In this primary season, change seems to be the word voters most want to hear. Networking is the foundation of trust relationships that make change possible. Our guests this week are deeply engaged in understanding and building powerful networks for change.
Abby Wilson and Sarah Szurpicki are the founders of GLUE, the Great Lakes Urban Exchange, an online networking and journalism effort to build regional identity and share information among young urban leaders in the region. Sarah and Abby are urbanists who have recently returned to their respective hometowns: Detroit and Pittsburgh.
Dr. Karen Stephenson is a world leader in analyzing networks for corporations and communities and putting their power to work. Her project for Leadership Philadelphia led to uncovering surprising new sources of leadership in that community. Karen is a corporate anthropologist who has been lauded as a pioneer in the growing field of social-network business consultants. Her consulting firm, Netform, was recognized as one of the top 100 leading innovation companies by CIO.
Smart City is a syndicated, weekly hour-long public radio talk show that takes an in-depth look at urban life: the people, places, ideas and trends that affect us all. Host Carol Coletta talks with national and international public policy experts, economists, business leaders, artists, developers, planners and others on the pulse of city life for a penetrating discussion on urban issues.
Smart City is broadcast at 6 a.m. Saturday and Sundays on WKNO-FM, but it is also webcast and podcast. For the webcast, times for the broadcast in other cities and to sign up for the podcast, visit the website.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Our Consolidation Poster Children: Nashville And Louisville
It is inevitable.
It’s the “consolidation moment,” the time in every meeting where the future of Memphis is being discussed. It’s when someone holds up the merger of city and county governments as the answer to all that ails our city.
Frequently mentioned in these merger moments is the poster child of all things virtuous when it comes to Memphians’ perceptions of consolidation – Nashville. But these days, Louisville is more and more added to the mix.
We’ve cultivated a mythology about consolidation. It’s consolidated government that turned Nashville into a boomtown. It’s consolidated government that’s responsible for its impressive job creation trends and economic growth. It’s consolidated government that’s responsible for the ambition that is such a core part of the city’s psyche.
Voting On Pride
Of course, most of these positive trends happened no less than 25 years after the Nashville and Davidson County governments merged, but such is the power of the myth.
As for Louisville, its passage of consolidation in 2000 seemed especially prescient for Memphis, because of our similar demographics, civic culture and set of downtown, economic and educational challenges. There, the campaign to merge the governments was built on a single, unshakeable foundation – civic pride. Louisville was about to be passed by Lexington – a consolidated government - in population and become the largest city in Kentucky, and the idea was just too much for Louisville citizens to fathom.
So, the argument for consolidation in Louisville was centered on the fact that it would move up on the list of the U.S.’s largest cities - from 58th to the 23rd.. Boosters said the higher ranking would immediately attract the attention of corporations looking to relocate, but that of course was specious, since it’s the regional population that matters today, not a city’s.
Power Of Popularity
But Nashville and Louisville did have one thing in common that provided pivotal to passage of consolidation – wildly popular political leaders who set consolidation as their priority and put all of their political chips on the table to get the merger passed by the voters.
In Nashville in 1962, it was the dominating influence of Davidson County Judge Beverly Briley. The Nashville Mayor, Ben West, was distrusted by voters outside of Nashville, who came to see the referendum as a vote of confidence for either Briley or West. That was critical, because consolidation in Nashville, like Memphis, had to be passed in a dual vote of Nashville voters and non-Nashville voters.
In this way, the political dynamics seem to mirror the situation here, and why Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton’s recent endorsement of consolidation could be a pivotal point in our long-time quest for consolidated government.
Modernizing Government
In Louisville, the political realities were just the opposite of Nashville’s. In Kentucky, consolidation is passed when a majority of all voters in the county approve it, so there’s only one vote total. There, the wildly popular former Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson – with a 90+ percent approval rating – led the fight for consolidated government and became its first mayor.
Unlike many cities, there was no crisis or scandal in Louisville that served as the catalytic event for consolidation. Instead, it was all about creating a modern government structure that would make the city more competitive, more entrepreneurial and more successful.
There were no claims that consolidation would result in big savings – a claim frequently made in these pushes for merger but which have not been born out in follow-up research – and instead, the business and political leadership made it a vote of confidence about the future of their hometown.
Keep It Vague
Interestingly, proponents refused to conduct an in-depth cost-benefit analysis, because the strategy was for the vote to be about civic pride, not about a parsing of the numbers. Considering the magnitude of the consolidation proposal, details were vague - intentionally so.
The pro-consolidation campaign spent about $2 million while anti-consolidation forces ran a shoestring campaign that was regularly derided by the news media.
Like Memphis, Louisville had been pursuing consolidation without success for decades - 23 years there. Even with the single majority referendum, voters turned it down in 1982 and 1983. In 2000, consolidation passed 56% for and 44% against.
Simplicity In Government
If Louisville had a dual majority requirement like Memphis, the mayor’s office told us that consolidation would have failed, because suburban voters were against it. Inside Louisville, African-American voters opposed the merger, fearful of diluting their political power in the existing city government.
The most striking lesson for Memphis in the Louisville vote is the reminder of how simple our governmental structure is. The most obvious contradiction to the widely held perception that we are hopelessly complicated here is this: There are 8 governments in Shelby County; in Louisville, there were 118 local governments in Jefferson County.
Back to Nashville, it was the first Tennessee city to put consolidation on the ballot after passage of the 1953 constitutional amendment that allowed merged governments. That same amendment set up the dual majority requirement that Memphis Mayor Willie W. Herenton has set out to change, so that consolidation can be implemented if approved by a single majority vote.
We’re Not Alone
By the way, the last consolidation votes in Memphis were in 1962 and 1971. In one of those votes, the merger failed because it was voted down outside of Memphis, but in the other, it was voted down both inside and outside of Memphis.
By way of reference, the civic frustration caused by failed consolidation votes is not limited to Memphis. It failed at the ballot box in Knoxville in 1958, 1978, 1983 and 1996. Chattanooga voted it down in 1964 and 1970. It also was voted down in Jackson in 1987, Clarksville in 1981 and Bristol in 1982 and 1988.
Besides Nashville, it’s only passed in two other counties, Lynchburg/ Moore, in 1987 and Hartsville/Trousdale in 2000, with respective populations of 4,700 and 2,400.
One Last Fact
Secret to Nashville’s success in passing consolidation was that voters outside the city limits preferred the merger to being annexed. In keeping with Tennessee law, two taxing districts – urban services and general services – were required, and voters outside Nashville saw tax advantages to the general services designation and its lower tax rate – a strategy that might prove fruitful here in recruiting supporters outside Memphis.
OK, OK, this is way more than you really wanted to know, but we find all of this interesting, because this time around, city and county leaders might find it instructive to see what lessons they can learn from campaigns in other cities.
Finally, one last factoid: If Memphis passes consolidation, it will be the largest city that has merged its city and county governments in more than a century, dating back to the 19th century, the heyday of the consolidation movement.
It’s the “consolidation moment,” the time in every meeting where the future of Memphis is being discussed. It’s when someone holds up the merger of city and county governments as the answer to all that ails our city.
Frequently mentioned in these merger moments is the poster child of all things virtuous when it comes to Memphians’ perceptions of consolidation – Nashville. But these days, Louisville is more and more added to the mix.
We’ve cultivated a mythology about consolidation. It’s consolidated government that turned Nashville into a boomtown. It’s consolidated government that’s responsible for its impressive job creation trends and economic growth. It’s consolidated government that’s responsible for the ambition that is such a core part of the city’s psyche.
Voting On Pride
Of course, most of these positive trends happened no less than 25 years after the Nashville and Davidson County governments merged, but such is the power of the myth.
As for Louisville, its passage of consolidation in 2000 seemed especially prescient for Memphis, because of our similar demographics, civic culture and set of downtown, economic and educational challenges. There, the campaign to merge the governments was built on a single, unshakeable foundation – civic pride. Louisville was about to be passed by Lexington – a consolidated government - in population and become the largest city in Kentucky, and the idea was just too much for Louisville citizens to fathom.
So, the argument for consolidation in Louisville was centered on the fact that it would move up on the list of the U.S.’s largest cities - from 58th to the 23rd.. Boosters said the higher ranking would immediately attract the attention of corporations looking to relocate, but that of course was specious, since it’s the regional population that matters today, not a city’s.
Power Of Popularity
But Nashville and Louisville did have one thing in common that provided pivotal to passage of consolidation – wildly popular political leaders who set consolidation as their priority and put all of their political chips on the table to get the merger passed by the voters.
In Nashville in 1962, it was the dominating influence of Davidson County Judge Beverly Briley. The Nashville Mayor, Ben West, was distrusted by voters outside of Nashville, who came to see the referendum as a vote of confidence for either Briley or West. That was critical, because consolidation in Nashville, like Memphis, had to be passed in a dual vote of Nashville voters and non-Nashville voters.
In this way, the political dynamics seem to mirror the situation here, and why Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton’s recent endorsement of consolidation could be a pivotal point in our long-time quest for consolidated government.
Modernizing Government
In Louisville, the political realities were just the opposite of Nashville’s. In Kentucky, consolidation is passed when a majority of all voters in the county approve it, so there’s only one vote total. There, the wildly popular former Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson – with a 90+ percent approval rating – led the fight for consolidated government and became its first mayor.
Unlike many cities, there was no crisis or scandal in Louisville that served as the catalytic event for consolidation. Instead, it was all about creating a modern government structure that would make the city more competitive, more entrepreneurial and more successful.
There were no claims that consolidation would result in big savings – a claim frequently made in these pushes for merger but which have not been born out in follow-up research – and instead, the business and political leadership made it a vote of confidence about the future of their hometown.
Keep It Vague
Interestingly, proponents refused to conduct an in-depth cost-benefit analysis, because the strategy was for the vote to be about civic pride, not about a parsing of the numbers. Considering the magnitude of the consolidation proposal, details were vague - intentionally so.
The pro-consolidation campaign spent about $2 million while anti-consolidation forces ran a shoestring campaign that was regularly derided by the news media.
Like Memphis, Louisville had been pursuing consolidation without success for decades - 23 years there. Even with the single majority referendum, voters turned it down in 1982 and 1983. In 2000, consolidation passed 56% for and 44% against.
Simplicity In Government
If Louisville had a dual majority requirement like Memphis, the mayor’s office told us that consolidation would have failed, because suburban voters were against it. Inside Louisville, African-American voters opposed the merger, fearful of diluting their political power in the existing city government.
The most striking lesson for Memphis in the Louisville vote is the reminder of how simple our governmental structure is. The most obvious contradiction to the widely held perception that we are hopelessly complicated here is this: There are 8 governments in Shelby County; in Louisville, there were 118 local governments in Jefferson County.
