Yesterday I was surfing the Memphis Flyer’s site and noticed an article saying that former Shelby County mayor Bill Morris may be running for mayor of Memphis. That really surprised me. “Isn’t Bill Morris retired?” I thought to myself. “He hasn’t been involved in politics for 12 years. And I thought he and Mayor Herenton are friends – why would he run against the mayor?”
Well, after reading Thaddeus Matthews this morning, it makes more sense. Thad speculates that Morris is in the race at the invitation of King Willie, in an attempt to split the opposition vote enough ways to allow Willie to retain his mayor’s office. It’s speculation but it makes a lot of sense to me. Morris is well-liked and respected and would take a lot of votes away from Carol Chumney, Herman Morris and the other candidates.
I haven’t figured out who I’ll support for mayor… but it won’t be King Willie and it won’t be Bill Morris. Willie has done a lot for downtown but lately it seems like he’s more interested in doing for himself and his friends. It’s time for him to go.