In this issue
- Memphis Safe Task Force
- School board accountability
- Collaborative efforts
Memphis Safe Task Force
On September 15, Tennessee’s Governor and both of our U.S. Senators joined cabinet members and other federal officials at the White House as the President signed a memorandum “Restoring Law and Order in Memphis.”
The memo established the Memphis Safe Task Force, a joint operation pulling together more than a dozen agencies to combat violent crime.
The reaction from state and local officials has been mixed, but I was proud to join the Republican Party of Shelby County for a rally to welcome the help. And on the county commission, we defeated two resolutions drafted to oppose the arrival of federal resources.
The early results of the task force have been remarkable. Here’s one report:
“Although crime was already steadily trending down before MSTF arrived, the declines have accelerated in the past month. Murders are down 40% compared to the same time last year, aggravated assaults are down 47% and motor vehicle thefts are down 71%, according to the city’s dashboard.”
Even better, officials are focused on making these changes “permanent.”
School board accountability
After some twists and turns, a simple majority on the Shelby County Board of Commissioners approved the implementation of a new state law allowing us to synchronize the county school board elections with our own.
The resolution was vetoed by Mayor Lee Harris, but the same majority plus one provided the votes necessary to override the veto.
That means all 9 MSCS board seats will be on the ballot in August 2026 (preceded by a primary election in May).
In addition, the board passed an ordinance to amend the Shelby County Charter so that members of the MSCS board can be recalled. The charter amendment must be approved by voters in a referendum next year. A change to state law is also required, and legislation has already been introduced for the next General Assembly session.
All together, we will have added term limits, synchronized elections, and extended recall as accountability measures for the MSCS board. And a $6 million state-directed forensic audit of the district is also underway.
Collaborative efforts
I love it when municipal governments step up to assist the county in strategic ways.
In Lakeland, officials have entered into a MOU with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office to provide a worksite. The office space will serve as a headquarters for SCSO resource officers and provide a base of operations. The Shelby County Board of Commissioners recently approved the agreement by way of a resolution I sponsored.
That same meeting (10/6), the board also approved another resolution I sponsored, this one approving a four-year lease agreement allowing the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office to use 10,000 square feet of jail space in Millington. This will help relieve overcrowding at the county jail in Memphis.
I appreciate all of the county and municipal leaders who take a collaborative approach to government. We will work around elected officials who don’t share that mindset.
In the media
9/18: CA: Memphis Republicans support national guard deployment
10/9: WKNO: Behind the Headlines
10/27: KWAM 990: Restoring hope in Shelby County
Upcoming meetings
Nov 12 — Standing Committees, 8:30 a.m.
Nov 17 — Commission meeting, 3 p.m.
Dec 10 — Standing Committees, 8:30 a.m.
Dec 15 — Commission meeting, 3 p.m.
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