Recently I received an issue of the Downtown Neighborhood Association newsletter. On the front page was an editorial by the association’s president, saying that this is an extremely important election for mayor, and to please keep in mind which candidate will do the most for Downtown. “As Downtown goes, so goes the rest of the city,” the editorial read.
No names were mentioned, but to me it seemed like a suggestion to vote for Mayor Herenton. I’ll admit that in the past, Willie has played a big role in Downtown’s revitalization. In 2003, I was happy to vote for him.
But not so in 2007. Crime is out of control all over the city. Memphis recently ranked #1 in a list of cities with the highest number of violent crimes per capita. I have friends in other parts of the city – Cooper-Young, Chickasaw Gardens – who have been the victims of home invasions. The U of M recently mourned as one of its football players was shot to death at Central and Zach Curlin. Carjackings occur all over the city. Now, it’s true that Downtown is still the safest neighborhood in Memphis – but that crime wave will eventually find its way down here as well. It actually did in 2006 – several people I know where knocked out from behind and robbed. Things are a little better this year, but that’s certainly no thanks to Mayor Herenton, who spent most of last year training for a celebrity boxing match.
Even in Downtown itself, there are signs that Willie isn’t doing a good job. Cafe Francisco had to close because of the uncertain nature of the Pinch neighborhood over the past three years. Why is the Pinch in limbo? Because Herenton is either unable or unwilling to get something done regarding future plans for the Pyramid.
Panhandlers have free run all over Downtown. They harass passersby in Court Square, on the Main Street Mall, in parking lots near Beale Street. It would be an easy problem to clean up – all we need is for cops to get out of their cars and walk around. That would happen if Director Godwin ordered his officers to do just that. Which would happen if Godwin’s boss the mayor requested it. But there has been no such request. Herman Morris has said he will order the officers to get out of their cars and interface with the community to a much greater extent.
Herenton’s behavior has also been embarrassing and downright racist. He called his opponent Morris “boy” and suggested that African-Americans who don’t vote to re-elect the mayor are “house Negroes.” That kind of talk is completely unacceptable in 2007, no matter whether the person saying it is black or white. It perpetuates the racial divide in the city, sets the wrong example for our youth, and makes Memphis look horrible to outsiders looking in.
For the good of Downtown and all the city, it’s time for Willie to go. Either of his major opponents, Herman Morris or Carol Chumney, would make an excellent choice for mayor. I personally prefer Morris because of his leadership during “Hurricane Elvis,” his quiet but effective manner, and his ability to build consensus. But whether it’s Morris or Chumney, I hope the city wakes up in the morning to learn that the votes have been counted and a new era is upon us.