Back to Nashville, it was the first Tennessee city to put consolidation on the ballot after passage of the 1953 constitutional amendment that allowed merged governments. That same amendment set up the dual majority requirement that Memphis Mayor Willie W. Herenton has set out to change, so that consolidation can be implemented if approved by a single majority vote.
We’re Not Alone
By the way, the last consolidation votes in Memphis were in 1962 and 1971. In one of those votes, the merger failed because it was voted down outside of Memphis, but in the other, it was voted down both inside and outside of Memphis.
By way of reference, the civic frustration caused by failed consolidation votes is not limited to Memphis. It failed at the ballot box in Knoxville in 1958, 1978, 1983 and 1996. Chattanooga voted it down in 1964 and 1970. It also was voted down in Jackson in 1987, Clarksville in 1981 and Bristol in 1982 and 1988.
Besides Nashville, it’s only passed in two other counties, Lynchburg/ Moore, in 1987 and Hartsville/Trousdale in 2000, with respective populations of 4,700 and 2,400.
One Last Fact
Secret to Nashville’s success in passing consolidation was that voters outside the city limits preferred the merger to being annexed. In keeping with Tennessee law, two taxing districts – urban services and general services – were required, and voters outside Nashville saw tax advantages to the general services designation and its lower tax rate – a strategy that might prove fruitful here in recruiting supporters outside Memphis.
OK, OK, this is way more than you really wanted to know, but we find all of this interesting, because this time around, city and county leaders might find it instructive to see what lessons they can learn from campaigns in other cities.
Finally, one last factoid: If Memphis passes consolidation, it will be the largest city that has merged its city and county governments in more than a century, dating back to the 19th century, the heyday of the consolidation movement.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Consolidation Should Start Inside County Government
Finally, Shelby County has the chance to have a "strong mayor" form of government.
Through sheer force of personality, county mayors have created the perception that they are equals to their Memphis counterparts. But, perched atop a government littered with the fiefdoms of assorted elected officials and powerful public boards, the truth is that the county mayor has direct control over less than 20 percent of the county budget.
The irony is obvious: while everyone talks about consolidating city and county governments, things aren’t even consolidated inside Shelby County Government.
Cracking The Door
Hopefully, this could soon change. Unexpectedly, the Tennessee Supreme Court has opened the door to the potential of reducing the number of elected officials – like the register whose main job is recording documents, the trustee who collects taxes, the clerk who sells marriage and auto licenses, the assessor who appraises property, and the sheriff who primarily operates the county jail.
This kind of streamlining of county government was unimaginable just months ago. Seemingly given special status as “constitutional officers,” it was thought that these officials were as much a part of county government as the costs of sprawl. Regardless of who’s been behind the mayor’s desk in the past 31 years, he’s thought wistfully of folding some of these largely functional duties into his operations.
As one former county mayor once described it, the county’s organizational structure is tantamount to holding Fred Smith accountable for FedEx’s performance, but without giving him control over FedEx Ground.
Killing The Hydra
It wasn’t supposed to be this way. When county government was restructured in 1974, the lumbering three-headed administration was scrapped in favor of a single county chief executive to be called a mayor, an appellation that allowed him to elbow his way into a spotlight previously reserved for the Memphis mayor.
But the rhetoric far outstripped reality. Even when home rule was approved a decade later, it did not stop Shelby County Government’s repeated forays to the Tennessee Legislature to plead for powers automatically given to cities and their mayors.
In the past 20 years, there’s been no serious study of how the county structure could be changed to improve its operations and deal with an entrenched culture that repulses innovation. Unfortunately, with the opportunity now to reduce the inefficiency that comes from the county’s Hydra-like structure, county commissioners are just as likely to blink as to seize the chance to consider what county government could be.
Impact Or Not?
If they take the path of least resistance, they will ratify all of the elected offices and move on. If they have the courage, they will take the time to have serious debate about ways to make county government more businesslike - how to make public boards like the Agricenter Commission more accountable for its use of public land, how to have more oversight of powerful boards like the Airport Authority, how to align resources in a dozen economic development boards, and how to reinvent bureaucracies like the finance department so they are lean and customer-oriented.
Within county government, the costs of inconsistent policies are legend. Only the mayor is required to comply with personnel policies, purchasing rules, financial procedures, and technology guidelines. That’s why one elected official bought a multi-million dollar computer system that couldn’t “talk” to the county mainframe, another refused to put her GIS information online for public use, another paid premium prices for equipment purchased more cheaply by the mayor’s administration, and most contribute to the stupefying, fragmented online experience at county websites.
In a few years, the landmark agreements establishing Urban Growth Boundaries will virtually eliminate many of the county’s most prominent services – zoning, planning, fire department, ambulances, road construction, and more.
It's The Beginning
If the question today about reducing the number of elected officials is seen as a beginning, rather than an end, it could actually be used to plan for that new day and to transform county government into the more entrepreneurial environment envisioned by Mayor A C Wharton.
Across the U.S., urban governments are engaged in bursts of innovation unseen in decades, and in places, a strong mayor form of government is pursued as the answer to their problems. Shelby County could join them if commissioners think beyond the immediate politics of the problem before them.
It would seem to be the perfect time to consider the kind of “smarter government” being pursued in states like New York, where there’s a call for economies of scale, efficiency, cooperation, and consolidation between governments. Before Shelby County can get to that point, it first has to do it within its government.
Previously published in Memphis magazine's City Journal column.
Through sheer force of personality, county mayors have created the perception that they are equals to their Memphis counterparts. But, perched atop a government littered with the fiefdoms of assorted elected officials and powerful public boards, the truth is that the county mayor has direct control over less than 20 percent of the county budget.
The irony is obvious: while everyone talks about consolidating city and county governments, things aren’t even consolidated inside Shelby County Government.
Cracking The Door
Hopefully, this could soon change. Unexpectedly, the Tennessee Supreme Court has opened the door to the potential of reducing the number of elected officials – like the register whose main job is recording documents, the trustee who collects taxes, the clerk who sells marriage and auto licenses, the assessor who appraises property, and the sheriff who primarily operates the county jail.
This kind of streamlining of county government was unimaginable just months ago. Seemingly given special status as “constitutional officers,” it was thought that these officials were as much a part of county government as the costs of sprawl. Regardless of who’s been behind the mayor’s desk in the past 31 years, he’s thought wistfully of folding some of these largely functional duties into his operations.
As one former county mayor once described it, the county’s organizational structure is tantamount to holding Fred Smith accountable for FedEx’s performance, but without giving him control over FedEx Ground.
Killing The Hydra
It wasn’t supposed to be this way. When county government was restructured in 1974, the lumbering three-headed administration was scrapped in favor of a single county chief executive to be called a mayor, an appellation that allowed him to elbow his way into a spotlight previously reserved for the Memphis mayor.
But the rhetoric far outstripped reality. Even when home rule was approved a decade later, it did not stop Shelby County Government’s repeated forays to the Tennessee Legislature to plead for powers automatically given to cities and their mayors.
In the past 20 years, there’s been no serious study of how the county structure could be changed to improve its operations and deal with an entrenched culture that repulses innovation. Unfortunately, with the opportunity now to reduce the inefficiency that comes from the county’s Hydra-like structure, county commissioners are just as likely to blink as to seize the chance to consider what county government could be.
Impact Or Not?
If they take the path of least resistance, they will ratify all of the elected offices and move on. If they have the courage, they will take the time to have serious debate about ways to make county government more businesslike - how to make public boards like the Agricenter Commission more accountable for its use of public land, how to have more oversight of powerful boards like the Airport Authority, how to align resources in a dozen economic development boards, and how to reinvent bureaucracies like the finance department so they are lean and customer-oriented.
Within county government, the costs of inconsistent policies are legend. Only the mayor is required to comply with personnel policies, purchasing rules, financial procedures, and technology guidelines. That’s why one elected official bought a multi-million dollar computer system that couldn’t “talk” to the county mainframe, another refused to put her GIS information online for public use, another paid premium prices for equipment purchased more cheaply by the mayor’s administration, and most contribute to the stupefying, fragmented online experience at county websites.
In a few years, the landmark agreements establishing Urban Growth Boundaries will virtually eliminate many of the county’s most prominent services – zoning, planning, fire department, ambulances, road construction, and more.
It's The Beginning
If the question today about reducing the number of elected officials is seen as a beginning, rather than an end, it could actually be used to plan for that new day and to transform county government into the more entrepreneurial environment envisioned by Mayor A C Wharton.
Across the U.S., urban governments are engaged in bursts of innovation unseen in decades, and in places, a strong mayor form of government is pursued as the answer to their problems. Shelby County could join them if commissioners think beyond the immediate politics of the problem before them.
It would seem to be the perfect time to consider the kind of “smarter government” being pursued in states like New York, where there’s a call for economies of scale, efficiency, cooperation, and consolidation between governments. Before Shelby County can get to that point, it first has to do it within its government.
Previously published in Memphis magazine's City Journal column.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Towns Need To Consolidate Their Wish Lists And Get To Negotiating Table
This is the latest in a series of posts this week on consolidation:
Cities with consolidated governments are the exception, not the rule.
Of the 3,141 counties and 20,000 municipalities in the U.S., a grand total of 35 are consolidated, or 1.1 percent of counties.
Referenda on consolidation are anything but sure things. More than 85 percent fail.
Consolidations don’t generally save money.
Just The Facts
In fact, the overriding piece of advice from cities where consolidation has passed is: don’t sell it on the basis of cost savings. History shows that significant savings don’t usually materialize, and in fact, costs are more likely to increase initially. That’s why Louisville never talked about saving money in its successful campaign for consolidation in 2000.
We don’t say these things to throw cold water on the current consolidation discussion. We say them in hopes that we can keep this issue in perspective, that we don’t oversell it and that we need to deal in facts.
Because of the historical overselling of consolidation In Memphis, we tend to think it is the answer to all that ails Memphis and Shelby County, and along the way, we have created the misperception that every city but ours has a merged government.
Behavior Modification
This has reinforced two behaviors:
1) It feeds our feelings of inferiority. Because we aren’t consolidation, and every one else is, we aren’t as good as other cities.
2) It feeds inaction, because we use the absence of consolidation as a crutch for doing nothing. After all, the thinking goes, we can’t really get anything done here, because our government is so different from every one else.
Myth-making
Over the years, our failures to pass consolidation at two referenda and to create any real momentum behind this change in government have been demoralizing to an already fragile civic psyche. Because of the mythology that we are one of only a few cities that still have city and county governments, it feeds the negative self-image that lies at the heart of so many of our problems.
As a result, this time, we hope that there’s a process for evaluating the pluses and minuses of consolidation, for getting out the facts and for giving every one time to digest them without some artificial timeline forced on the process by political expediency.
