MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Earlier this week, I told you how tired I am of the contentious back and forth between Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert and County Mayor Lee Harris. Well today, I will add to that weariness with another political squabble between city council chairman Martavius Jones and Memphis mayor Jim Strickland.
Both men are refusing to give in on the all-important decision of who should be the next president and CEO of Memphis Light Gas and Water. For the second straight week, Jones navigated the removal of Strickland’s pick for the job from a council committee agenda. And the reason is, Jones wants a national search to replace J.T. Young, who is leaving MLGW for another utility at the end of the month.
Never mind that Strickland has said emphatically that current chief operating officer Doug McGowan is his choice for the job – and he will not conduct a costly and time-consuming national search.
And there is nothing Jones can do to force a search. He’s merely delaying the inevitable.
So here’s what should happen. Other members should exercise their power under council rules to get McGowan’s appointment onto the agenda for an up or down vote. If he’s rejected, so be it. And if he’s approved, that’s the end of it.
Either way, we already have enough political drama going on in county government. It’s time to make the main thing – the main thing.