SHELBY COUNTY, TN – Shelby County finally has a new mayor. Commissioner Joe Ford got the minimum of seven votes needed to serve the remainder of now Memphis Mayor AC Wharton’s term. The vote comes one week after commissioners walked away deadlocked after 24 rounds of voting. It only took two rounds of voting. Shelby County Commissioners Henri Brooks and James Harvey who consistently voted for J.W. Gibson had a change of heart. Harvey tells myEyewitnessNews.com his vote was a business decision. “I found it only fair to end this process and move forward so we can get to the business of the county.” Brooks says the people she represents want to see Ford as the next county mayor. “They emailed me, they called me with their input and I appreciate that.”
After being chosen as county mayor, Joe Ford addressed what he called personal attacks by the media. In November 2009, we uncovered Ford owes fellow Shelby County Commissioner Deidre Malone $10,000. Questions have also surfaced concerning Ford’s residency; stuff he says is not true and will not impact his ability to lead Shelby County. “I have been attacked over the past ten days. My personal life has come out, but I learned a long time ago you can believe little that you see on TV and about nothing you read in the newspaper. I am a good guy. I am a taxpayer. I will move forward, I will keep you informed and I ask for your participation over the next 9 ½ months. I will lead this county and I will lead you well.”
Ford says he will form 7 task forces. The groups will consist of at least 2 commissioners and these committees will find money and ways to improve areas like Public Works, the Division of Health Services, and The Med. Joe Ford will take office December 10, 2009. His term will end August 31, 2010. Joe Ford says he will not seek re-election.
