11th Hour Plea to Mayor Wharton and Mayor Luttrell - “Bring Schools To The Table”

Friends and Neighbors,

Once again, we are asking the mayors of Memphis and Shelby County to do whatever is necessary to bring the two school systems to the table to discuss recent developments around special school districts and a potential school charter surrender.

These far reaching issues deserve cooler heads. Our top political leaders can no longer talk about the issues; they must bring the parties together.
Emotions are running high, and a vote on the charter surrender resolution scheduled for Monday should be avoided at all cost.

Our community must have real discussions on reforming our school systems. This is not the way to travel the difficult road of reform.

Contact info:

Mayor@memphistn.gov Office (901) 576-6000
Mark.Luttrell@shelbycountytn.gov Office (901) 545-4500

Your action is required. Sincerely, Tom Gule

Moving Past the Metro Charter – The Opportunity Ahead

Moving Past the Metro Charter – The Opportunity Ahead


Let’s start from the beginning

We understand the desperation and the frustration of our neighbors in watching our city spiral into a kleptocracy of ineptness, corruption, and cronyism. Reforming government cannot wait or be curtailed. It must be done now. We want Memphis to succeed. We need Memphis to succeed.


Real Problems Require Real Reform

The stakes here are very high. The difficulties faced by Shelby County, and most notably Memphis, of slow growth, low income, crime, poverty, poor education, racism, unskilled labor force and population flight must be addressed. It’s time to revisit many of these issues and make politically difficult decisions. We challenge the new city executives to aggressively search out and hire world-class talent, and ruthlessly execute a thoughtful plan with the most meaningful of civic metrics (crime and education). Tough issues require tough approaches. If progress cannot be made, we must our change our leaders. If leaders cannot be found, then it’s too late for our community. The next generation will inherit what we could not solve.


Leadership at the Top and Throughout

Mayors AC Wharton and Mark Luttrell along with our six suburban mayors must take the lead in pushing for much needed reform. They are our elected leaders. The status quo is unacceptable. Our neighbors and potential neighbors are telling us that crime and schools are basic problems that must be addressed. As uncomfortable as it may be to some to talk about, an emphasis on strengthening the family can no longer sit on the sideline as a political hot potato or a political slogan. Strong families must be the bedrock of our community going forward. There is no strength or sustained effort going forward without this core belief that families are our most valuable support system in the community. New voices must be brought into the conversation to solve the most thorny issues around schools, crime, and family. Everything else is secondary to this.




Everyone has a Stake

It doesn’t just stop with Memphis. There are other changes that must be made to remove impediments to reaching shared regional goals for the economy and quality of life of the whole area. We should consider the adoption of a regional structure. A good example is the Hampton Roads Project in the Hampton Roads, Virginia, area. The region of Hampton Roads contains the largest military base in the world, is a major transportation hub, a world-class tourist destination, and an important matrix of institutions for research and higher education. Regions such as this are the primary units of economic competition in the global economy. Memphis has all of the same basic ingredients but with two important differences — missing synergy among the local governments and lack of a regional structure.

By “regional structure” we mean the institutions that deal with the shared issues that comprise the regional agenda — their membership, powers, internal procedures, and relationships with each other and with external governments.




Leaving Behind “The Herenton Era”

First, create a strong regional voice. Establish a Shelby Metropolitan Council composed of the mayors and the chairs of the City Council, County Commission and the various Boards of Mayor and Aldermen. The Council would speak for the region and provide stronger political leadership for fostering regional visioning, economic development, and a regional legislative agenda. Improve public participation in decision making by using modern methods of communications. Organize a regional review board to evaluate the performance of the various independent agencies and report to the Metro Council.

Second, improve economic development by reforming the various planning organizations. Involve legislators in the planning, and upgrade staffing and procedures to national best practices. Strengthen the Shelby Metropolitan Council to realize its potential for being the most representative regional leadership body by adding non-profits to the present government-business board, communicating more openly with the public, implementing regional visioning and organizing the process of producing a regional legislative agenda. The local governments should coordinate tourism development through a regional plan and regional marketing initiatives implemented by a regional agency, as they should for economic development.

