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WEB EXTRA: Local 24 News’ Mike Matthews – Preposterous political ponderings by a “TV geezer”

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – When this month ends, I will be 65 years old. I guess I’m not a kid anymore. We all have plans, plans that chang...
Mike Matthews

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – When this month ends, I will be 65 years old. Iguess I’m not a kid anymore.

We all have plans, plans that change all through life.

I wanted to be in politics when I was in my 20s. I wanted to servethe public.

Now I serve the public in my own way, and thank heavens I’m not inpolitics.

Memphis has a shortage of young people who want to be publicservants. I mean, one of the leading candidates for Mayor of Memphis turned 79-years-oldin April.

I have met a few who really want to make a difference. Most that Ihave met want to be in politics because they like the idea of being famous, orinfamous.

I have seen that, and it is almost understandable.

Consider this.

Incumbent Mayor Jim Strickland has raised almost $1-million forhis re-election campaign. Almost $1-million dollars for a job with a salary of$170.000 a year.

It is a difficult job, with a few perks and a good salary for thevast majority of people in this city.

But would you spend close to a million to get a job that pays $170,000?It doesn’t make sense.

We have seen city council candidates spending tens of thousands ofdollars for a part-time job. The same goes for Shelby County Commissioners.

I know for a fact that for many, they are in this business for themoney.

You know who gets left out in the cold? You do. You don’t payenough.

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