Last time I checked, I am a private citizen with freedom of speech. But, it seems my questions about street lights made someone blow a fuse. I am not falling out of love with the City Council or any branch of government. I just try to share my thoughts about government and stay observant.
I am an open book. For the record, it's public knowledge that I worked in a full time leadership position for the City of Memphis in the 80s' for 3 years and 8 months. I returned as a Council member in 2000. In 2007, I was asked to work for City in Intergovernmental Relations, a position that I am very qualified to perform. So, in 2007, without a break in service, I accepted the challenge and replaced Dottie Jones. It was a position in the Legal Division and Dottie left the city for a better opportunity in County Government. I worked in that position for 4 and 1/2 years. And according to administration and legislative bodies, I served with distinction.
I retired to care for my Mom, be a Granny and start a blog. I retired with twelve and a half years of service. Although, I served sixteen years with the City of Memphis. When I retired from the City, I received 1/3 of my salary based upon my last year. I never made six figures, but I live off a modest salary. I could have bought my time when I worked for the City in the 80s' to boost my pension, but I chose not to do so. I also retired as the Executive Director from the American Cancer Society. I also served on the School Board for eight years. It's all public record.
Like former Councilwoman Gwen Awsumb and Shelby Commissioner Linda Renthrop when asked to serve in an administrative capacity, I did. That's public knowledge and was reported in our corporate daily newspaper the CA.
With friends, I raise $30k a year for Memphis charities. I devote time to civic organizations and try to support two churches in this community. I love Memphis and one thing I learned while serving is that you need skin like an alligator. I am learning to do the thicken this skin with this blog, too.
I value bringing to your attention new information that helps me to understand what's going on with public policy issues. For instance, a good Council Member reminded me through a friend that there is no fee attached to the inspection. The inspection cost is included in your property taxes. Thank you for that information, and I stand corrected. I was taking note of what is listed on the Shelby County Website that reflects we pay $3-6 more for our tags that other county municipalities. I assumed that was a result of the inspection stations. Now, I understand that difference is not because of inspections. This is on the Shelby County Government's website.
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That leads me to the main issue I want talk about today. When I saw Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell on the news applauding himself on the decision that led to the elimination of the vehicle inspections, I said, "Wow, what about the City Council?" It was their courage that led to that change.
I will admit, it was a decision that scared me because I did not want to lose federal transportation dollars. But, the Memphis City Council acted upon what we have always said: It was an unfair burden on Memphis'citizens. The responsibility of air quality should belong to the MSA which includes Shelby County, some portions of MS and AR, but not just Memphis. I bet Luttrell did try to beg the feds to stop that air quality car inspections. I cannot imagine him telling all of Shelby that we can't keep Memphis in compliance without you. That would have be a nightmare for him.
The City Council deserves our thanks for their leadership on the elimination of the Inspection Stations. I wished I had asked those questions when I was on the Council, and not built those new inspection stations. As the world turns, lessons are learned. Thanks to my friend you reminded me of this and to the City Council for their courage on that issue.
I love this blog and all my readers. I will continue to blog and pray for our leaders. I thank God for thick skin, great family and good friends. Remember, I am approachable, but will not be bullied. I have crazy-faith to believe that God will protect me as long as I am honorable with my intentions and actions.
Taking note and taking names,
TaJuan
