Author: Mick Wright

In this issue

• Halbert case dismissed
• Bartlett town hall
• Happy Halo-days

Halbert case dismissed

November was an eventful month, with the Presidential election, Thanksgiving, and a new round of frustration with our local justice system.

As you know, I’ve been paying careful attention to the ouster case against the Shelby County Clerk. Once again, the case has been dismissed for lack of standing. This was the opinion of a circuit court judge who ruled that the county attorney’s office could not hire outside counsel as a way to work around her conflict of interest.

I released a statement on this second dismissal, and I also joined Memphis Morning News to discuss the latest developments in the case.

The court has wasted an entire year focusing on technicalities, without a moment’s consideration of the real problems harming real people in Shelby County. The merits of this case need to be heard. Then, and only then, will this matter be resolved.

In this issue

• Election Day arrives
• Honoring blood donors
• Lakeland Safety TIF
• Juvenile Court dispute

Election Day arrives

Tuesday is Election Day and the last chance to cast a ballot if you weren’t among the 257,715 Shelby County residents who voted early or absentee.

The federal offices being decided are President, Senator and Representative. State Senate and House seats are also on the ballot, as well as municipal positions in Bartlett, Lakeland and other cities around the county.

If you need information about the election or help finding your polling place, please visit the Shelby County Election Commission’s website, electionsshelbytn.gov.

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.