Category: Updates from the Shelby County Commission

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Updates from the Shelby County Commission

Right on the Bluff: January 2023

The new year

Happy New Year! This is one of my favorite weeks on the calendar because it gives us an excuse to wipe the slate clean, make resolutions, set goals, try new things, and dream big. Whatever you have in mind to do this year, I pray for many blessings over your plans.

One goal I have this year is to improve my communication with constituents. This newsletter will be a new way to share what’s going on in our community, and to highlight some of what’s being discussed at the Shelby County Commission.

The Daily Memphian is out with a story today on what officials in Bartlett and Lakeland expect from 2023. The article kicks off with some of my reflections on the biggest local developments in politics, economics, infrastructure, public safety and education.

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Updates from the Shelby County Commission

Education and race

Update: The county’s resolution was returned to the floor for reconsideration on June 7. Commissioner Mills and I voted no.

My no vote was for the sake of simplicity, because I don’t think most citizens are aware of the board’s public discussions, the amendment I made, or my summary and explanation of both (as follows in its original form below).

I remain opposed to the 14 concepts condemned by both the state and the county. And I am still hopeful that the state will wisely consider the implementation of this law.

The state should equip teachers with whatever is needed to confidently present a full and complete account of history, and it should provide students with access to a wide array of instructional materials containing both positive and negative concepts, and positive and negative historical events, that are essential to a robust education.

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Updates from the Shelby County Commission

Questions about the proposed Board of Health

Shelby County government is seeking to re-institute a Board of Health that was abolished in 1911.

The first question that comes to mind is the most obvious one: After 109 years, does Shelby County really need a board of health?

The answers to that question have varied, the board and its powers have been described in different ways, and the proposal has gone through multiple drafts.

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Updates from the Shelby County Commission

Back to Business, balancing the budget

It’s another meeting day for the Shelby County Commission, and we have a couple of important items on the agenda.

Before we get into that, let’s check in on the coronavirus situation.

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Updates from the Shelby County Commission

Safer At Home

Shelby County leaders have joined a unified effort to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Here is what’s happening around the county.

Safer At Home. Memphis, Shelby County and each of its municipalities have issued Safer At Home orders asking residents to limit movement and to avoid congregating.

Coronavirus fatality. Shelby County reported its first COVID-19 death.

Coronavirus testing. The number tested locally (2,218) was reported for the first time, showing a qualified 10% positivity rate.

Economic turmoil. In addition to the immediate health impact, the outbreak has dealt devastating blows to the national and local economy.

Online meetings. The County Commission plans to meet electronically through the month of May.

Voting machines. The Shelby County Election Commission will meet electronically on Wednesday to select a new voting system.