking."
Wharton wants to be the Mayor of Memphis. He is one of a large group of people who are or who are considering running for mayor in the special election. "I'm troubled by the size of the field," Wharton said. "I mean, a candidate who had the biggest family or the most friends could end up winning this election, and I don't think that would be in the best interests of the citizens of Memphis." Wharton says he wants to meet with those who are running to talk about ideas. "There's a distinct difference between talking with them and telling them I think they should drop out," he said. "I mean, who am I to do that? I ain't done it and won't do it."
Shelby County Commissioner Sidney Chism has said that a big field would hurt Wharton's chances of being city mayor. "I mean AC"s a nice guy and all," Chism said, "...but all those candidates have a solid core of supporters. And every vote for them is a vote that AC won't get," Chism said.
It didn't take long for other candidates to respond. Former Memphis City Councilwoman Carol Chumney, who was a candidate for Mayor in 2007 says "the crowded field shows that no one candidate has a lock on this election." Chumney released a written statement saying "obviously Wharton is worried because after seven years as County Mayor in public office, he knows he doesn't have a mandate of the people in this election."
City Councilman Jim Strickland is thinking about running. Strickland says as far as he's concerned there's no such thing as too big a field. "Everyone is welcome," Strickland said. As far as him making a decision, Strickland said "I've still got a couple of weeks to make my decision."
For Mayor Wharton, it's been a week of criticism. He didn't go to the first candidates forum because he said it was too early to start campaigning. "I"ve got a county to run," Wharton said. And when asked if he's concerned about so many candidates why doesn't he drop out, Wharton responded quickly. "I'm the best candidate," he said. When told that every candidate thinks they're the best candidate, Wharton said, "well that's why we're going to have an election in October."
