Memphis Voters Face Tough Choices in November Election
As the November election approaches, Memphis voters are gearing up for a ballot packed with some pretty hot-button issues. It’s shaping up to be an exciting time for residents, as the decisions they make could significantly impact the city’s leadership and finances.
Mayor’s Veto Sparks Controversy
This election season got off to a fiery start when Mayor Paul Young used his veto power for the first time on a referendum that is now making waves through the community. The referendum in question, known as Referendum Ordinance 5893, asks whether the city council should take over the decision-making process for the salaries of the mayor, city council members, chief administrative officer, and various department heads. It appears that a bit of a tussle is unfolding around who should hold the purse strings when it comes to payroll in Memphis City Government.
City Councilman Dr. Jeff Warren did not mince words when he expressed his opinion about the referendum, saying, “It sounds to me like it’s rife for politics.” He believes that the city council should not be the ones determining salaries for high-level executives, stating, “I don’t think we should be involved in trying to negotiate salaries for people that are coming in to help us run our city.” Councilman Warren argues that such decisions should fall within the mayor’s jurisdiction and be guided by the budget process.
City Council Overrides Veto
Despite Mayor Young’s veto, the city council has decided to push forward and put this referendum on the November ballot. This didn’t happen without a bit of debate, as the council originally aimed to place the referendum on the August ballot but later opted to delay. However, the council’s inclination to override the mayor’s veto has left some community members divided.
Former city council chairman Martavius Jones, who sponsored the original ordinance, defended the measure, saying, “You don’t want a division director making more than the mayor.” His point is that salaries are budgetary items, and given that the council oversees the city’s finances, it only makes sense that they have a say in this matter.
Residency Requirements for Mayoral Candidates
But that’s not all — voters will also be faced with another referendum regarding residency requirements for mayoral candidates. Specifically, Referendum Ordinance 5913 would require that candidates live in Memphis for at least two years before they can run for office. This comes on the heels of lawsuits that challenged the eligibility of candidates like former NAACP president Van Turner, who moved to Memphis shortly before his candidacy.
Councilman Warren firmly stands against this referendum as well, explaining that it could limit the potential pool of candidates and restrict their options. “It’s important to have diverse voices in our leadership,” he added.
Run-Off Elections on the Table
Add to the mix yet another referendum, Ordinance 5884, which questions whether there should be a run-off election for the mayor between the top two candidates. Councilman Warren voiced his disapproval of this idea too, stating that the turnout in run-off elections tends to be dismal. “A handful of Memphians should not decide the outcome of the mayoral election,” he remarked, stressing the importance of broad participation in the democratic process.
However, former Council Chairman Jones doesn’t see eye to eye with Warren. He believes that the financial implications shouldn’t dictate whether voters get a say in a run-off election, proclaiming, “We don’t put a price tag on democracy.”
The Path Forward
With these vital issues on the table, Memphis voters are poised to make decisions that could shape their city’s future. If they approve the referendum allowing the city council to set their salaries, any pay increase would take effect only after the next council is sworn in. The road ahead certainly promises to be an engaging one as residents navigate these contentious topics in their upcoming election.
