MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In the final hours before Election Day, the mayoral candidates are telling you why they should be the next one to lead Memphis.
A C Wharton, Jim Strickland, Harold Collins and Mike Williams all want your vote.
So, WREG went to each one to ask what their first priorities will be if they get elected.
“Income inequality. Challenging that,” Wharton said. “We’ve already started that with the Blueprint for Prosperity.”
Strickland said the root of our issues is crime.
“Crime is absolutely the number one thing holding Memphis back. We’re not growing in population or jobs, because of crime.”
Mike Williams told WREG, “I want to start working on one of the 24-hour community centers, safety zones that I’ve been talking about.”
Harold Collins said he wants to bring more jobs to Memphis.
“Going after and attracting businesses so that our young folk and other folks can come back and work at companies that have administration, engineering, finance and technology jobs.”
Whitehaven resident Booker T. said he made up his mind and cast his vote early. “It wasn’t Mayor Wharton!”
Others said they are not even voting because they think the candidates are making empty promises.
“Whoever gets it, they’re really not going to do anything for the city,” Whitehaven resident Willy Finklea said.
But the mayoral hopefuls insist when it comes to topics like crime, jobs and education, they mean business.
“Clean up the neighborhoods,” Strickland stressed. “The blight and the litter is just overwhelming some inner-city neighborhoods.”
Williams looked at the big picture, saying, “Yes, we want to bring big businesses into the city, but I’m a firm believer if we work on the foundation first — crime down, quality education.”
Wharton focused on the importance of jobs. “Job training and then reduce the cost of living that eats up a disproportionate amount of income.”
Collins talked about the importance of backing law endowment. “We will go after resources to sustain our police force and recruit those who have left us.”
While their ideas differ, one thing all the candidates agree on is the importance of your voice.
“Get out and vote, and vote for A C Wharton,” Wharton said.
“We believe the voters will speak very well tomorrow, and we’re happy with what we’ve done,” Collins told WREG.
“If you truly want change in Memphis and a better Memphis, there’s really only one choice, and that’s Jim Strickland,” Strickland said.
Finally, Williams said, “Please vote for me, but if you choose not to vote for me, please still go to the polls and vote.”
Polls open tomorrow at 7 a.m. and will stay open until 7 p.m.
Check online to find your polling location. Thirty-nine polling precincts from last year were shut, so it’s especially important to double check your location before heading out this year.
