From September 2009 to August 2010, the Charter Commission's 15 members from throughout Shelby County reinvented government as we know it. The result of their historic work is a charter that creates the high-performing government that we need as we address the challenges that face us. It has the strongest ethics rules in Tennessee, it eliminates duplication and red tape, it is efficient and effective, it streamlines government operations, and it is organized to create jobs and expand our economy.

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Opposition Campaign Event Held in County School

Commercial Appeal editorial: For one thing, those who have already made up their minds on the issue and are simply plotting how to make sure their side prevails should agree not to conduct strategy sessions in public buildings. Throwing someone out of a strategy session because they have spoken out in favor of one position or another can be an awkward and embarrassing affair if the meeting is being held in a building that was paid for in part by the person who is getting the boot.

Commercial Appeal's Otis Sanford: Charter deserves careful study, not knee-jerk response

Supporters know their effort can't be won just with familiar faces and 30-second commercials. They intend to spend as much time as possible in public meetings and one-on-one talks explaining the long-term economic value of combining city and county government. And they are encouraging all voters to ignore the naysaying from elected officials, city or suburban, and read the proposed charter for themselves. Voters have a duty to decide this issue based on accurate information and a careful study of the proposal -- not on mistrust and ignorance.

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Read Before You React

As Dr. King said in his letter from the Birmingham jail, "We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.  Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly." These ...   Read More >

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