While the failure to merge local government has frustrated city and county mayors for 30 years who have called for modernizing our local government structure, there’s less reason to get panicky now than anytime in our past.
Change Is Unchangeable
Here’s why. Smaller towns in Shelby County can vehemently oppose changes in our local government structure all they want. But in the end, it just doesn’t matter. Change is inevitable.
That’s because our political landscape changed with the passage of Chapter 1101 in 1998 and the creation of the urban growth boundaries in Shelby County. That was Memphis Mayor Willie W. Herenton’s finest hour, as he fought back the “tiny town” legislation, stared down powerful political forces aligned against him and protected Memphis’ financial and economic future.
As usual for these kinds of complicated issues, Chapter 1101 was largely defined by the media in terms of the personalities involved in the dispute, rather than in terms of the new world that was being created. Obscured was the long-term change that the urban growth boundary agreement was ushering in.
Leveling The Playing Field
For the first time, every city in Shelby County knew exactly what their maximum boundaries would be in the future, because the so-called annexation reserve agreements set out the specific area that would become part of each city.
When these agreements are fully implemented, the boundaries of Shelby County and the boundaries of Memphis will be largely co-terminus. At that time, only 49 square miles of Shelby County’s 755 square miles won’t be inside a city, and more to the point, 65 percent of the county’s land area will be inside Memphis.
So, even without consolidation, at that point in the future, county government will look nothing like it does today. It will in fact be transformed. Its services will be pared back to the point that it’s delivering the same primary services as the most rural county government – schools, health care and jails.
Earthquake In Political Landscape
In the years that lead to those days, political support for fundamentally changing the structure of local government will continue to mount, and by then, that can be done simply - through an intergovernmental agreement in which county government contracts with Memphis for anything but basic services.
This will for the first time in the history of Shelby County put Memphis and the other municipalities on a level playing field. No longer can the towns expect their services to be subsidized by county government. Instead, every town will have to provide the same city services as Memphis, services previously provided by Shelby County - ambulances, code enforcement and law enforcement, to name a few.
It’s because of this new world that the mayors for the smaller towns should be calling right now for meetings with Mayor Herenton and Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton to get the best deal that they can. Their negotiating position will erode with each passing year. (In fact, if Memphis is not successful in this push for consolidation, it’s time to aggressively implement their full annexation rights and to change the look of local government once and for all.)
Get To The Negotiating Table
Contrary to what the town mayors are now thinking as they instinctively oppose any consolidation proposal advanced by Mayor Herenton, this is their best time to negotiate an agreement in which they get the favorite things on their wish lists in return for supporting the merger of city-county governments.
A change is gonna come. Later, there’s little that the town mayors can do but watch as county government as they know it dwindles in power and influence. If they come to the table now, they have their best chance of getting everything from a special school district and frozen school boundaries to changes in the extraterritorial jurisdiction that allows Memphis to set development patterns in their annexation area.
Undoubtedly, there are other things they would like. There’s no time like the present.
Cities with consolidated governments are the exception, not the rule.
Of the 3,141 counties and 20,000 municipalities in the U.S., a grand total of 35 are consolidated, or 1.1 percent of counties.
Referenda on consolidation are anything but sure things. More than 85 percent fail.
Consolidations don’t generally save money.
Just The Facts
In fact, the overriding piece of advice from cities where consolidation has passed is: don’t sell it on the basis of cost savings. History shows that significant savings don’t usually materialize, and in fact, costs are more likely to increase initially. That’s why Louisville never talked about saving money in its successful campaign for consolidation in 2000.
We don’t say these things to throw cold water on the current consolidation discussion. We say them in hopes that we can keep this issue in perspective, that we don’t oversell it and that we need to deal in facts.
Because of the historical overselling of consolidation In Memphis, we tend to think it is the answer to all that ails Memphis and Shelby County, and along the way, we have created the misperception that every city but ours has a merged government.
Behavior Modification
This has reinforced two behaviors:
1) It feeds our feelings of inferiority. Because we aren’t consolidation, and every one else is, we aren’t as good as other cities.
2) It feeds inaction, because we use the absence of consolidation as a crutch for doing nothing. After all, the thinking goes, we can’t really get anything done here, because our government is so different from every one else.
Myth-making
Over the years, our failures to pass consolidation at two referenda and to create any real momentum behind this change in government have been demoralizing to an already fragile civic psyche. Because of the mythology that we are one of only a few cities that still have city and county governments, it feeds the negative self-image that lies at the heart of so many of our problems.
As a result, this time, we hope that there’s a process for evaluating the pluses and minuses of consolidation, for getting out the facts and for giving every one time to digest them without some artificial timeline forced on the process by political expediency.
While the failure to merge local government has frustrated city and county mayors for 30 years who have called for modernizing our local government structure, there’s less reason to get panicky now than anytime in our past.
Change Is Unchangeable
Here’s why. Smaller towns in Shelby County can vehemently oppose changes in our local government structure all they want. But in the end, it just doesn’t matter. Change is inevitable.
That’s because our political landscape changed with the passage of Chapter 1101 in 1998 and the creation of the urban growth boundaries in Shelby County. That was Memphis Mayor Willie W. Herenton’s finest hour, as he fought back the “tiny town” legislation, stared down powerful political forces aligned against him and protected Memphis’ financial and economic future.
As usual for these kinds of complicated issues, Chapter 1101 was largely defined by the media in terms of the personalities involved in the dispute, rather than in terms of the new world that was being created. Obscured was the long-term change that the urban growth boundary agreement was ushering in.
Leveling The Playing Field
For the first time, every city in Shelby County knew exactly what their maximum boundaries would be in the future, because the so-called annexation reserve agreements set out the specific area that would become part of each city.
When these agreements are fully implemented, the boundaries of Shelby County and the boundaries of Memphis will be largely co-terminus. At that time, only 49 square miles of Shelby County’s 755 square miles won’t be inside a city, and more to the point, 65 percent of the county’s land area will be inside Memphis.
So, even without consolidation, at that point in the future, county government will look nothing like it does today. It will in fact be transformed. Its services will be pared back to the point that it’s delivering the same primary services as the most rural county government – schools, health care and jails.
Earthquake In Political Landscape
In the years that lead to those days, political support for fundamentally changing the structure of local government will continue to mount, and by then, that can be done simply - through an intergovernmental agreement in which county government contracts with Memphis for anything but basic services.
This will for the first time in the history of Shelby County put Memphis and the other municipalities on a level playing field. No longer can the towns expect their services to be subsidized by county government. Instead, every town will have to provide the same city services as Memphis, services previously provided by Shelby County - ambulances, code enforcement and law enforcement, to name a few.
It’s because of this new world that the mayors for the smaller towns should be calling right now for meetings with Mayor Herenton and Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton to get the best deal that they can. Their negotiating position will erode with each passing year. (In fact, if Memphis is not successful in this push for consolidation, it’s time to aggressively implement their full annexation rights and to change the look of local government once and for all.)
Get To The Negotiating Table
Contrary to what the town mayors are now thinking as they instinctively oppose any consolidation proposal advanced by Mayor Herenton, this is their best time to negotiate an agreement in which they get the favorite things on their wish lists in return for supporting the merger of city-county governments.
A change is gonna come. Later, there’s little that the town mayors can do but watch as county government as they know it dwindles in power and influence. If they come to the table now, they have their best chance of getting everything from a special school district and frozen school boundaries to changes in the extraterritorial jurisdiction that allows Memphis to set development patterns in their annexation area.
Undoubtedly, there are other things they would like. There’s no time like the present.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
This Week: Consolidating Our Topics
Consolidation is once again a hot topic in Memphis and Shelby County following Memphis Mayor Willie W. Herenton’s latest call for merging city and county governments.
No community in the U.S. has talked more about consolidation as ours – for 35 years no less – and no issue is clouded by as much misinformation and confusion. That’s why no community is more in need of the calm civic conversation that this issue deserves.
This week, we hope to do our part, and we begin today. We’ll be concentrating on the subject of consolidation all week, and we hope you’ll join in.
No community in the U.S. has talked more about consolidation as ours – for 35 years no less – and no issue is clouded by as much misinformation and confusion. That’s why no community is more in need of the calm civic conversation that this issue deserves.
This week, we hope to do our part, and we begin today. We’ll be concentrating on the subject of consolidation all week, and we hope you’ll join in.
Consolidation Depends On A Lot Falling Right
Memphis Mayor Willie W. Herenton is right.
The logic of consolidating Memphis and Shelby County Governments is painfully obvious. There is no city and county in the country where merging the governments makes as much sense.
And yet, we likely can’t get there from here.
It is also patently unfair that a majority of voters in Shelby County should not have the right to change their form of local government.
And yet, as every one of us was told by our parents, life’s just not fair.
Rules Of The Game
Because it isn’t, the prognosis for changing the ground rules for consolidation votes in Tennessee is about as likely as finding a pro-Memphis groundswell on Capitol Hill in Nashville.
We admire Mayor Herenton’s stick-to-it-ness on this issue, but despite his quadrennial call for change (and similar proclamations by former city and county mayors), no progress has been made in reinventing the structure of local government. We wish we could see reasons to think that things will be any different this year.
After all, Mayor Herenton’s latest plan is built on the premise of a change in Tennessee law so that a single-majority, rather than the present dual-majority, is required for approval of consolidation. In other words, no longer would the vote on consolidation have to be approved by a majority of the voters within Memphis and then also approved by a majority of the voters outside of Memphis.
Tough Road To Hoe
That would change the law so consolidation would be approved in a single countywide vote – like the one that consolidated Louisville and Jefferson County governments in 2000. But more than a law has to be changed – so does the state constitution. That’s because Tennessee law simply codified a 1953 amendment to the state constitution that was not self-executing.
The dual-majority requirement in Tennessee isn’t the reflection of a strange backwater political culture. Such requirements are found in other states, and in fact, there are places where the threshold for approval of consolidation is even more onerous, requiring approval by each city individually.
The odds of getting a fractured Shelby County delegation to lead the fight for law change in the rural-dominated legislature and succeed were already long, but the idea that the state legislature is going to call a limited constitutional convention to address this issue for Memphis or that a super-majority of the legislature will ultimately pass it is at this point unfathomable.
Surely, Mayor Herenton prefers the legislative approach to a constitutional convention, and if so, with everything falling in place, it would be late 2010 before the change would have final approval. To start the clock, the Tennessee Legislature must approve it for the first time in the current session. Any bump in the road sets back the process, making it likely that it would be 2014 before final action could take place.
Moving Mountains
Normally, the Legislature is moved to support legislation for a specific county if the county’s delegation unites behind it. That’s not going to happen here, since the Shelby County delegation can hardly unite to support motherhood. Absent this delegation unity, Mayor Herenton will have to find champions to push the bill through. That, too, is difficult, because city government doesn’t have any strong political alliances in Nashville to leverage.
