Category: Updates from the Shelby County Commission

Bringing the heat

Summer has arrived, and with it warmer temperatures. But campaign season is also heating up. The presumptive U.S. Presidential nominees just held their first debate, and soon the national conventions will take place.

There’s plenty cooking in Shelby County, too. Early voting begins this month. The first day to cast your ballot is Friday, July 12. Don’t wait until November to vote. For more information about the August 1 election, visit electionsshelbytn.gov.

The Shelby GOP Lincoln Day Gala was held last week at the Memphis Hilton, where I enjoyed the safest seat in the room. My thanks to Chief Jeff Cox and the Bartlett Police Department leadership team for joining me. They drew heat recently from one of the dumbest advocacy groups on the planet. Needless to say, I back BPD.

Supporting first responders

Last year, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office partnered with county commissioners to reserve a portion of their budget for public safety initiatives in each district.

For District 3, this program covered the cost of emergency equipment needed in the event of severe weather episodes and resulting power outages, such as the storm that disrupted 120,000 MLGW customers one year ago.

The resolution I sponsored was approved back in October, but the equipment has just recently been delivered.

I’m thankful for everyone who came together to put this technology in place — Sheriff Bonner, the Board of Commissioners, Mayor Harris, Mayor Parsons, Chief Cox, Chief Gately, and the many members of their teams who made it happen. This will result in lives saved.

Signs and seasons

Just a quick programming note: I’ve fallen behind with the newsletter, which typically hits inboxes around the first of the month. But with so much happening, I don’t want to skip an issue. Hopefully, you’ll hear from me again next week.

It seems so long ago now, but it was only April 8 when we enjoyed the solar eclipse. Alison and I rented a cabin in Arkansas so we could fully experience the “path of totality.” It was worth the drive. It won’t happen again in the U.S. until 2044.

Leadership in action

I enjoyed visiting with the Leadership Bartlett class of 2024, which held their county government day on March 6. This is a great group of current and future leaders who are putting in the work to learn more about our community.

Leadership programs are an excellent way to learn, get plugged in, make new friends and find ways to serve. Get involved with the one in your area; you won’t regret it.

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!