MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Mayor Paul Young said he intends to reappoint interim Chief C.J. Davis, even after a motion to do renew her contract failed in January.
However, some city council members appear to still disagree on what's next.
We called, texted and emailed all 13 city council members to see where their vote or position stands nearly five months later.
Of the 13, four got back to us, and based on some of the answers, not much has changed.
Councilwoman Dr. Michalyn Easter-Thomas voted yes back in January and said the following Thursday:
“I am one to tell say how I will vote. I will say tune into the Memphis City Council and see how we discuss and how we vote. I would hope that we have a very robust discussion about what we wanted to see back in January and the difference we have now.”
The council asked Davis to engage more with the community and increase transparency.
Councilwoman Jerri Green voted no in January, and now, months later, says the following:
“I know things haven’t changed for me. I can only speak for myself that I still see crime as a top issue and something that I’m not sure we are improving on or that we have a clear plan and path to improve on.”
Councilwoman Pearl Walker who voted to keep Davis said she "supports the mayor’s choice.”
Councilman Ford Canale, not answering directly, he’s focused on passing a “balanced budget” at the moment.
Some Memphians who met with the interim chief told me they appreciate her increased involvement in the community, but they still have questions.
"I am greatly appreciative that she has been more so involved in the community, been more so hands-on as far as listening to more progressive solutions," community organizer Richard Massey said. "The fact of the matter is actions matter more than words. What has CJ Davis done during her tenor to ensure transparency to ensure that we’ve turned a page on a chapter of fundamentally unjust policing here in Memphis?”