MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Two of eleven workers who assist Memphis City Council members are out of a job.
“I have to read, through an email from the Mayor, that two members of my staff have been fired without notice from me,” said City Council Member Janis Fullilove.
Hours after Research Analyst Danielle Spears and Administrative Assistant Ann Turner were fired, an upset Fullilove called a news conference to say it was political.
She said they were fired because of excessive absences, even though there were medical reasons.
“One was in bed at the request of her doctor, and the other was continually going through physical therapy to deal with the issues she had going on in her body, ” said Fullilove.
“These women are very capable. I don’t know what this conspiracy is about to terminate, but I think it was totally unfair because both of these women are ill,” said Memphis City Council Member Joe Brown.
Council Member Jim Strickland recommended the firings as one of his last acts as City Council Chairman. He says it is about saving money.
“The city is in the midst of a budget crisis and austere times call for austere measures and cuts have to be made,” says Strickland.
He saidno council members requested to work with the two employees.
Fullilove insists she did, even though the selection sheet Strickland showed WREG indicated otherwise.
Now Fullilove is hoping Mayor A C Wharton, aware of the employee’s medical issue, will undo what was done.
“He told me last evening, and I quote, ‘in lieu of this new information I have received about these employees, I am willing to rescind their order of termination.’ I am gonna hold the Mayor’s feet to that fire, ” said Fullilove.
The City Council Chairman does have the power to hire and fire the council staff, but the Mayor must sign off on it.
In a statement Wednesday afternoon, Mayor A C Wharton said the council must concur on dismissals and the chairman expresses the will of the council.
He said if he is advised the will of the council is contrary to his decision, he will act accordingly.