Reportedly, Mayor Herenton is counting on Governor Phil Bredesen’s help in getting the law and the constitution changed, but that too seems like a hard sell. Constitutional amendments don’t require gubernatorial approval; they are totally within the province of the Legislature. With only two years left in office, Governor Bredesen is focused on the highest and best uses of his political capital, and it’s hard to imagine it including a contentious political fight on governmental structure in Memphis.
Truth be told, if we only had one wish for the use of the governor’s political capital, it would be for intervention at Memphis City Schools. To us, if you want to ask the governor to have the maximum impact on the future of Memphis, it’s the schools, not governmental structure, that matter most.
Starting The Clock
As for consolidation, when and if the state law allows passage of consolidation with a single countywide vote, another clock starts. It’s the one for the charter commission, the group that will write the proposed charter to be put up for a vote at referendum.
At its speediest, this would take a year and more likely, it would take 18 months.
In other words, people who contend that Mayor Herenton is pushing consolidation once again as an egotistical power grab should think again. If somehow this issue did the one thing that government finds hardest to do – move ahead in a timely and efficient manner – the change in government would be up for a vote about the time that Mayor Herenton is getting ready to leave office.
Street Cred
Already, some influential people see Shelby County AC Wharton as the best person to head up this merged government, and if he’s interested, it’s hard to see a situation where he wouldn’t be the prohibitive front runner.
Of course, that rests on the assumption that voters would at referendum approve consolidation in a countywide vote, and it’s not as much of a given as some would suggest. In Louisville, even with the most popular city mayor in history pushing for consolidation and supported by his county counterpart, a $2 million business-sponsored campaign and relentless media support, the merger passed 55% to 45%. It was also the third time consolidation was on the ballot.
The bloc of votes against consolidation came largely from suburban and African-American voters; however, here, consolidation supporters are counting on Mayor Herenton’s street cred to prevent the perennial charges in a move toward consolidation that black political power is being diluted.
No Magic Bullet
While consolidation isn’t the magic panacea that it’s often held up to be, it’s hard to disagree that it’s an idea whose time has come. As annexations by Shelby County’s cities, chiefly Memphis, take in the areas reserved for them by Chapter 1101, there will be a time when the boundaries of Memphis and Shelby County will be largely co-terminus.
At that point, the notion of having two overlapping urban governments serving essentially the same areas seems ludicrous on its face. In truth, if city and county governments have still not merged at that point, they could do it de facto with contracts and intergovernmental agreements.
As the debate on this issue continues, we hope that everyone can turn down the volume. Mayor Herenton’s continued blasts at residents of county towns only harden the political lines and minds. There may actually be common ground, but we’ll never know if the lines of communications are preemptively blown up. Town mayors need to abandon knee-jerk complaints about Mayor Herenton as a person and consolidation as a concept. They need to acknowledge that consolidation is an option that deserves careful consideration and objective discussion.
No Rush
And for the rest of us, we need to fight a rush to judgment and wait for the facts. This isn’t about plugging our opinions about consolidation into existing anti-suburb hatred or anti-Memphis hatred. Rather, it’s about honest fact-finding, listening to what the pluses and minuses of consolidation are and then reaching an opinion on what would be best for the total community, not just our own enclaves or constituencies.
Consolidation may be an idea whose time has come, but we’ll never know it unless we can have the kind of reasoned discussion that the future of our local governments deserve. And who knows, if we actually talk and listen, we may just find that there are ways that every one can benefits.
The logic of consolidating Memphis and Shelby County Governments is painfully obvious. There is no city and county in the country where merging the governments makes as much sense.
And yet, we likely can’t get there from here.
It is also patently unfair that a majority of voters in Shelby County should not have the right to change their form of local government.
And yet, as every one of us was told by our parents, life’s just not fair.
Rules Of The Game
Because it isn’t, the prognosis for changing the ground rules for consolidation votes in Tennessee is about as likely as finding a pro-Memphis groundswell on Capitol Hill in Nashville.
We admire Mayor Herenton’s stick-to-it-ness on this issue, but despite his quadrennial call for change (and similar proclamations by former city and county mayors), no progress has been made in reinventing the structure of local government. We wish we could see reasons to think that things will be any different this year.
After all, Mayor Herenton’s latest plan is built on the premise of a change in Tennessee law so that a single-majority, rather than the present dual-majority, is required for approval of consolidation. In other words, no longer would the vote on consolidation have to be approved by a majority of the voters within Memphis and then also approved by a majority of the voters outside of Memphis.
Tough Road To Hoe
That would change the law so consolidation would be approved in a single countywide vote – like the one that consolidated Louisville and Jefferson County governments in 2000. But more than a law has to be changed – so does the state constitution. That’s because Tennessee law simply codified a 1953 amendment to the state constitution that was not self-executing.
The dual-majority requirement in Tennessee isn’t the reflection of a strange backwater political culture. Such requirements are found in other states, and in fact, there are places where the threshold for approval of consolidation is even more onerous, requiring approval by each city individually.
The odds of getting a fractured Shelby County delegation to lead the fight for law change in the rural-dominated legislature and succeed were already long, but the idea that the state legislature is going to call a limited constitutional convention to address this issue for Memphis or that a super-majority of the legislature will ultimately pass it is at this point unfathomable.
Surely, Mayor Herenton prefers the legislative approach to a constitutional convention, and if so, with everything falling in place, it would be late 2010 before the change would have final approval. To start the clock, the Tennessee Legislature must approve it for the first time in the current session. Any bump in the road sets back the process, making it likely that it would be 2014 before final action could take place.
Moving Mountains
Normally, the Legislature is moved to support legislation for a specific county if the county’s delegation unites behind it. That’s not going to happen here, since the Shelby County delegation can hardly unite to support motherhood. Absent this delegation unity, Mayor Herenton will have to find champions to push the bill through. That, too, is difficult, because city government doesn’t have any strong political alliances in Nashville to leverage.
Reportedly, Mayor Herenton is counting on Governor Phil Bredesen’s help in getting the law and the constitution changed, but that too seems like a hard sell. Constitutional amendments don’t require gubernatorial approval; they are totally within the province of the Legislature. With only two years left in office, Governor Bredesen is focused on the highest and best uses of his political capital, and it’s hard to imagine it including a contentious political fight on governmental structure in Memphis.
Truth be told, if we only had one wish for the use of the governor’s political capital, it would be for intervention at Memphis City Schools. To us, if you want to ask the governor to have the maximum impact on the future of Memphis, it’s the schools, not governmental structure, that matter most.
Starting The Clock
As for consolidation, when and if the state law allows passage of consolidation with a single countywide vote, another clock starts. It’s the one for the charter commission, the group that will write the proposed charter to be put up for a vote at referendum.
At its speediest, this would take a year and more likely, it would take 18 months.
In other words, people who contend that Mayor Herenton is pushing consolidation once again as an egotistical power grab should think again. If somehow this issue did the one thing that government finds hardest to do – move ahead in a timely and efficient manner – the change in government would be up for a vote about the time that Mayor Herenton is getting ready to leave office.
Street Cred
Already, some influential people see Shelby County AC Wharton as the best person to head up this merged government, and if he’s interested, it’s hard to see a situation where he wouldn’t be the prohibitive front runner.
Of course, that rests on the assumption that voters would at referendum approve consolidation in a countywide vote, and it’s not as much of a given as some would suggest. In Louisville, even with the most popular city mayor in history pushing for consolidation and supported by his county counterpart, a $2 million business-sponsored campaign and relentless media support, the merger passed 55% to 45%. It was also the third time consolidation was on the ballot.
The bloc of votes against consolidation came largely from suburban and African-American voters; however, here, consolidation supporters are counting on Mayor Herenton’s street cred to prevent the perennial charges in a move toward consolidation that black political power is being diluted.
No Magic Bullet
While consolidation isn’t the magic panacea that it’s often held up to be, it’s hard to disagree that it’s an idea whose time has come. As annexations by Shelby County’s cities, chiefly Memphis, take in the areas reserved for them by Chapter 1101, there will be a time when the boundaries of Memphis and Shelby County will be largely co-terminus.
At that point, the notion of having two overlapping urban governments serving essentially the same areas seems ludicrous on its face. In truth, if city and county governments have still not merged at that point, they could do it de facto with contracts and intergovernmental agreements.
As the debate on this issue continues, we hope that everyone can turn down the volume. Mayor Herenton’s continued blasts at residents of county towns only harden the political lines and minds. There may actually be common ground, but we’ll never know if the lines of communications are preemptively blown up. Town mayors need to abandon knee-jerk complaints about Mayor Herenton as a person and consolidation as a concept. They need to acknowledge that consolidation is an option that deserves careful consideration and objective discussion.
No Rush
And for the rest of us, we need to fight a rush to judgment and wait for the facts. This isn’t about plugging our opinions about consolidation into existing anti-suburb hatred or anti-Memphis hatred. Rather, it’s about honest fact-finding, listening to what the pluses and minuses of consolidation are and then reaching an opinion on what would be best for the total community, not just our own enclaves or constituencies.
Consolidation may be an idea whose time has come, but we’ll never know it unless we can have the kind of reasoned discussion that the future of our local governments deserve. And who knows, if we actually talk and listen, we may just find that there are ways that every one can benefits.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Planning To Get The Words Right In Hopes Policy Will Follow
Today, we drove down Winchester from FedEx World Headquarters to Lamar Avenue and drove by a former home in Hickory Hill. Later, we drove down Germantown Parkway from Germantown to Wolfchase.
They were two depressing drives. With one, we passed empty big box buildings, more check cashing companies than restaurants, boarded up gas stations, deserted strip malls and a disturbing array of deterioration. On the other, we passed miles and miles of nondescript shopping centers drained of all eye appeal or positive energy for the neighborhoods around them.
As we drove, we thought of the words of a local planning official in today’s Commercial Appeal. In a report about Gray’s Creek laudable preservation efforts, she sounded like she sees her role as being a defender of development: “They haven't taken this posture of no change and against all development. The city and county have to be able to continue to grow and develop. If they don't, then they will just become stagnant."
Real Growth
Funny, but it seemed to us that what we are doing now is creating two kinds of stagnancy – one on Winchester connected to dying areas and the other on Germantown Parkway for its stagnant sense of place.
If government has been trying to make sure we “grow and develop,” we sure could use some benign neglect.
After all, there’s not any real growth in Shelby County. Instead, city and county governments have conspired through their incentives and policies to fuel the most massive relocation of citizens in the history of Memphis, as the middle class abandoned the city for suburban sprawl.
Masked And Anonymous
In that way, it was peculiar for her to suggest that Memphis should “continue” to grow. Take away its ability to mask its loss of population through annexation and Memphis should be a leader of the shrinking city movement.
