Ford and Luttrell Gear Up For County Election

Memphis, Tn - The question for Shelby County voters comes right down to a matter of trust and direction. Interim County Mayor, Democrat Joe Ford, and outgoing Shelby County Sheriff, Republican Mark Luttrell, both think their individual experiences, philosophies on government and solid accomplishments more than fit the bill.

In conducting two separate half hour interviews with each mayoral candidate last week I came away with no new or shocking revelations about either man. After covering both of them for years, I really didn't expect to.

That's why it isn't necessary to go into extended historical perspectives about how they each came to office. But, what I did get were the impressions of two long time public service minded men who individually and honestly believe they are the best person to lead the County's fortunes.

So, let's just talk issues and how the candidates plan to approach them if elected.

Agreement between Luttrell and Ford was not hard to find on the issue of education and jobs. However, both seemed to speak only in generalities rather than specific agendas. But, Luttrell did concede there's a lot of work to be done.

"If we're going to create jobs then we're going to have to have a workforce that can sustain those jobs," said Luttrell.

For most of our interview Ford touted his success in dealing with what's become his mantra in taking credit for finding financial footing for the Regional Medical Center.

"67 million dollars since December 10th that's already in the bank for the Med. I don't know how you can look at it any other way. From closing the Med, back in November to today we're talking about a 350-million dollar brand new hospital," Ford remarked.

While Luttrell is willing to say Ford's done a good job with the Med crisis, he points to his determined resolving of the jail accreditation issue with equal skills for problem-solving.

"If a person has the experience and the wherewithal and has the talent from the managerial standpoint those problems can be fixed," said Luttrell.

The election is August 5th.