MEMPHIS, TN - Joe Ford says he is ready to be the Shelby County mayor. But Ford says when he becomes mayor it won’t be business as usual. Ford says, “I’m going to be honest and be the same Joe Ford...my style is going to be different than other politicians.”
Ford is creating nine task forces. The groups will look at everything from The Regional Medical Center to Education. There will even be a mayoral task force. Ford plans to meet with suburban mayors. Ford says, “It won’t consist of consolidation. I want to maKe that clear. We are going to get together and talk about the needs for the citizens of Shelby County.”
Ford says, “I am a nice guy. I am going to make the next nine months work. We are going to balance a budget and there won’t be a tax increase.” Ford says he will be approachable and do the best job he knows how to do.
When Ford steps down as commissioner, the remaining commissioners will have to pick his replacement. Ford’s son Justin is interested in the commission seat. Ford says he would like to have his son follow in his footsteps, however it will be up to the commission to make the appointment.
