County opens investigation into Commissioner Justin Ford’s residency

SHELBY COUNTY, Tenn. — The county has opened an investigation into Commissioner Justin Ford’s residency, according to the county attorney. Ford represents District 3, along with Sidney Chism and James Harvey. He listed his address at the a Fairway apartment complex. It’s in his name, but hasn’t had power connected for two-and-a-half years. Commissioner Steve Mulroy said, “One thing that apparently is undisputed is that Commissioner Ford has an apartment in the district, and has been paying rent on that apartment. The apartment is in his name.” Mulroy added he doesn’t think this is quite the same as Henri Brooks. He asked if the commission could hold an executive session to get caught up on everything. “County commissioners are finding out about what’s happening with the litigation and what’s likely to happen from media,” he said. There was a meeting set yesterday, but Commissioner Heidi Shafer asked that it be called off. She says there’s no sense in trying to hurry up this process. “This is a painful issue. We don’t want to look as we are trying to railroad someone out of their position.” Shafer also said she’s sick of the drama. “It’s a little bit like going to Thanksgiving dinner with a family you don’t necessarily get along with every week.” Brooks was recently ousted from the County Commission for not living in the district she represented. She has since filed a lawsuit against the county to challenge her removal.