Finally, regional efficiency should be improved. In some ways, the eight local governments already share services in a number of ways, but a mixed commission of officials, accountants and management consultants could use modern telecommunications, information technology, transportation and management systems to create savings through more shared regional services.




Focus on what matters

The starting point of these actions rests with putting a good faith effort into fixing Memphis first. Secondly, Memphis, Shelby County (along with its component cities), and the outlying counties must build a regional organization to create a strong regional voice, improve economic development and regional efficiency. Finally, AC Wharton and Mark Luttrell must move forward in the best interests of our community. Failure is not an option for them or us. The voters have spoken. It is time to start reversing the poor decision of the past, and focus on what truly matters to our citizens. We have a great opportunity ahead of us. Let’s move forward in solving tough issues together.

Who Killed Consolidation?

The players had everything lined up. They had money, they had the politicians, and they had the plan.

So, who killed Consolidation?

Well, actually no one. It was more like an “inside deal” gone bad, carrying good and well intentioned citizens into a fixed political game.

From the outset, it was clear that there wasn’t going to be any real or credible investigation to solve the community’s problems, but rather an orchestrated series of false choices, leading to only one conclusion,: Consolidation. It was going to be consolidation or bust. In doing so, those who put this process in motion failed to act in the best interests of the community.

The “listening tours” were the first signs of trouble. For the few that attended these events, it was clear that the “emperor has no clothes.” The “conversation” smelled as a something cooked up from the political elites. A top down initiative with corporate new speak of “charter not consolidation, rebuild and reinvent, efficiencies not savings.”

The push for Consolidation wasn’t authentic; it was produced, almost scripted line by line from someone else’s playbook. The step by step nature of campaigning for a new charter was pronounced through a series of staged events. The blueprint outlined a never ending campaign, prosecuted by paid advocates and fueled by the political insiders.

The entire process reeked with misunderstandings, conflicts of interests, lack of transparency, a game of advocacy vs. education, skirting finance disclosures, front men, push cards, kick-off celebrations, hyped surveys, connected surrogates, and outside consultants. And now, only a federal lawsuit keeps it from being irrelevant.

In the end, the residual effects of all this will be more distrust. Consolidation was built on a ponzi scheme that collapsed from years of mistrust and today’s political gamesmanship. That’s what killed consolidation.

Consolidation: Tax Transfer Through General Services - Logo

Mulroy and Bailey Should Appear Before Charter Commission

PRESS RELEASE

Media Only
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
www.SaveShelbyCounty.org
Contact: Tom Guleff
tomguleff@gmail.com
901-413-7804



Mulroy and Bailey Should Appear Before Charter Commission

Memphis, TN – April 14, 2010 – Citizens of Memphis and Shelby County will soon get a historic opportunity to decide whether they want a consolidated government. Because this decision requires an honest and transparent debate, Save Shelby County (SSC) is asking Steve Mulroy and D’Army Bailey to appear before the Metro Charter Commission and review why they believe that the current voting requirement for consolidation is in violation of federal law, and explain the possible outcomes of such a decision.

If the dual vote requirement for consolidation is against federal law, it changes the entire dynamics of the discussion and the writing of a new charter for consolidating Memphis City Government with Shelby County Government. Every talking point from the pro-consolidation side up to now has been constructed on the foundation that both city and non-city voters have to agree before consolidation can move forward. Whatever trust that was built around this fundamental concept is quickly evaporating.

“We agree that this conversation needs to take place sooner than later. I just hope that the conversation of consolidation was not sold under false pretenses,” says Tom Guleff, co-chair of Save Shelby County.



Save Shelby County.Org (SSC) is a grass-roots non-partisan organization to provide factual information and alternate solutions to Shelby County, TN voters about the proposed consolidation of Shelby County and City of Memphis governments. SSC will provide information resources through public appearances, press releases, and its web site, www.saveshelbycounty.org.

RebuildGovernment Through The Looking Glass

The entire consolidation movement is beginning to look like a political “inside straight" perpetrated by a small group of political and business players. RebuildGovernment, a pro consolidation group, has fueled this perception by refusing to disclose their funding sources while at the same time demanding transparency and accountability in government. It is only a matter of time before the group will be forced to come clean through election law.