Words matter.
At this point, we’d consider it a success if our planning officials could just use some adverbs. We’d feel better if instead of saying that “city and county have to be able to continue to grow and develop,” she could at least say, “city and county have to grow sensibly and develop responsibly.”
And if the words could be converted into an operating philosophy for city and county governments, it would be the greatest legacy that our planners could give us.
They were two depressing drives. With one, we passed empty big box buildings, more check cashing companies than restaurants, boarded up gas stations, deserted strip malls and a disturbing array of deterioration. On the other, we passed miles and miles of nondescript shopping centers drained of all eye appeal or positive energy for the neighborhoods around them.
As we drove, we thought of the words of a local planning official in today’s Commercial Appeal. In a report about Gray’s Creek laudable preservation efforts, she sounded like she sees her role as being a defender of development: “They haven't taken this posture of no change and against all development. The city and county have to be able to continue to grow and develop. If they don't, then they will just become stagnant."
Real Growth
Funny, but it seemed to us that what we are doing now is creating two kinds of stagnancy – one on Winchester connected to dying areas and the other on Germantown Parkway for its stagnant sense of place.
If government has been trying to make sure we “grow and develop,” we sure could use some benign neglect.
After all, there’s not any real growth in Shelby County. Instead, city and county governments have conspired through their incentives and policies to fuel the most massive relocation of citizens in the history of Memphis, as the middle class abandoned the city for suburban sprawl.
Masked And Anonymous
In that way, it was peculiar for her to suggest that Memphis should “continue” to grow. Take away its ability to mask its loss of population through annexation and Memphis should be a leader of the shrinking city movement.
Words matter.
At this point, we’d consider it a success if our planning officials could just use some adverbs. We’d feel better if instead of saying that “city and county have to be able to continue to grow and develop,” she could at least say, “city and county have to grow sensibly and develop responsibly.”
And if the words could be converted into an operating philosophy for city and county governments, it would be the greatest legacy that our planners could give us.
Friday, January 04, 2008
MPD Shoots Itself In The Foot With Dumbed-Down Qualifications
Memphis businesses have long complained to local government and the Chamber of Commerce that graduates of Memphis City Schools are unprepared to work for them.
University of Memphis has long had special remedial classes for Memphis City Schools graduates.
So what can we do with all of these poorly prepared graduates?
Here’s an idea: Give them badges and guns.
Police Academy II
Or, at least, that’s what Memphis Police Department plans to do as it drops its requirement that recruits have two years of college education. The top cops in Memphis contend that the labor pool is simply too small for such a daunting educational requirement. By way of context, about 40 percent of Shelby Countians have attended some college, and the number of people in our labor pool who have attended some college is roughly 205,000.
But no matter, MPD officials say the police department can teach the recruits what they need to know at the police academy.
The suggestion that police academy training bears any resemblance to a college criminal justice curriculum is laughable, not to mention totally misleading. Comparing what’s taught at the police academy to what’s taught in college is akin to comparing community college to the Ivy League.
The Fourth “R”
Today, a college education is about is more than the three R’s – reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic. More to the point, it’s about the fourth R – the one that’s determining whether workers succeed in today’s economy – reasoning.
If most applicants for police jobs are now graduates of Memphis City Schools, eliminating a requirement for two years of college pretty much guarantees that no one will be taking criminal justice classes at U of M or Southwest Tennessee Community College in the future.
So, rather than throwing in the towel and paring back qualifications, how about a modest proposal?
Modest Proposal
Let Memphis Police Department change the policy. In the future, new recruits will only be required to have a high school degree.
But…also require them to get the equivalent of two years of college within their first six years on the force.
Memphis Police Department might even automatically sign them up for classes at Lemoyne-Owen College. After all, City of Memphis is giving the college about $4 million over the next three years. The least the college can do in return for taxpayers is to educate our police officers.
Just Do It
While we don’t discount the MPD’s concern, we are reminded of the comments of a former Memphis mayor two decades ago. When told that by purchasing officials that they couldn’t find any minority businesses for public contracts, the mayor boomed: “You can find purple-haired Eskimos if you wants to find them. This isn’t about a lack of people. It’s about a lack of commitment. If you wanted to find them, you would.”
We don’t want to oversimplify the challenge of recruiting new police officers, but if Memphis Police Department wants to find recruits, it can do it by improving its image so more qualified people will apply and by offering competitive salaries to get them.
Most of all, city police officials should first quit demeaning the jobs it’s trying to fill. That’s exactly what they do when they suggest that a high school degree is just fine for the job of protecting the people of Memphis.
Sadly, there are two public jobs that are perennially treated as if no real skills are required and anybody could do them – teaching and policing. Ufortunately, that’s the dominant message being sent by MPD when it dumbs down its qualifications for new recruits.
University of Memphis has long had special remedial classes for Memphis City Schools graduates.
So what can we do with all of these poorly prepared graduates?
Here’s an idea: Give them badges and guns.
Police Academy II
Or, at least, that’s what Memphis Police Department plans to do as it drops its requirement that recruits have two years of college education. The top cops in Memphis contend that the labor pool is simply too small for such a daunting educational requirement. By way of context, about 40 percent of Shelby Countians have attended some college, and the number of people in our labor pool who have attended some college is roughly 205,000.
But no matter, MPD officials say the police department can teach the recruits what they need to know at the police academy.
The suggestion that police academy training bears any resemblance to a college criminal justice curriculum is laughable, not to mention totally misleading. Comparing what’s taught at the police academy to what’s taught in college is akin to comparing community college to the Ivy League.
The Fourth “R”
Today, a college education is about is more than the three R’s – reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic. More to the point, it’s about the fourth R – the one that’s determining whether workers succeed in today’s economy – reasoning.
If most applicants for police jobs are now graduates of Memphis City Schools, eliminating a requirement for two years of college pretty much guarantees that no one will be taking criminal justice classes at U of M or Southwest Tennessee Community College in the future.
So, rather than throwing in the towel and paring back qualifications, how about a modest proposal?
Modest Proposal
Let Memphis Police Department change the policy. In the future, new recruits will only be required to have a high school degree.
But…also require them to get the equivalent of two years of college within their first six years on the force.
Memphis Police Department might even automatically sign them up for classes at Lemoyne-Owen College. After all, City of Memphis is giving the college about $4 million over the next three years. The least the college can do in return for taxpayers is to educate our police officers.
Just Do It
While we don’t discount the MPD’s concern, we are reminded of the comments of a former Memphis mayor two decades ago. When told that by purchasing officials that they couldn’t find any minority businesses for public contracts, the mayor boomed: “You can find purple-haired Eskimos if you wants to find them. This isn’t about a lack of people. It’s about a lack of commitment. If you wanted to find them, you would.”
We don’t want to oversimplify the challenge of recruiting new police officers, but if Memphis Police Department wants to find recruits, it can do it by improving its image so more qualified people will apply and by offering competitive salaries to get them.
Most of all, city police officials should first quit demeaning the jobs it’s trying to fill. That’s exactly what they do when they suggest that a high school degree is just fine for the job of protecting the people of Memphis.
Sadly, there are two public jobs that are perennially treated as if no real skills are required and anybody could do them – teaching and policing. Ufortunately, that’s the dominant message being sent by MPD when it dumbs down its qualifications for new recruits.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
This Week On Smart City: Sustainable Urbanism
If you listen regularly to our show, you've heard many of our guests talk about how places grow, how we get from one place to another, and how we can live more sustainably. Our guest this week takes all three of those questions and weaves them into one coherent set of policies that can help make next generation cities a reality. He is Doug Farr, author of the new book, Sustainable Urbanism.
Doug is an architect, urban designer and founding principal and president of Farr Associates in Chicago. He chaired the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED for Neighborhood Development Core Committee.
Smart City is a syndicated, weekly hour-long public radio talk show that takes an in-depth look at urban life: the people, places, ideas and trends that affect us all. Host Carol Coletta talks with national and international public policy experts, economists, business leaders, artists, developers, planners and others on the pulse of city life for a penetrating discussion on urban issues.
Smart City is broadcast at 6 a.m. Saturday and Sundays on WKNO-FM, but it is also webcast and podcast. For the webcast, times for the broadcast in other cities and to sign up for the podcast, visit the website.
Doug is an architect, urban designer and founding principal and president of Farr Associates in Chicago. He chaired the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED for Neighborhood Development Core Committee.
Smart City is a syndicated, weekly hour-long public radio talk show that takes an in-depth look at urban life: the people, places, ideas and trends that affect us all. Host Carol Coletta talks with national and international public policy experts, economists, business leaders, artists, developers, planners and others on the pulse of city life for a penetrating discussion on urban issues.
Smart City is broadcast at 6 a.m. Saturday and Sundays on WKNO-FM, but it is also webcast and podcast. For the webcast, times for the broadcast in other cities and to sign up for the podcast, visit the website.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Answers To The Question Of The Week: Fishing For Answers For The Pyramid
One thing about our questions of the week. They always spark an interesting discussion, and we thank you for it.
This time around, the question was:
What should Memphis do to put The Pyramid to its best use? What objective should city government have in mind as it considers options for the arena? If the choices are Bass Pro Shop and Pyramid Adventure, do you have a preference? Or do you vote “none of the above?”
Here’s what you had to say about it, along with some words from the widow of Sidney Shlenker:
Joe Spake said…
This one has baffled me for a while. I personally don't care for either of the plans, especially for Downtown. I was in a focus group a few years ago about what to do with the building, and never heard any results. I am not sure there were any conclusions.
How about sponsoring a contest for architects (nationwide or worldwide) to come up with some workable uses for the building? Maybe the product of that would generate some interest from developers with money in hand, ready to do a project that would enhance Memphis and Downtown.
OR....the City/County could call John Roebuck.
Anonymous said… I bid $10, and that's probably more than anyone has actually put on the table so far.
Bob said…
Have you been asleep since that focus group, Joe?
In 2005 a re-use committee headed up by Scott Ledbetter was formed to look at best uses. They commissioned a study from some outside national consultants (they ultimately recommended tourism/retail uses). The committee looked at 50 proposals, including the theme park idea from Ericson. Your focus group was probably part of that process. Conclusions (quoting from a CA article 8/31/2005):
The Pyramid committee's first priority remains luring a major destination retailer, said chairman Scott Ledbetter.
"I believe we will ultimately end up with a commercial retailer plus hopefully some type of entertainment and/or social services activity, such as 'United Nations of Children,' " he said.
However, an entertainment option has drawn more committee interest than social service-type proposals because of the potential tourist draw and economic impact to Downtown businesses.
The committee has shown the most enthusiasm for an indoor theme park, proposed by a locally led group including marketing executive Greg Ericson. Another prominent idea is an aquarium, proposed by a group led by local architects Barry Yoakum and Todd Walker.
