Category: Updates from the Shelby County Commission

In this issue

• Better bail data
• Judge Anderson strikes again
• Emergency jail repairs
• Supporting Dr. Feagins

Better bail data

One year ago, an initial round of bail hearing data was released by the Judicial Commissioner program and General Sessions Court.

The report looked at case outcomes before and after the Standing Bail Order went into effect.

But a faulty configuration within the report led to the conclusion that the rearrest rate had fallen as a result of reforms to the court’s bail-setting process.

In this issue

• Introducing the District Connectors
• Remembering Eliza Fletcher
• Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Lakeland Schools
• Visiting the Traveling Wall

Introducing the District Connectors

The District Connector Program is a new initiative launched by Shelby County’s Division of Community Services. Agents operating in each of the county’s 13 commission districts are working to better support citizens in need.

Election Day

It’s Election Day, and there’s an important countywide contest on the ballot.

More about that below, but first — if you did not vote early, please vote today.

Voting is 7am to 7pm. Find your polling place at https://tnmap.tn.gov/voterlookup/.

Tell a friend.

Bringing the heat

Summer has arrived, and with it warmer temperatures. But campaign season is also heating up. The presumptive U.S. Presidential nominees just held their first debate, and soon the national conventions will take place.

There’s plenty cooking in Shelby County, too. Early voting begins this month. The first day to cast your ballot is Friday, July 12. Don’t wait until November to vote. For more information about the August 1 election, visit electionsshelbytn.gov.

The Shelby GOP Lincoln Day Gala was held last week at the Memphis Hilton, where I enjoyed the safest seat in the room. My thanks to Chief Jeff Cox and the Bartlett Police Department leadership team for joining me. They drew heat recently from one of the dumbest advocacy groups on the planet. Needless to say, I back BPD.

Supporting first responders

Last year, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office partnered with county commissioners to reserve a portion of their budget for public safety initiatives in each district.

For District 3, this program covered the cost of emergency equipment needed in the event of severe weather episodes and resulting power outages, such as the storm that disrupted 120,000 MLGW customers one year ago.

The resolution I sponsored was approved back in October, but the equipment has just recently been delivered.

I’m thankful for everyone who came together to put this technology in place — Sheriff Bonner, the Board of Commissioners, Mayor Harris, Mayor Parsons, Chief Cox, Chief Gately, and the many members of their teams who made it happen. This will result in lives saved.