Those fronting for the group know that the decision to play coy with the funding has become a detriment to their cause. It is silly and embarrassing to think that an organization attempting to reinvent government could do so without public outcry for financial disclosure, especially in light of the corruption we've seen in this town over the last decade.

The charter commission is a government sanctioned body, appointed by an elected official and charged with defining a metro government as outlined in state law. The process is well on its way and has the backing of the city council and county commission. The charter committee is aided in this effort by RebuildGovernment to gather information in support of the consolidated government charter. It is apparent to many in the community that RebuildGovernment is truly an advocate for the consolidation movement. RebuildGovernment should be held accountable and adhere to the legal requirements that govern single issue (measure) groups and disclose their supporters. We are confident they will follow our lead in registering with the Shelby County Election Commission.

By Ronald Williams and Tom Guleff of Save Shelby County (taken from www.saveshelbycounty.org)

Take The Offer !!!!

According to the CA, School district offers city new options to settle funding dispute

I would take the offer!!! A court decision in the council's favor is a gamble. Pro-rate the judgment over a period of time and get out of the funding of MCS forever.

The county should then conduct an open and thorough audit of MCS, and start the process to turn around a broken system. In roughly two years, MCS will have a budget close to $1 billion and a student enrollment of 99,000. If you want to turn around the region, he’s the place to start.

Take This Dollar Bill, I Have Plenty

Add Your Caption (photo from CA) -

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/apr/29/many-12-employees-indicted-charges-county-clerks-o/

The charges against Garrett include an allegation that she received money from councilwoman Barbara Swearengen Ware on April 29, 2008. Asked during an afternoon press conference if Ware could be indicted, District Atty. Gen. Gibbons said, "The investigation is ongoing.''

911 Call from the Memphis Police Department (MPD)

The first priority of any legitimate government is the safety of its citizens. For the past several years there has been much political talk and campaign promises to reduce crime in Memphis and Shelby County. It is time for Joe Citizens to respond to the 911 call from The Memphis Police Department and help politicos keep their campaign promises.

“With countless citizens trying to make Memphis and Shelby County a great place to live and raise a family, we have to respond to the needs of those who protect and serve us,” says Tom Guleff of JoeCitizens.com.

We are asking all citizens to contact their state legislators and demand attention in:

- Truth in sentencing - make criminals serve entire sentence
- No bond for career criminals - 10 convictions or more
- Habitual Misdemeanant law (10 convictions or more - additional class E felon charge on any subsequent charges)


E-mail program located at the bottom of webpage: https://kiosk.memphispolice.org/cyberwatch/mpd_legislative_email.htm

Mock Draft for The Blackburn Seat (2010)

Once again, JoeCitizens.com is releasing a potential candidate field for the 2010 Tennessee 7th Congressional District race. After months of extensive research, the complied list provides a springboard for rumor and political conjecture. Like most mock drafts, the field is wide open and may present a few surprises.

According to Tom Guleff of JoeCitizens.com, “Even though we haven’t completed this year’s election cycle, all eyes will be on the governor’s race in 2010. The big questions will be : Where is Bill Frist ? Where is Marsha Blackburn ?”

Here’s the Mock Draft 2010 for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District (not in draft order):

1. Steve McManus
2. Brian Kelsey
3. Mark Norris
4. John Ryder
5. Jim Coley
6. David Kustoff
7. Tom Leatherwood
8. Jim Bryson
9. Bill Giannini
10. Paul Stanley



SCOUTING REPORTS

Steve McManus

Insiders have Steve as the top ranked prospect in this draft since early in the season, even ahead of Kustoff and Stanley. He showed late in the tournament that he needs to work on developing a go-to move. But he’s simply the best athlete in this draft, and he’ll become more polished over time. If he keeps it up we could regularly witness some outstanding performances against any rival.

(Above photo is a composite of Congressman Marsha Blackburn and Steve McManus.)


