Rep. Curry Todd Responds to Accusations

Nashville, Tn - Rule number one with Collierville State Representative Curry Todd: Whether colleague, foe or media member..."if you shoot it to him straight....he'll give it to you straight."

So, what's the real deal on his proposed bill to switch control of a large annexation reserve from Memphis to Shelby County control, effectively blocking the city's growth plans?

"We ain't even moved the bill yet. Don't even know if we gonna move. Don't even know if it's gonna be constitutional. That's what we gotta figure out," said Todd.

As promised, Todd delivered a straight answer. Yet, it's his history to "shoot it to ya' straight" which has perplexed, irritated and alienated him as a member of the current Shelby County Delegation in the Tennessee General Assembly and prompted damning cries of "racist" and "bully" from Memphis City officials including Mayor A C Wharton.

In a lengthy interview on Tuesday in Nashville, Todd defended his actions and patiently responded to every question we asked, and there were plenty. For instance, while he confirms he still considers himself a member of the county delegation, he has had growing concerns with their agenda over the years.

"That we get put into a situation that everything's gonna be race-based or it'll be Democrat/Republican. I'm tired of that. I am tired of it…I want to be a part of the overall community and overall goal to make things happen down there. But, if we keep going on this track, we're never going to get anything done."

However, Todd's dander did perceptibly rise when asked his reaction to accusations of racism being leveled at his latest legislation, which is co-sponsored in the Senate by Collierville's Mark Norris.

"That's way over the top! It's way over the board. Anybody that knows me knows that. I am not that type of person or individual. I don't do things based on race. Based on classism or bullying as far as I've been described as. I think that's a slap in Senator Norris and my face…I think they're jumping to conclusions just like a circus. You know it's like the lions jumping through the hoops."

Which leads us to Todd's rule number two: If you're a colleague, foe or media member who's delayed one of the most powerful men on the "Hill" from his busy schedule to answer questions at the first opportunity beat a hasty retreat.