No fireworks - yet - at a town hall meeting this afternoon hosted by Mayor Pro Tem Myron Lowery at City Hall.
The city's directors are introducing themselves to the smattering of residents seated in the City Council chambers. There's about 75 people here, but many are actually city employees.
Despite tensions between Lowery and City Atty. Elbert Jefferson - who earlier this week took Lowery to court over firing him prematurely - Jefferson took the lectern to introduce the city's legal department. Lowery watched from about a foot away as Jefferson explained how the public interfaces with his office.
"You're driving down the street and hit a pot hole, that's us," Jefferson said. "When someone picks up your trash and your mailbox is torn down, that's us. When you see a contract come across someone's desk related to some youth organization you may be a part of, that's us."
Division director have all been asked to explain the purpose of their division.
"Parks services could be categorized as the fun department," said parks services director Cindy Buchanan, adding there are 150 developed parks within a mile of over 80 percent of the community's neighborhoods.
Memphis Light, Gas and Water president Jerry Collins said he's brought several staff members to answer questions about the public utility.
Lowery organized the meeting as part of his ongoing efforts to open up City Hall. A tour of the mayor's lavish seventh-floor suite is to follow.
im sure most of them are terrified they will be losing their jobs, i would be also if i were in an appointed position.
i wonder if he will clean all MPD, including Godwin????