Brian Kelsey

The GOP will likely take advantage of him whenever he wants to change the rhythm of the game with more aggressive defenses, perhaps even a full-court press, where Brian is a master at terrorizing opposing ball-handlers.



Mark Norris

Scouts have been keeping tabs on how much Mark’s overall skill-level has improved from his freshman campaign to now, particularly his ability to face the basket and do the things that modern-day players are expected to do, especially in regards to his mid-range jumper. Defensively, Mark doesn’t make anywhere near enough use of his excellent physical tools, as he doesn’t always appear to be as intense on this end as he is offensively. His name also appears in other draft camps (i.e. Mock Draft 2010 Governor and an unreleased Mock Draft 2010 Lt Governor).


John Ryder

John makes all the lists coming out of Shelby County. John Ryder remains a physical specimen, who impresses with his size and leaping ability. But his pure strength and athleticism will be less of an advantage against others who all possess those qualities. Scouts like Ryder’s soft touch and range, where he can be a bonus stretching the defense. He is certainly Mr. Insider with the GOP, so he makes this draft list.



Jim Coley

No change in scouting report from earlier draft selection in Mock Draft 2010 Governor. Remember Reece Gaines? Neither do we. No doubt Jim has a bit of toughness and leadership qualities that Gaines didn’t have, but the question is, what does Jim do better than other guys? Jim’s lack of height shouldn’t be too much of a problem, and could really surprise people with his ability to transition into the larger game like others have. This sounds crazy, but he is a gamer. Jim continues to hang around which could mean trouble for opponents.



David Kustoff

Kustoff has a good style for playing shooting guard in the game. He’s got a smooth stroke and a better mid-range game than you’d expect from a prospect. The biggest adjustment he’ll need to make heading to the game is that he’ll need to prove to defenders that he can beat them off the dribble, or he’ll find it very hard to create space for open shots. David’s prep career peaked exactly when you want it to, right at the end, and it’s amazing how often the guys who look the best in the post-season all-star games end up being the guys who have success in the league.



Tom Leatherwood

It’s hard to figure that Leatherwood would have gone in the first round, but he might at this point. Tom can score with the best of them, but he didn’t have a particularly strong showing in the all-star game “sweeps” period against team Blackburn. His best bet at success in the game is proving to scouts that he can become an offensive spark. Nice guy with heart.



Jim Bryson

Jim was pretty much a lock for good minutes on a given night, but for whatever reasons, no one pays attention. He’ll go in the first round because of his solid size and ability to score the ball. You’d like to see Bryson work harder off the ball, or focus more on being able to handle the ball better as the point guard. More likely though, you’ll see Jim start spending an inordinate amount of time working on his three-point shot to develop his range.



Bill Giannini

Bill is easily the most overlooked prospect out there right now. No doubt in some minds he will end up being a better pro than others. Bill could end up being the most devastating offensive player in his class, even better than the highly touted Blackburn. If he ends up in the position, he could be a legitimate point scorer. He has a knack for scoring with the ball that simply can’t be overlooked.



Paul Stanley

Similar to fellow vote getters, Paul’s greatest asset has always been his mature, physically developed game. So much of Paul’s gift was about overpowering guys down low, so he’ll need to refine his post moves, and continue moving without the ball. It would also be nice if he could be an inch or two taller or be a better shot blocker, but that’s not a deal breaker. P.S. is a solid contender with a following.

Stop Axe Grinding Term Limits

Memphis and Shelby County voters will get a chance to decide whether term limits should be applied to several elected positions come November. However, it is unfortunate that there are some local politicos attempting to make this nonpartisan issue, a “political party” issue.

The most recent opposition is coming from the Shelby County Democratic Executive Committee that opposes the current term limit movement. As with the failed Shelby County Ordinance 360, false arguments are surfacing once again. Whether one agrees or disagrees with the issue, term limits along with good governance should not be viewed through the prism of party loyalty.

We encourage both the Shelby County GOP and Shelby County Democratic Party to refrain from making this a political issue, and let the voters decide. This nonpartisan issue does not require political ax grinding, so let’s put the sharpeners away before we hurt ourselves.

We ask those involved to please, cease-and-desist.