History in the making
It was my pleasure to recognize Monique Williams as the Black History Month honoree for District 3. She is the first African American to serve on the board of Bartlett Mayor and Aldermen; a serial entrepreneur; and a servant leader in our community.
Congrats, Chef Mo!
Meeting the judges
What is happening in our criminal courts? Why are so few trials being conducted? What is being done about the growing trial backlog, and why is it taking so long to deliver justice in Shelby County?
Recently the Criminal Court judges invited me to meet with them and to hear their perspective on these questions. Seven of the 10 judges were able to join me for a roundtable discussion (six of them are pictured with me above). Another judge could not join but left some papers for me to review, the 9th had a scheduling conflict, and the final member of the court is facing ouster by the Tennessee General Assembly.
The men and women I met with were very impressive. I’m still processing everything I heard and contemplating what can be done legislatively to further assist the court.
Meanwhile, Fox13 has taken a look at the trial calendar in one division. They also sat down for an interview with one judge, The Honorable James Jones, Jr.
Boots on the ground
The State of Tennessee has answered our call for additional assistance with the ongoing issues in the Shelby County Clerk’s office.
At the request of State Legislators and certain County Commissioners, Comptroller Jason Mumpower has announced his decision to send in a team of auditors.
Mumpower has said “the evidence of incompetence and willful neglect by management in the Shelby County Clerk’s Office is overwhelming.”
Superintendent search concludes
The search is over. The Shelby County Schools Board of Education has selected a new superintendent to lead the district. I sat down with MSCS Chairwoman Althea Greene for a video call about who the board picked, and why.
“Do your job” 2024 speaking tour
- Jan 24: Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce
- Feb 2: Shelby County Republican Party
- Feb 27: East Shelby Republican Club
- April 5: Collierville VFW Post 5066
Quick hits: updates to previous issues
In October, I mentioned a resolution I sponsored to fund public safety initiatives in District 3. This month, the Bartlett Board of Mayor and Alderman approved acceptance of the county grant, to be used in part to launch a new emergency alert system.
In November, I shared the need for volunteers to fill vacancies on the Shelby County Beer Board. We had a great response. This month I sponsored a resolution naming five new members and a new chairman. Congratulations to these members.
Upcoming meetings
Mar 6 — Standing committees, 8:30 a.m.
Mar 16 — 7P’s Summit, 10 a.m. at Sheriff’s Training Academy
Mar 18 — Commission meeting, 3 p.m.
Mar 20 — Permanent Rules Ad Hoc Committee, 1 p.m.
Mar 21 — Public Safety Ad Hoc Committee, 11 a.m.
Book of the month
This month I am reading Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky
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