New Shelby County Leaders Sworn In

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Mark Luttrell was sworn in Wednesday as the new Shelby County Mayor. The new sheriff in town is also officially at the helm of county law enforcement.

For about two dozen new Shelby County elected officials Wednesday probably marked the best day they'll ever have in office. Make that the easiest day they'll ever have, as they took the oath of office before an appreciative crowd of friends and relatives at the cannon center.

Backstage at the Cannon Center "the buzz" was on as the latest all-star lineup of Shelby County elected officials assembled just before their swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday. It's a time-honored transition of power from party to party...from individual to individual...from old ideas to hopefully new and better ones.

Before the event, new Shelby County Mayor, Mark Luttrell and his successor as County Sheriff, Bill Oldham, happily exchanged pleasantries about taking over jobs neither imagined they'd be in last year. But, each eagerly await the challenges of their in high-profile public service positions.

"I'm excited bout the potential and the things that we can do. There's a lot to be done. But, this is a good county. It's a good county and a lot of good people in this county. And I'm going to work everyday not to disappoint them," said Mark Luttrell, the new Shelby County Mayor.

"Our focus is going to be on putting together a staff to assembling a staff that will assist us in making Shelby County the safest county that we can make it. That'll be our focus," said Bill Oldham, the new Shelby County Sheriff.

Ah, yes that "focus" thing- the kissing cousin of that "vision" thing so often spoken of by politicians. However, for 25-year old incoming Shelby County Commissioner, Justin Ford being able to hone in quickly on issues figure to be paramount to his success as a first-termer.

"County government has done a great job of preparing the Commissioners for the last two weeks to get them rolling. Of course, it's going to be a little learning curve. But, at the end of the day, we know what we have to do and that is take care of the people of Shelby County," said Ford.

However, veterans of the governmental wars remember how idealism can often give way to the burdens of political realities.

"We got all of the answers to everything. We know the problems. But, once we get there. We're seated. We're sworn in. They seem to escape us. We find out what we can do. What we can't do. What has worked. What hasn't worked," said Cleo Kirk, a former Shelby County Commissioner.

"It's a social science regarding change being imperceptible. It's gradual. It's not anything radical. So, don't expect any dramatic changes. No Hail Mary passes," said Walter Bailey, Shelby County Commissioner.

So, new county leaders- be happy you got what you wanted. Just make sure in the end, we the people get what we deserve- good government.