MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis City council members made the correct decision Tuesday when they delayed approving the appointment of Calvin Williams as deputy clerk in the city court clerk’s office.
Some council members need more time to determine if they are comfortable with promoting Williams to a senior level position – given his past criminal conviction on federal bribery and extortion charges.
And no, I am not saying Williams should be automatically rejected for the job. There is, after all, such a thing as redemption. Besides, Williams has been working in the clerk’s office for some time – and once served as interim chief clerk under former clerk Kay Robilio.
After Myron Lowery was elected in 2019, he kept Williams in the office and now wants him in a higher position. But under the city charter, the council must approve the appointment – and it is not unfair for members who are unfamiliar with Williams’ past to want to look into it further.
Williams was the chief administrator for the Shelby County Commission in 2007 when he was charged and convicted of accepting a $1,500 bribe. He was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison.
But all that is in the past and Williams should not continue to be penalized. Still, working in government – whether elected or appointed -- requires public trust. So council members, take your time to determine if Williams has earned it.