Politics

MCS hosting meeting on special school districts

Submitted by Jeramia Trotter, WMCTV.com

Monday, November 15th, 2010, 1:24pm

On Thursday, Nov. 18 at 5 p.m., the Memphis City Schools Board of Commissioners will host a special school district public information session at the board auditorium located at 2597 Avery Ave.

During the session, the board will present the findings of a University of Memphis Special School District Impact Study, which was commissioned by Memphis City Schools and Shelby County Schools in 2008. This study outlines the financial implications a special school district would have for the citizens of Memphis and Shelby County.

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Sharpton joins union to oppose consolidation

Submitted by Jeramia Trotter, WMCTV.com

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010, 10:43am

Rev. Al Sharpton will appear at a union rally Thursday and ask voters to reject the proposed consolidation of Memphis city and Shelby County governments.

“Next Tuesday, election day, there is a measure on the ballot that does not serve the needs of this community and threatens your right to have a say in your future,” said AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer Lee Saunders in a written statement.

Sharpton, union leaders and members of the local chapter of the National Action Network will meet at the AFSFCME headquarters, 485 Beale St., at 10:30 a.m.

Photo courtesy Flickr user Andrew Aliferis.

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Wharton launches campaign to end blight

Submitted by Jeramia Trotter, WMCTV.com

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010, 8:56am

A C Wharton plans to celebrate a year in the mayor’s office by attacking dilapidated properties in the city.

Here’s the press release just came into the Action News 5 newsroom:

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton, Jr. will mark his first year in office by personally filing 135 lawsuits against blighted property owners under the Neighborhood Preservation Act today (Wednesday) at 11:30 a.m.

Action News 5 will have more on Wharton's new plan after his news conference.

Do you think suing property owners will help get blighted properties cleaned up? Leave us a comment and let us know.

Photo courtesy Flickr user Editor B.

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Wharton goes online to explain school funding

Submitted by Jeramia Trotter, WMCTV.com

Friday, October 1st, 2010, 10:38am

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton posted a pair of videos online Thursday night about the ongoing battle between the city and Memphis City Schools.

The first video, according to Wharton, explains "the origins of the dispute" between the two. The second video explains "the ramifications of the Memphis City Council's 2008 decision to pull their funding from Memphis City Schools on our property tax rate."

How Did We Get Here? from Mayor Wharton on Vimeo.

Property Tax Pennies from Mayor Wharton on Vimeo.

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City council approves Midtown Overlay

Submitted by Jeramia Trotter, WMCTV.com

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010, 2:42pm

Sparks flew during a recent battle over the redevelopment of Overton Square, but the Memphis City Council hopes a new series of planning rules will help prevent any future fights.

The council unanimously approved the Midtown Overlay Tuesday night. By requiring denser development and ensuring that new buildings are built closer to sidewalks, supporters say the plan will encourage commercial development that fits with the neighborhood’s character. Supporters also say the overlay will make Midtown more pedestrian friendly, and minimize the visibility of parking lots from the street.

“Before, you had uncertainty on both sides,” said Councilman Shea Flinn. “This puts all the cards on the table on the front end.”

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School funding, city budget on docket for town hall meeting

Submitted by Jeramia Trotter, WMCTV.com

Monday, September 27th, 2010, 10:57am

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton is hosting a virtual town hall meeting Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. on a pair of hot button topics.

Wharton will discuss both the city and budget and how the city plans to fund Memphis City Schools.

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Update: Mayor introduces Memphis’ new biking, walking ambassador

Submitted by Jeramia Trotter, WMCTV.com

Monday, September 20th, 2010, 3:54pm

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton introduced the city’s new Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator Kyle Wagenschutz Monday night at Otherlands Cafe.

Here's a quote from the "LampLighter":

"The new joint city/MPO employee, Kyle Wagenschutz, is a familiar face to us in Cooper Young, as he has been director of Revolutions Community Bicycle Shop, located at First Congo here in the neighborhood."

Click here to read the full story about the meeting.

Photo courtesy Flickr user Wha'ppen.

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