Shift of Power in Shelby County

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Shelby County Charter says Commission Chairman would take over as Mayor Pro-Tempore.

On July 13th County Commissioners will elect a new chairman. Current chair, Deidre Malone's term ends in September and right now Republican Joyce Avery is the only one with her name in the hat. That means Avery could become County Mayor.

"I think Mayor Wharton has an excellent chance of becoming Mayor of the City now. Whether he wants to jump into the special election, I don't know. I have not talked to Mayor Wharton," Avery said by phone Thursday.

If Wharton, a Democrat, decides to resign in order to run in the special election for Memphis Mayor next Fall - County Charter dictates the Commission Chairman assumes power. Avery says she'll gladly step up. She'd only be sitting mayor for 45 days during which time the Commission would declare a vacancy and select an Interim Mayor to serve until the general election in August 2010.

"I don't see anything that's going to take place that's going to be to the detriment of County Government. We'll be fine going forward whether Democrat or Republican," Commissioner Sidney Chism said.

Because Avery is Chairman Pro-Temp on the Commission now Commissioners would also need to fill that spot since Charter commands no member can hold two positions. Commissioner Chism says he plans to run for Chairman Pro-Temp and so does Commissioner Henri Brooks. Late Thursday afternoon Wharton told reporters he is running in the special election. But says he's not required to resign to do so.
"No, and I will not," he said.

Wharton has already begun fundraising for the Memphis Mayoral race. A $500 dollar a plate dinner was thrown in his honor at the Racquet Club last Fall. Faced with the possibility of becoming the County's top official, Avery says she plans to call Wharton Friday to find out his intentions for herself.
"Will he resign and hop into the special election. I need to know that," she said.