MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – When this month ends, I will be 65 years old. I guess I’m not a kid anymore.
We all have plans, plans that change all through life.
I wanted to be in politics when I was in my 20s. I wanted to serve the public.
Now I serve the public in my own way, and thank heavens I’m not in politics.
Memphis has a shortage of young people who want to be public servants. I mean, one of the leading candidates for Mayor of Memphis turned 79-years-old in April.
I have met a few who really want to make a difference. Most that I have met want to be in politics because they like the idea of being famous, or infamous.
I have seen that, and it is almost understandable.
Consider this.
Incumbent Mayor Jim Strickland has raised almost $1-million for his re-election campaign. Almost $1-million dollars for a job with a salary of $170.000 a year.
It is a difficult job, with a few perks and a good salary for the vast majority of people in this city.
But would you spend close to a million to get a job that pays $170,000? It doesn’t make sense.
We have seen city council candidates spending tens of thousands of dollars for a part-time job. The same goes for Shelby County Commissioners.
I know for a fact that for many, they are in this business for the money.
You know who gets left out in the cold? You do. You don’t pay enough.
