Step down, Clerk Halbert
Today I am renewing my call for Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert to step down.
We’ve discussed problems in the Clerk’s office multiple times in this newsletter, but the issues are coming to a head once again. Citizen complaints are increasing, and old issues that have faded from public view will come roaring back in the coming days.
As I proposed back in March, Clerk Halbert should do everyone a favor and leave now, while she can still do so on her own terms.
The next Clerk election
Unless there is a special election to fill a vacancy in the County Clerk’s office, the only countywide seat on the ballot next year will be General Sessions Court Clerk.
This is important — as of today, only one candidate has pulled a petition, incumbent Democrat Joe Brown, who previously served 5 terms as a Memphis City Councilman.
Republicans would be wise to field and support a candidate for this office, which maintains the court’s records and could play a larger role in sharing information with the public, helping us get to the bottom of the court’s repeat offender problem.
Aspiring candidates can pull a petition from the Shelby County Election Commission. The deadline to qualify is December 14 — just six weeks from today.
Beer board vacancies
If running for political office isn’t your calling, perhaps you might be interested in serving the county another way.
We could use your help on the Shelby County beer board, which currently has multiple vacancies. Members can live anywhere in the county. Send me an email or direct message to request an application.
Upcoming public meetings
November 8 – Standing committees, 8:30 a.m.
November 13 – Commission meeting, 3 p.m.
November 29 – Standing committees, 8:30 a.m.
December 4 – Commission meeting, 3 p.m.
Book club
This month I am reading Social Justice Fallacies, by Thomas Sowell
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