Collins, Strickland, Wharton advocate for better Memphis in debate

On Tuesday night, three of the Memphis mayoral candidates gathered in the WREG studio to debate against one another in front of thousands watching with anticipation at home. The rules for the debate were made clear at the beginning. The questions, WREG anchor Claudia Barr explained, were selected based on topics that the news station knows is a primary concern for the citizens of this city: crime, the Memphis economy and leadership. Two-term City Council members Jim Strickland and Harold Collins and the incumbent Mayor A C Wharton would each be given one minute to answer each question. At the end, the other two candidates were given 45 seconds to respond. In addition, each candidate was given two challenges they could use to directly challenge another candidate’s statement. The challenged mayoral candidate would then have 30 seconds to respond. But first, each candidate was given a chance to share his vision for the city of Memphis. After the opening statements, each candidate was given a specific question. It was during this time that Jim Strickland was asked about his support of Blue Crush and community policing, and sparks started to fly. Strickland explained that if he were mayor he would do a better job of intervening in the lives of our youth. He talked about the many different groups that step in to help, as well as work to expunge the records of nonviolent offenders. It was then that Mayor A C Wharton used his first challenge saying that while Strickland’s plans were “refreshing,” they required that the students be in juvenile court which he claims is the worst thing you can do. “Just because this mayor has been weak on crime, doesn’t mean it has to continue,” Strickland rebutted. He went on to say his plan was to take into custody anyone charged with a violent crime. Strickland highlighted his focus on violent crime throughout the debate, mentioning it early on in the hour during a discussion on PILOTS, deferred taxes local governments use as an incentive. In the first six months of this year, Memphis had five times more PILOT tax breaks than Chattanooga, Nashville and Knoxville combined. Collins said he wants to ensure companies are living up to their promises to the city, which he said was the biggest problem with the PILOTS, but Strickland focused the issue onto crime, saying that addressing crime is the biggest factor in attracting businesses. WREG’s Adam Hammond, who was interacting with viewers on Facebook during the debate, said Memphians acknowledge that businesses are coming in, but the jobs aren’t paying enough. Wharton was straightforward on this issue, affirming his view that a higher minimum wage would benefit the city. “We end up paying for it otherwise,” he said. “We might as well put it in their pockets.” Collins had some clear thoughts on this subject as well. He insisted Memphis could and should have all kinds of jobs, including both high- and lower-paying jobs. Strickland was more indirect on the issue, saying that he didn’t have authority to raise the minimum wage but also that he would work with the legislature. He again mentioned fighting crime as a major point of action in the fight against poverty. With the topic solidly directed at crime and police issues, the candidates had generally similar views. Strickland and Wharton both mentioned having a strong leader as the police director. Memphis has not had a national search for a police director in a long time, with most moving up in the local ranks to the position. Collins added he would like to re-establish neighborhood watches and have more of a pervasive crime watch. The issue of benefit cuts was more of a tough subject, especially for Wharton. Strickland placed blame on Wharton’s refinancing as one of the reasons for the cuts. He said if elected, he would give full transparency. Wharton insisted that the issue of benefits cuts wasn’t so cut and dry. “The money needs to come from somewhere,” he said, adding that he wasn’t going to make any promises for the future. Transportation was also a big issue viewers asked about, and the candidates spoke on it. Strickland said he wants to move to a grid system for public transportation and give businesses an incentive to build near a bus route. Collins expressed his frustration with getting bus routes to the Nonconnah business district, saying “we need new ways of thinking.” Wharton reminded Memphians that, under him, the city has already been developing alternate forms of transportation and has received funding to redirect bus routes to be more useful, which is being done right now. He said MATA’s suffering was due to a “financial predicament.” Some viewers wanted to know about the problems surrounding Memphis Animal Services and how each candidate would turn the shelter around. Collins said having the right staffing is important. “The operation needs overhauling,” he said. “If you’re not ready to hold your employees accountable, how will you be willing to stand up and tell the truth to the city?” Strickland also highlighted accountability, calling for cameras and animal advocates. In the latter half of the debate, Collins challenged Strickland on his view of a potential property tax increase. Strickland was firmly against an increase. “A property tax increase would hurt Memphis,” he said, adding that high property taxes are already driving people away. Preventing population loss needs to be a top priority, he continued, adding that reducing crime will also help with this. Wharton emphasized increasing property value over increasing the tax rate. He said he wants to focus on developing the core city. “Density is our friend,” he said. The debate didn’t stray from controversial issues; fallout from the Richard Lipscomb scandal was brought up, but it wasn’t a long discussion. Collins said Lipscomb had so many roles that it was hard to know everything that was going on. “I’m big on making sure that one person does one job,” he said. After a jam-packed debate, the candidates made one last pitch for themselves. Collins said he is “someone who’s going to work for you, hard, every day.” “I will fight for you,” he said. Strickland ended by pointing out increased ratings in dangerous crime, unemployment and poverty. “We need a better Memphis after eight years,” he said. “I believe I’m the man who understands our problems and has a sense of urgency to fix them.” Wharton decided to address criticism; he reminded viewers that he couldn’t do as much without having had Collins’ and Stricklands’ City Council votes on some issues. “Where were they?” he asked.   For a play-by-play of the debate as well as what our panel thought of the candidates’ performance, see here. And don’t forget to vote! Early voting starts Sept. 18 and goes until Oct. 3, with election day falling on Oct. 8.