The recent news that the Center City Commission apparently has been steering business to companies owned by its members is another demonstration of the incestuous links between property developers and the City of Memphis. Memphis’ Center City Commission, a joint project of the Memphis and Shelby County governments, has been given the leading role in … Continue reading "City Center Trivia & More strange developments downtown."

Several important races may be decided in the May 5 primary. MemphisWatch provides a voter’s guide. Yes, we here at MemphisWatch have decided to jump on the bandwagon and start endorsing candidates for political office. Since people have extremely busy schedules these days, we’re going to give our endorsements before the early voting period starts. … Continue reading "Round One or, The East Memphis Devils square off."

Mayor Rout has made a partial response to Mayor Herenton’s “Formula for Fairness”. We examine the differences. Perhaps it is inevitable that the only sensible proposals come from politicians who have more to fear from “Prince Mongo” Hodges than from the candidate of the opposing party in an election. On the face of it, however, … Continue reading "Funding Fairness or, Let them pay!"

Urban growth in East Shelby County may be jeopardizing the quality of Memphis’ water supply. Despite its flaws, the legislature’s urban growth strategy may be a useful tool in keeping Memphis’ water safe. The irony of the situation surrounding urban growth in East Shelby County is fairly mind-boggling. The Memphis city government’s decision to unilaterally … Continue reading "Fisherville (and Memphis) or, Incorporation’s ironies."

Memphis has the potential to be one of America’s greatest cities. Unfortunately for all concerned, for nearly a century, the government of Memphis has failed to nurture that potential, and today–with its suburban areas revolting against its government–Memphis is paying the price for its failures. It is time for the residents of Memphis and Shelby … Continue reading "Building the Next Memphis"

Since the passage of Public Chapter 98, the so-called “toy towns” law, the Tennessee Municipal League has been in a tail-spin. Here, for the first time ever, is the complete story of why this implosion has occurred – and what it may mean for the future. The rapid decent of the Tennessee Municipal League (TML) … Continue reading "No Sweat or, A League on Their Own."

Rotan Lee’s $150,000 study of the MLGW privatization issue should be terminated, and Mayor Willie Herenton, not taxpayers, should foot the bill. The Memphis City Council looks set to bring an end to the MLGW study commissioned by Mayor Willie Herenton. Beyond denying Herenton’s request for an additional $150,000 for another six months of the … Continue reading "Rotan: Leave or, Light, Gas and Hot Air"

The residents of Stonebridge, a wealthy enclave in northwest Shelby County, have spoken: they’d rather be part of Lakeland than part of Memphis. Other areas should be permitted to have a similar choice. It is an indication of the prevalent attitude of hostility by suburban residents towards Memphis’s annexation policies that if you were to … Continue reading "Stonebridge to Nowhere"