In this issue
- New Year announcement
- Judge Anderson resigns
- Feagins in jeopardy
- Sugarmon sues Sheriff
New Year announcement
Happy New Year! Let’s make the most of 2025 together. Please join me Thursday, January 9, at the Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon.
I will be kicking off a new speaking tour, with a new theme, and I want to share an important announcement with you. Click here to register.
Judge Anderson resigns
Facing heat from Senator Brent Taylor, the Tennessee General Assembly and the Board of Judicial Conduct, General Sessions Judge Bill Anderson has announced his resignation, effective March 1.
During a speech last January, I began pushing for the removal of some of our local judges. I named names in April, when my public call for Anderson’s resignation elicited a standing ovation. And in September, I sharply criticized his recognizance release of a defendant charged with murder.
Our court system needs to focus on ensuring public safety, delivering speedy justice, and following the law. I’m pleased that Anderson’s departure will give us an opportunity to reaffirm and reassert those priorities.
Feagins in jeopardy
How many years are our kids going to be in a chaotic situation without leadership, without stability? Hear my comments made moments after we learned school board members seek to terminate the leader they hired less than a year ago.
The Shelby County Schools Board of Education meets again on January 14 to determine the fate of Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins.
Commissioners Amber Mills and Erika Sugarmon have sponsored a resolution of no confidence in the board of education. I’d love to hear your feedback on that.
Meanwhile, I am looking into what legislative changes need to be made so that members of the school board can be subject to recall, as are other elected officials.
Sugarmon sues Sheriff
Back in July, I warned there would be a legal clash between Juvenile Court Judge Tarik Sugarmon and Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner. Unfortunately, that day has arrived.
The lawsuit could have been avoided if elected officials had met together and worked out a plan. But a majority on the board of commissioners failed to support my resolution encouraging the parties to engage in mediation.
Instead, taxpayers will pay for attorneys on both sides of the dispute, and a third party will decide what happens at the juvenile detention center. Very disappointing.
Upcoming meetings
Jan 8 — Standing Committee Meetings, 8:30 a.m.
Jan 13 — Commission meeting, 3 p.m.
Jan 22 — Standing Committee Meetings, 8:30 a.m.
Jan 27 — Commission meeting, 3 p.m.
Puppy adoption update
Halo spent a few weeks last month in training with Bluff City K9, where she learned loose leash walking and other skills. We’re glad to have her back home.
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