MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Jim Strickland is only about seven and a half months into his second and final term as Mayor of Memphis. But unlike his first go around – when he enjoyed relatively smooth sailing with the city council – this time, things are a bit rockier. Case in point, the council recently dealt the mayor a tremendous blow over residency rules for public safety employees.
A seven-member council majority voted to remove a referendum on residency from the November ballot. It would have asked voters to allow police and fire fighters to live within a 50-minute radius of Memphis – rather than the current requirement to live in Shelby County.
In addition, Strickland and some council members are now at odds over an increased presence of federal law enforcement officers in the city – under Operation LeGend. That’s the Justice Department initiative to help local police fight violent crime – including gang violence. Strickland favors it – with conditions. But some council members think it’s a bad idea – given the ongoing debate over police reform.
At least five council members are sponsoring a resolution opposing Operation LeGend in Memphis. That resolution is expected to be discussed before the council tomorrow.
These verbal skirmishes, while newsworthy, are not all bad. The council should not be a rubber stamp for any mayor. And differences should be expected – just as long as the public’s interest is put – front and center. And that’s my point of view. I’m Otis Sanford, for Local 24 News.