Pennsylvania-based Don Lessem, an adviser to the movie "Jurassic Park," has suggested an attraction showcasing the history of life through rides, robotic dinosaurs and more.
Ledbetter has said the destination retailer is the key to arena redevelopment, because of his belief that an entertainment attraction alone likely wouldn't be financially viable.
Destination retail could range from an upscale factory outlet mall to outdoor giants Bass Pro or Cabela's.
"I really think we're weeks, not months, from being able to have narrowed down the field to one or only a few destination retailers that we will continue to work with," Ledbetter said.
Apparently, Herenton and Lipscomb grabbed the ball and fixated on one retailer and that's where we've been stalled for going on three years. All the other ideas (good or bad) were tossed out the window.
Instead of re-inventing the wheel, maybe what we should do is re-form the committee, perhaps with a new, open-minded chairman, and start back where the orginal committee left off when Herenton took over.
Anonymous said...
Take a lesson from Atlanta. Blow it up.
Anonymous said...
Why don't we use it and all that parking for special events, starting with the Mid-South Fair, and move the musical festivals off Tom Lee Park, so we don't have to wait months for the grass to grow back and the park to look decent again.
Langley said...
The Pyramid is quite an amazing building and holds a lot of intrigue to visitors that maybe Memphians don't understand. On a good day, there are many cars pulling into the parking lot to take pictures in front of the abandoned arena. That's not normal for abandoned buildings. The building has lure and it could be world class. The view from the top is one of the best in Memphis, but only a handful of us have actually seen the 360 panorama of the river and city because you have to hike the 400 stairs zigzagging to the top. The view needs to be an Arch-like attraction. It needs to have a bar or coffee shop up there, as it is a big space and would be a great spot to sit and relax. Multiple elevators needed to be installed to go to the top.
The key to making the Pyramid successful is not necessrily going to be its use, but more so developing the asphalt parking lots around it, making the river accessible to the facility, and creating a pinch district that has fluidity with the pyramid.
The Beale Street landing will be built and it would be great to create smaller landings on Mud Island and at the Pyramid. Put in water taxis and encourage kayaking and small boating. This would be huge in connecting the Pyramid and bringing viable transportation to the area because right now the only way to get there is by car. Transportation is going to be the key to this facility and area. Get public transport to it and the whole area will come to life around whatever use the Pyramid eventually becomes.
Finally, the use of the Pyramid needs to be focused on the long-term. We need to think in the direction of the Pyramid becoming an icon that people driving through and visiting can continue to drive up and take pictures with the Pyramid of Memphis. It should no longer be the Tomb of Doom but a Beacon of Hope. The top is all glass, let's light it up as a symbol to the city.
Anonymous said...
1. hold joint meeting of city council, county commission, both mayors inside pyramid.
2. roll rock in front of entrance like Tarzan did in movie.
3. move on.
b said...
A theme park would be better than a giant bait store.
jccvi said...
The thing that excites me most, at least from a possibility standpoint, in the Ericson proposal is the inclusion of retail. Some would say that Peabody Place should stand as an argument against a shopping mall downtown, and to some extent the criticism is well placed. A shopping mall with stores designed solely to lure tourists is probably not the best idea. It seems to me that one of the reasons Peabody Place's retail element has failed is lack of reason for Downtown residents to go more than once or twice a month.
If I'm buying a loaf of bread or picking up a bottle of wine for dinner, I might stop in to see what's on sale at the Gap. I'm not going to pay to park and walk ten minutes to do the same at Peabody Place.
On the other hand, if the stores included benefited the surrounding communities, Uptown, Mud Island, in particular, but also the rest of Downtown, North Memphis, and the northern edge of Midtown (it takes less than five minutes to get to the Pinch from Evergreen, VECA, Crosstown, and Speedway Terrace). These would ideally include a grocery store with a mix of high end and affordable goods, but also stores where everyday items, like school uniforms and books, could be bought.
((Dare I say it, a Super Target would be fantastic here, especially if designed well. Not only would it stop the drain of Downtowners shopping at the Marion Wal-mart, it might actually draw Arkansans here. Not only that, someone living out east but working downtown could avoid rush hour traffic and the snarl of Gtown Parkway by stopping here on the way home)).
With the idea of integrating the surrounding neighborhoods into the retail concept, bike riders, trolley riders, and pedestrians should be encouraged to shop at the Pyramid. Crosswalk improvements throughout the Pinch would encourage this, as well as possibly putting a pedestrian bridge across to Mud Island. A bike station along these lines http://www.chicagobikestation.com/
would also be a great addition. Perhaps retailers could come into agreements with MATA to validate trolley tickets.
I'm somewhat leery of a theme park as a day-to-day attraction, but a well thought out retail plan probably redeems its limitations. If the theme park includes strong educational elements and programs such that it becomes a year round field trip destination for schools throughout the region, then I change my tune on this point.
With all that said and aside from the sour taste in my mouth that grows worse with every new "non-binding letter of intent" (what is that, like a promise ring?), I think the Bass Pro Shop would be a great addition, if not the best. Whenever I hear "giant bait shop" I cringe a bit. To call a Bass Pro Shop a giant bait shop is like calling Neiman Marcus a glorified Freds. You'd be right, but not in the smug way you think. A large scale Bass Pro Shop is like a free theme park. My sister took her kids to the one in Fort Worth once a week at least.
If Bass Pro doesn't end up downtown, I certainly hope an outdoor retailer of some kind, REI, Cabela, even Outdoors, Inc. or a sporting goods place like Dick's end up downtown at some point. It's a natural fit for our sorely underutilized outdoor recreational activities downtown.
Aaron said...
jccvi; Great suggestions. Something that would benefit the local community would be a great idea.
A super Target would be a great start in addition.
I am a big fan of Trader Joes and seeing as to how there are none in Memphis, this could be a potential big draw for local residency since Joes is a store that would be well appreciated urbanites and the general demographic you find in Downtown and Midtown.
Perhaps you mix those two stores together and you have a winning combination as they are indeed much needed stores in the area. Perhaps mix some educational opportunities in as you suggested and we might have a chance.
As you mentioned, the Peabody fails due to it's lack of uniqueness and difficulty finding parking. The Pyramid solves this.
Nice post.
jccvi said...
I've been told in the past that Trader Joe's will never open a store in Tennessee because they make so much of their profit off wine sales. That said, Whole Foods has opened a store in Nashville, so they might be possibility (even if a more expensive one). A quick google search revealed that 2500 people have signed a petition to get Trader Joe's to come to Nashville.
Branston said...
I think the Ledbetter-Garrott committee met the fate of other committees and was forgotten and coopted by city officials. I had high hopes for them. I like the idea of things that work in concert with Beale Street Landing, boats, bikes, kayaks, etc. And the lessons of Peabody Place, as noted, are important. I'm not much of a hunter, fisherman, or shopper, but I have to say Bass Pro, as seen in Nashville and Jackson, is an interesting place to spend a couple of hours, and it costs nothing beyond what you spend on merchandise, its appeal cuts across age, gender, and race, and it gets repeat visits and kicks off some revenue to the city. It's no bait shop, see Jackson, MS. As noted, the view from top of pyramid is great. There should be a day or something where its open for inspection to anyone who wants to climb the steps. I bet a lot of people would come and it might shape some thinking.
Anonymous said...
If Bass Pro goes into the Pyramid, there's not a more damning indictment of the future of downtown and the vision of our elected officials. In that context, it almost seems to be destined.
Who's supposed to see our most dominant building festooned with a 200 foot fish on the side and think this is a city on the move?
Why not make the pyramid part of the convention complex so there'd already be funds dedicated to it?
Bob said...
anonymous 8:47 is right on.
The BPS deal is strictly tactical, intended to get Pyramid "off the books" and out of mind. It does nothing really strategic for the city. What's worse is that you know that they'll sell out the city to complete the transaction. After all, the point man is Robert Lipscomb, whose main job for years has been nothing more than to give away whatever necessary to certain favored developers in return for taking our blight "off the books."
I imagine we'll effectively be paying Bass Pro rent to occupy the Pyramid.
Strategic thinking would look at what can be done with the Pyramd as an overall plan - in combination with other city assets - to improve the city, both quality of life and economically.
Ericson's proposal at least has some elements of strategy. Sell him the Pyramid and we'll get back 400-800 hotel rooms needed to get us up to a level where we are more attractive to larger conventions. Not saying we would want to hand him Mud Island -- but I'll bet more would get done to upgrade it, and a lot faster, than with the current management - which has NO money and is just hanging out waiting for the coast to clear so their land bridge can make a come back.
B said...
Another thing that is appealing about the Ericson proposal is that its aesthetics...If the drawings are followed, the ugly infrastructure usually associated with theme parks and thrill rides won't be visible to passersby. Even the most ardent supporters of Libertyland would have to agree it was and still is butt ugly when you're passing by on East Parkway.
I wish we'd get a Trader Joe's here, too. Break the stranglehold Whole Foods now has. It's a drag having to drive 20 minutes to get decent organics.
Anonymous said...
The Pyramid Adventure would provide both a better image and fulfill a need that is lacking in Memphis more than Bass Pro Shop would.
Thanks to one of the most incompetent public boards in this area, the Fair Board, Libertyland is gone. We are in bad need of a recreational park to take its place. The Pyramid Adventure proposal sounds like a possibility but it should be handled with caution (remember Sidney Shlenker?). It appears to be legitimate and well founded but we do not need another grand scheme that falls on its face.
I believe the only one keeping the Bass Pro Shop alive is Mayor Herenton. He obviously is telling his allies how to vote as shown by the three votes against the Mulroy proposal by Chism and company.
Anonymous said...
I read Char's comment before it was deleted. I would like to know the background of why the pyramid was located in a hole at Auction and Front, rather than on the South Bluff, where it would have been much more prominent, and would probably be a more sought after location today. I have always heard a local politician owned the land the pyramid sits on and that he made a huge profit off the sale. Or was it the powers that be thought the south bluff would be better used if turned over to residential development.
Smart City Consulting said...
Actually, despite all the mythology surrounding why The Pyramid is located where it is today, the answer is pretty straightforward. Although it was considered for the South Bluffs originally, it just seemed like that area had a much higher use than for an arena and the acres and acres of asphalt for parking rather than new residential uses and adaptive reuse of the existing buildings.
The northern site was chosen because it was in bankruptcy court as a result of the fall of the Butcher empire and the resulting fall of an East Tennessee developer. The land wasn't owned by any politician and the payment for the land was made to federal bankruptcy court.
At the time, the northern site seemed like it offered the chance to revitalize the Pinch district with the building's promises of a 365-day a year attractions. Sadly, it ended up removing a number of buildings to make way for parking lots that stand vacant today.
