One of my favorite Project Pat songs is If You Ain’t From My Hood. Ironically, I used to sing it while living nowhere near North Memphis (Fayette County to be exact lol). When Project Pat raps “Say you from the North Memphis Tenn, but I doubt that,” he could be talking to some 2023 mayoral candidates. Before we can even get to folks pulling petitions to run, the hot debate is
You’re either in the mix or you’re not. There’s nothing wrong with living in another city- but if that’s where you live, run for mayor there! The perceived lack of political talent/competition drives people to run where they think the win is easy. It’s easy to move to Memphis, it’s easy to get a job here if you’re an “educated” outsider, it’s easy to buy property here without even flying to town, it’s easy to buy influence. The people of Memphis get to decide how easy it is to take power in the few positions that are still somewhat democratically determined.
The residency conversation is a diversion, you’re right. But it’s also a minimum defense, and a tiny, way to advantage the Memphians that are best equipped to lead.
You’re either in the mix or you’re not. There’s nothing wrong with living in another city- but if that’s where you live, run for mayor there! The perceived lack of political talent/competition drives people to run where they think the win is easy. It’s easy to move to Memphis, it’s easy to get a job here if you’re an “educated” outsider, it’s easy to buy property here without even flying to town, it’s easy to buy influence. The people of Memphis get to decide how easy it is to take power in the few positions that are still somewhat democratically determined.
The residency conversation is a diversion, you’re right. But it’s also a minimum defense, and a tiny, way to advantage the Memphians that are best equipped to lead.
Thanks for keeping us educated and in the know
The suburbs are a parasite on the City. If you don’t know that, and can’t be bothered to live here, why would we let you govern here?