SHELBY COUNTY, Tenn. — Shelby County commissioners voted to begin the hearing process to find out if Henri Brooks lives in her district.
Brooks attended Monday’s County Commission meeting after a judge ruled last week the county attorney’s investigation wasn’t enough to kick her out.
Judge Kenny Armstrong told the county attorneys if the Brooks investigation continued, they needed to do it. But Monday, commissioners said they’re sick of policing each other.
Commissioner Mike Ritz said, “I see no reason why the commission needs to take up its time anymore with this matter.”
Brooks said she was surprised to hear that from her fellow commissioners.
“I thought that was one of the high moments when those commissioners actually reflected some objectivity and professionalism.”
In June, commissioners had Brooks investigated for not living in her district. They never found out where she lived, and when Brooks appealed, a judge said the commission had to start over.
Ritz wanted to hand the whole thing over to the district attorney. Instead, they’re going to hold an in-house hearing.
Other commissioners think Brooks should be fighting to prove she lives in her district, not dragging it out in court.
Commissioner Steve Basar said, “I would be pleading to the commission myself, saying, ‘Hey everybody, here is where I live! Here’s how I can prove where I live. Here is my mail.'”
After hours of back and fourth, the board voted to set a hearing for a later date in July so Brooks and her lawyers can present their side of the story. From there, the board will decide how it wants to move forward with this issue, keeping in mind Brooks’ term ends on September 1.