In the end, The Pyramid project as a whole was ill-fated, once more reflecting Memphi' tendency to chase a big idea promised at a bargain basement cost. It ended up just not being the first-class facility that was needed or promised.
It was a case of city-county governments doing something based on who wanted it, rather than what was needing to be accomplished.
WWH said...
It was a case of city-county governments doing something based on who wanted it, rather than what was needing to be accomplished.
Amen, bro.
Anonymous said…
The Pyramid Adventure project, taken as whole (hotels and all) looks great. Once again, I must say "show me the money" for the whole project. This is definitely not the time for another Shlenker boondoogle. Remember the piecemeal way he tore up Mud Island and then ran out of money?
BTW-isn't it interesting that the design of the building allows pigeons to roost on the leeward side?
Anonymous said…
I like the idea of harnessing the "power of the pyramid" and using the facility as a staging site for alternative energy. The idea made a brief appearance in the mayoral campaign, and as expected, immediately evaporated. Why not be on the forefront for once instead of looking for the biggest buck? Sounds a bit outlandish, I know, but hey - you asked. Feel free to throw this fish back in the pond, but as the previous comment already states, no Shlenker heists!
Char said…
Tear it down and build condos.
No, I’m kidding... but I can see our wondermus govm't trying something that **** outlandish. I like the alternative energy idea alright. And the pyramid adventure project sounds pretty do-able. A casino wouldn't be a bad idea if our economy was a little better. Or maybe we could get a NBA team to play there? Oh wait…
And finally, we heard from Denise Shlenker, widow of Sidney Shlenker…
COMMENT AND RANT FROM DENISE SHLENKER: First allow me to address (name deleted), who is such a coward he cannot put his last name. You disrespect your own city, you disrespect my husband, my name, my family. We came to Memphis because of an evil man and his wife whom both milked us for everything we were worth. My husband until this day gave more to that city than most people that live there today. He gave most of his blood, reputation, time and the time, money and reputations of his partners and friends. He, my friend, wanted to see the city a jewel for all to see. He sold his team in order to come to Memphis to build this project and to buy a team that the city so desired and deserved.
He had many friends who tried to talk him out of this. They hated Memphis and a lot of the crooked people who run it. May I say now that he was ruined by these people - financially, respectfully and professionally. He was a Southern man with southern roots who loved Memphis. He was born in Monroe, Louisiana and lived in Houston. He was a very smart man and entrepreneur, a man who made things happen when others could not.
He was no "huckster" and I take great offense from all of the bad articles written about my husband Sidney. We have three grown children and they are very proud of their father. He was a master promoter and he changed the world in many ways. You don’t know anything about Sidney Shlenker, and I promise you that I will get the word out from now on. He meant more to Memphis than any of the people who say they give a shit.
At the 11th hour, he did what he said he would do. Can any of you say you could raise those millions of dollars? Can any of you? Then when he finally delivers, some brainless, stupid, disgusting person of whom I will not name names writes a letter to the bank causing the bank to withdraw their loan. It disgusts me because not only did it bankrupt my husband but it robbed the city of its morality and respect of which it so desperately needed.
Elvis is not the only "pony show" in that town and he wanted great things for this city. He worked with Gore and everyone else for baseball, basketball, television and pay-per-view. Memphis owes a lot to Sidney Shlenker.
Again, I will say he was not a perfect man, I am his wife and I know. People should not be judged by their failures because if so no one would have the courage to do anything in fear of failing. Anyone who wants to comment can bring concerns to me at my email.
This time around, the question was:
What should Memphis do to put The Pyramid to its best use? What objective should city government have in mind as it considers options for the arena? If the choices are Bass Pro Shop and Pyramid Adventure, do you have a preference? Or do you vote “none of the above?”
Here’s what you had to say about it, along with some words from the widow of Sidney Shlenker:
Joe Spake said…
This one has baffled me for a while. I personally don't care for either of the plans, especially for Downtown. I was in a focus group a few years ago about what to do with the building, and never heard any results. I am not sure there were any conclusions.
How about sponsoring a contest for architects (nationwide or worldwide) to come up with some workable uses for the building? Maybe the product of that would generate some interest from developers with money in hand, ready to do a project that would enhance Memphis and Downtown.
OR....the City/County could call John Roebuck.
Anonymous said… I bid $10, and that's probably more than anyone has actually put on the table so far.
Bob said…
Have you been asleep since that focus group, Joe?
In 2005 a re-use committee headed up by Scott Ledbetter was formed to look at best uses. They commissioned a study from some outside national consultants (they ultimately recommended tourism/retail uses). The committee looked at 50 proposals, including the theme park idea from Ericson. Your focus group was probably part of that process. Conclusions (quoting from a CA article 8/31/2005):
The Pyramid committee's first priority remains luring a major destination retailer, said chairman Scott Ledbetter.
"I believe we will ultimately end up with a commercial retailer plus hopefully some type of entertainment and/or social services activity, such as 'United Nations of Children,' " he said.
However, an entertainment option has drawn more committee interest than social service-type proposals because of the potential tourist draw and economic impact to Downtown businesses.
The committee has shown the most enthusiasm for an indoor theme park, proposed by a locally led group including marketing executive Greg Ericson. Another prominent idea is an aquarium, proposed by a group led by local architects Barry Yoakum and Todd Walker.
Pennsylvania-based Don Lessem, an adviser to the movie "Jurassic Park," has suggested an attraction showcasing the history of life through rides, robotic dinosaurs and more.
Ledbetter has said the destination retailer is the key to arena redevelopment, because of his belief that an entertainment attraction alone likely wouldn't be financially viable.
Destination retail could range from an upscale factory outlet mall to outdoor giants Bass Pro or Cabela's.
"I really think we're weeks, not months, from being able to have narrowed down the field to one or only a few destination retailers that we will continue to work with," Ledbetter said.
Apparently, Herenton and Lipscomb grabbed the ball and fixated on one retailer and that's where we've been stalled for going on three years. All the other ideas (good or bad) were tossed out the window.
Instead of re-inventing the wheel, maybe what we should do is re-form the committee, perhaps with a new, open-minded chairman, and start back where the orginal committee left off when Herenton took over.
Anonymous said...
Take a lesson from Atlanta. Blow it up.
Anonymous said...
Why don't we use it and all that parking for special events, starting with the Mid-South Fair, and move the musical festivals off Tom Lee Park, so we don't have to wait months for the grass to grow back and the park to look decent again.
Langley said...
The Pyramid is quite an amazing building and holds a lot of intrigue to visitors that maybe Memphians don't understand. On a good day, there are many cars pulling into the parking lot to take pictures in front of the abandoned arena. That's not normal for abandoned buildings. The building has lure and it could be world class. The view from the top is one of the best in Memphis, but only a handful of us have actually seen the 360 panorama of the river and city because you have to hike the 400 stairs zigzagging to the top. The view needs to be an Arch-like attraction. It needs to have a bar or coffee shop up there, as it is a big space and would be a great spot to sit and relax. Multiple elevators needed to be installed to go to the top.
The key to making the Pyramid successful is not necessrily going to be its use, but more so developing the asphalt parking lots around it, making the river accessible to the facility, and creating a pinch district that has fluidity with the pyramid.
The Beale Street landing will be built and it would be great to create smaller landings on Mud Island and at the Pyramid. Put in water taxis and encourage kayaking and small boating. This would be huge in connecting the Pyramid and bringing viable transportation to the area because right now the only way to get there is by car. Transportation is going to be the key to this facility and area. Get public transport to it and the whole area will come to life around whatever use the Pyramid eventually becomes.
Finally, the use of the Pyramid needs to be focused on the long-term. We need to think in the direction of the Pyramid becoming an icon that people driving through and visiting can continue to drive up and take pictures with the Pyramid of Memphis. It should no longer be the Tomb of Doom but a Beacon of Hope. The top is all glass, let's light it up as a symbol to the city.
Anonymous said...
1. hold joint meeting of city council, county commission, both mayors inside pyramid.
2. roll rock in front of entrance like Tarzan did in movie.
3. move on.
b said...
A theme park would be better than a giant bait store.
jccvi said...
The thing that excites me most, at least from a possibility standpoint, in the Ericson proposal is the inclusion of retail. Some would say that Peabody Place should stand as an argument against a shopping mall downtown, and to some extent the criticism is well placed. A shopping mall with stores designed solely to lure tourists is probably not the best idea. It seems to me that one of the reasons Peabody Place's retail element has failed is lack of reason for Downtown residents to go more than once or twice a month.
If I'm buying a loaf of bread or picking up a bottle of wine for dinner, I might stop in to see what's on sale at the Gap. I'm not going to pay to park and walk ten minutes to do the same at Peabody Place.
On the other hand, if the stores included benefited the surrounding communities, Uptown, Mud Island, in particular, but also the rest of Downtown, North Memphis, and the northern edge of Midtown (it takes less than five minutes to get to the Pinch from Evergreen, VECA, Crosstown, and Speedway Terrace). These would ideally include a grocery store with a mix of high end and affordable goods, but also stores where everyday items, like school uniforms and books, could be bought.
((Dare I say it, a Super Target would be fantastic here, especially if designed well. Not only would it stop the drain of Downtowners shopping at the Marion Wal-mart, it might actually draw Arkansans here. Not only that, someone living out east but working downtown could avoid rush hour traffic and the snarl of Gtown Parkway by stopping here on the way home)).
With the idea of integrating the surrounding neighborhoods into the retail concept, bike riders, trolley riders, and pedestrians should be encouraged to shop at the Pyramid. Crosswalk improvements throughout the Pinch would encourage this, as well as possibly putting a pedestrian bridge across to Mud Island. A bike station along these lines http://www.chicagobikestation.com/
would also be a great addition. Perhaps retailers could come into agreements with MATA to validate trolley tickets.
I'm somewhat leery of a theme park as a day-to-day attraction, but a well thought out retail plan probably redeems its limitations. If the theme park includes strong educational elements and programs such that it becomes a year round field trip destination for schools throughout the region, then I change my tune on this point.
With all that said and aside from the sour taste in my mouth that grows worse with every new "non-binding letter of intent" (what is that, like a promise ring?), I think the Bass Pro Shop would be a great addition, if not the best. Whenever I hear "giant bait shop" I cringe a bit. To call a Bass Pro Shop a giant bait shop is like calling Neiman Marcus a glorified Freds. You'd be right, but not in the smug way you think. A large scale Bass Pro Shop is like a free theme park. My sister took her kids to the one in Fort Worth once a week at least.
If Bass Pro doesn't end up downtown, I certainly hope an outdoor retailer of some kind, REI, Cabela, even Outdoors, Inc. or a sporting goods place like Dick's end up downtown at some point. It's a natural fit for our sorely underutilized outdoor recreational activities downtown.
