Happy New Year 2024
The New Year has arrived, and it’s also the one year anniversary of this newsletter. Thanks for letting me share a view from county government with you each month.
The Board of Commissioners has not changed, but a new Memphis City government was sworn in today. That brings new opportunities and challenges. Keep praying.
Criminal Court concerns
I made another visit to 201 Poplar this month, and I found the same thing happening there as last time: absolutely nothing. Cobwebs and tumbleweeds.
There are very few trials being held and a growing backlog of cases in our Criminal Courts. I’m ringing all the bells and alarms because something’s got to change.
There is too much violent crime in Memphis and Shelby County for there to be such little activity in our courts. Public safety demands a new approach. No excuses.
County Clerk investigation
This month we received an update on the investigation into County Clerk Wanda Halbert, a process that could result in her ouster from public office.
The update had been requested by resolution of the Shelby County Board of Commissioners.
In her letter, District Attorney General Coty Wamp shared that her office has had trouble with public records requests, reaching witnesses, and had not received a “written formal complaint.”
So, I spent my Christmas break composing one. My written complaint spans 20 pages and includes 52 footnotes, provides 25 witness recommendations and lists 20 examples of Clerk Halbert’s willful neglect. You can read it here.
Upcoming meetings
Jan 3 – Standing committees, 8:30 a.m.
Jan 8 – Commission meeting, 3 p.m.
Jan 17 – Standing committees, 8:30 a.m.
Jan 22 – Commission meeting, 3 p.m.
Jan 31 – Standing committees, 8:30 a.m.
Book of the month
This month I am reading Richer, Wiser, Happier by William Green
Stay in touch
If you have a question or concern, email me at mick.wright@shelbycountytn.gov.
You can speak with the Commission office by calling 901-222-1000.
I welcome your feedback on Facebook @CommissionerMickWright and X @mickwright.
Thanks for reading.
Mick Wright
Shelby County Commission – District 3