MEMPHIS, Tenn. — If you don't understand how closing all the clerk's offices for two weeks is going to help them catch up on anything, you're not alone.
Will people just stop buying cars in those two weeks? Or needing their cars registered? And what about the many other things Clerk Wanda Halbert is responsible for?
The clerk's website says the clerk collects liquor by the drink taxes, issues notary public commissions, sells business licenses, swears-in sheriff deputies, and issues everything from marriage licenses to disability placards. That's in addition to plate renewals and new business applications.
Halbert says she needs those two weeks to perform "critically outstanding services." We assume that means backlogs in those other duties I mentioned.
The Tennessee Comptroller's Office said Thursday closing offices for two weeks is "unusual", telling The Daily Memphian it's investigated her claims of fraud, waste, and abuse and found no evidence of any. It also says it will look into intervening at the bipartisan request of the Shelby County Commission.
My question is: What are they waiting for? The state should have gotten involved months ago.