- FAST FACTS:
- Several City Hall Staffers Receive Letter
- Letter Thanks Them for Service to The City
- Letter Says Friday Would be Their Last Day
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(MEMPHIS October 23, 2009 8:22 PM) -- Several Memphis City Hall staffers packed up their things Friday afternoon, after they received letters stating their services were no longer needed, and this would be their last day on the job.
The letters were sent from the Human Resources Department to several members of the Mayoral Executive Staff.
All of the positions involved are appointed positions. Some of the employees who received the letters were not surprised. They only expected to serve during Mayor Pro-Tem Myron Lowery's time in office.
Others, who had served for many years during the Dr. Willie Herenton Administration, were disappointed, saying they would have liked the opportunity to provide service to A C Wharton starting Monday.
Wharton's spokesperson said what happened Friday is as "standard as it comes." He said the new mayor will create a new team that includes some current employees, some of Wharton's staffers from the county, and some new faces.
The spokesperson said the staffers will create a "young, progressive team with the same vision as the mayor."
Mayor Pro Tem Myron Lowery said he and Mayor-Elect Wharton are working to find new positions in city government for the employees who received the letters. Those workers told us they were offered positions in the Library Department, but those jobs come with less pay.
Lowery said the workers are being treated with dignity and respect. "The Mayor-Elect he has the right and the obligation to bring in people he supports and trusts, and I support his right to do so."
Lowery was asked how Wharton could make a directive on staff changes, even though he won't be sworn in until Monday.
"I am answering this, and I am not beating around the bush. You need to listen to me. You need to listen to me," Lowery said to a group of reporters. "Mayor Wharton has not fired anyone. Mayor Lowery has not fired anyone."
Instead Lowery said the letters were sent out after someone from Wharton's office had a conversation with the City Director of Human Resources. "That took on a life of its own, and letters were sent out," Lowery said.
Political insiders also say it's not unusual for staff changes to begin before a newly elected official gets sworn-in, in fact it's expected.