Aaron said...
jccvi; Great suggestions. Something that would benefit the local community would be a great idea.
A super Target would be a great start in addition.
I am a big fan of Trader Joes and seeing as to how there are none in Memphis, this could be a potential big draw for local residency since Joes is a store that would be well appreciated urbanites and the general demographic you find in Downtown and Midtown.
Perhaps you mix those two stores together and you have a winning combination as they are indeed much needed stores in the area. Perhaps mix some educational opportunities in as you suggested and we might have a chance.
As you mentioned, the Peabody fails due to it's lack of uniqueness and difficulty finding parking. The Pyramid solves this.
Nice post.
jccvi said...
I've been told in the past that Trader Joe's will never open a store in Tennessee because they make so much of their profit off wine sales. That said, Whole Foods has opened a store in Nashville, so they might be possibility (even if a more expensive one). A quick google search revealed that 2500 people have signed a petition to get Trader Joe's to come to Nashville.
Branston said...
I think the Ledbetter-Garrott committee met the fate of other committees and was forgotten and coopted by city officials. I had high hopes for them. I like the idea of things that work in concert with Beale Street Landing, boats, bikes, kayaks, etc. And the lessons of Peabody Place, as noted, are important. I'm not much of a hunter, fisherman, or shopper, but I have to say Bass Pro, as seen in Nashville and Jackson, is an interesting place to spend a couple of hours, and it costs nothing beyond what you spend on merchandise, its appeal cuts across age, gender, and race, and it gets repeat visits and kicks off some revenue to the city. It's no bait shop, see Jackson, MS. As noted, the view from top of pyramid is great. There should be a day or something where its open for inspection to anyone who wants to climb the steps. I bet a lot of people would come and it might shape some thinking.
Anonymous said...
If Bass Pro goes into the Pyramid, there's not a more damning indictment of the future of downtown and the vision of our elected officials. In that context, it almost seems to be destined.
Who's supposed to see our most dominant building festooned with a 200 foot fish on the side and think this is a city on the move?
Why not make the pyramid part of the convention complex so there'd already be funds dedicated to it?
Bob said...
anonymous 8:47 is right on.
The BPS deal is strictly tactical, intended to get Pyramid "off the books" and out of mind. It does nothing really strategic for the city. What's worse is that you know that they'll sell out the city to complete the transaction. After all, the point man is Robert Lipscomb, whose main job for years has been nothing more than to give away whatever necessary to certain favored developers in return for taking our blight "off the books."
I imagine we'll effectively be paying Bass Pro rent to occupy the Pyramid.
Strategic thinking would look at what can be done with the Pyramd as an overall plan - in combination with other city assets - to improve the city, both quality of life and economically.
Ericson's proposal at least has some elements of strategy. Sell him the Pyramid and we'll get back 400-800 hotel rooms needed to get us up to a level where we are more attractive to larger conventions. Not saying we would want to hand him Mud Island -- but I'll bet more would get done to upgrade it, and a lot faster, than with the current management - which has NO money and is just hanging out waiting for the coast to clear so their land bridge can make a come back.
B said...
Another thing that is appealing about the Ericson proposal is that its aesthetics...If the drawings are followed, the ugly infrastructure usually associated with theme parks and thrill rides won't be visible to passersby. Even the most ardent supporters of Libertyland would have to agree it was and still is butt ugly when you're passing by on East Parkway.
I wish we'd get a Trader Joe's here, too. Break the stranglehold Whole Foods now has. It's a drag having to drive 20 minutes to get decent organics.
Anonymous said...
The Pyramid Adventure would provide both a better image and fulfill a need that is lacking in Memphis more than Bass Pro Shop would.
Thanks to one of the most incompetent public boards in this area, the Fair Board, Libertyland is gone. We are in bad need of a recreational park to take its place. The Pyramid Adventure proposal sounds like a possibility but it should be handled with caution (remember Sidney Shlenker?). It appears to be legitimate and well founded but we do not need another grand scheme that falls on its face.
I believe the only one keeping the Bass Pro Shop alive is Mayor Herenton. He obviously is telling his allies how to vote as shown by the three votes against the Mulroy proposal by Chism and company.
Anonymous said...
I read Char's comment before it was deleted. I would like to know the background of why the pyramid was located in a hole at Auction and Front, rather than on the South Bluff, where it would have been much more prominent, and would probably be a more sought after location today. I have always heard a local politician owned the land the pyramid sits on and that he made a huge profit off the sale. Or was it the powers that be thought the south bluff would be better used if turned over to residential development.
Smart City Consulting said...
Actually, despite all the mythology surrounding why The Pyramid is located where it is today, the answer is pretty straightforward. Although it was considered for the South Bluffs originally, it just seemed like that area had a much higher use than for an arena and the acres and acres of asphalt for parking rather than new residential uses and adaptive reuse of the existing buildings.
The northern site was chosen because it was in bankruptcy court as a result of the fall of the Butcher empire and the resulting fall of an East Tennessee developer. The land wasn't owned by any politician and the payment for the land was made to federal bankruptcy court.
At the time, the northern site seemed like it offered the chance to revitalize the Pinch district with the building's promises of a 365-day a year attractions. Sadly, it ended up removing a number of buildings to make way for parking lots that stand vacant today.
In the end, The Pyramid project as a whole was ill-fated, once more reflecting Memphi' tendency to chase a big idea promised at a bargain basement cost. It ended up just not being the first-class facility that was needed or promised.
It was a case of city-county governments doing something based on who wanted it, rather than what was needing to be accomplished.
WWH said...
It was a case of city-county governments doing something based on who wanted it, rather than what was needing to be accomplished.
Amen, bro.
Anonymous said…
The Pyramid Adventure project, taken as whole (hotels and all) looks great. Once again, I must say "show me the money" for the whole project. This is definitely not the time for another Shlenker boondoogle. Remember the piecemeal way he tore up Mud Island and then ran out of money?
BTW-isn't it interesting that the design of the building allows pigeons to roost on the leeward side?
Anonymous said…
I like the idea of harnessing the "power of the pyramid" and using the facility as a staging site for alternative energy. The idea made a brief appearance in the mayoral campaign, and as expected, immediately evaporated. Why not be on the forefront for once instead of looking for the biggest buck? Sounds a bit outlandish, I know, but hey - you asked. Feel free to throw this fish back in the pond, but as the previous comment already states, no Shlenker heists!
Char said…
Tear it down and build condos.
No, I’m kidding... but I can see our wondermus govm't trying something that **** outlandish. I like the alternative energy idea alright. And the pyramid adventure project sounds pretty do-able. A casino wouldn't be a bad idea if our economy was a little better. Or maybe we could get a NBA team to play there? Oh wait…
And finally, we heard from Denise Shlenker, widow of Sidney Shlenker…
COMMENT AND RANT FROM DENISE SHLENKER: First allow me to address (name deleted), who is such a coward he cannot put his last name. You disrespect your own city, you disrespect my husband, my name, my family. We came to Memphis because of an evil man and his wife whom both milked us for everything we were worth. My husband until this day gave more to that city than most people that live there today. He gave most of his blood, reputation, time and the time, money and reputations of his partners and friends. He, my friend, wanted to see the city a jewel for all to see. He sold his team in order to come to Memphis to build this project and to buy a team that the city so desired and deserved.
He had many friends who tried to talk him out of this. They hated Memphis and a lot of the crooked people who run it. May I say now that he was ruined by these people - financially, respectfully and professionally. He was a Southern man with southern roots who loved Memphis. He was born in Monroe, Louisiana and lived in Houston. He was a very smart man and entrepreneur, a man who made things happen when others could not.
He was no "huckster" and I take great offense from all of the bad articles written about my husband Sidney. We have three grown children and they are very proud of their father. He was a master promoter and he changed the world in many ways. You don’t know anything about Sidney Shlenker, and I promise you that I will get the word out from now on. He meant more to Memphis than any of the people who say they give a shit.
At the 11th hour, he did what he said he would do. Can any of you say you could raise those millions of dollars? Can any of you? Then when he finally delivers, some brainless, stupid, disgusting person of whom I will not name names writes a letter to the bank causing the bank to withdraw their loan. It disgusts me because not only did it bankrupt my husband but it robbed the city of its morality and respect of which it so desperately needed.
Elvis is not the only "pony show" in that town and he wanted great things for this city. He worked with Gore and everyone else for baseball, basketball, television and pay-per-view. Memphis owes a lot to Sidney Shlenker.
Again, I will say he was not a perfect man, I am his wife and I know. People should not be judged by their failures because if so no one would have the courage to do anything in fear of failing. Anyone who wants to comment can bring concerns to me at my email.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
A New Year's Resolution To Be Intolerant When It Counts -- About Our Civic Dysfunction
Memphis is always tough on tolerance, but it’s been an especially bad year for a virtue that’s defining cities looking to succeed in the global economy.
Even if you are uncomfortable talking about a city’s moral values, there’s also a reason anchored in enlightened self-interest: Tolerance is a critical competitive advantage for cities today, particularly as they work to attract and retain college-educated young workers.
That’s because two out of three of these people – the gold standard for the knowledge-based economy – pick where they live before they pick where they work, and they say that they want to live in a city where each can “live the life that I want to lead.”
The Pot Boils Over
Incidentally, the percentage of women who say they want to live in this kind of city is slightly larger than the percentage of men, a fact made more important by the fact that women are now 20 percent more likely to be college-educated than men. In that regard, economic growth today is powered by the 25-34 year-old college-educated demographic, but cities getting on the front of the wave also have are figuring out ways to attract women in particular.
But we digress. The point of this year to us is that if had set out to send the most negative messages to the rest of the country and to the target demographic, chalk 2007 up as a total success. It was a year when Memphis’ toxic displays of intolerance – now a regular staple of our civic and political life – burst in the national media time after time.
The Kwanzaa tempest in the Memphis teapot that closed the year seemed almost the perfect punctuation for a year in which intolerance was a overpowering theme. Unfortunately, the conflict over the African-American cultural celebration attracted more national attention to what appears to be Memphis’ flirtation with self-destruction.
Vituperations
Of course, publicity of this kind was in great supply in the past 12 months, particularly during the venomous election for city mayor, a race that featured the most overtly racial pandering in modern times. Meanwhile, in City Council meetings, some members repeatedly poisoned the atmosphere with racial invectives against people appearing before them, to the point that one council member called the head of a city-county agency a bigot, despite the person’s lifetime of work for civil rights.
Not to be outdone, on the county side of the street, a couple of equally belligerent commissioners tossed around racial epithets, oblivious to the corrosive atmosphere they were creating for reasoned discussed. Then, there was troubling undercurrent of anti-Semitism that has existed since the election of U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen and that fed the anti-gay screed by some scripturally-deprived Baptist preachers opposed to his support for hate crime legislation.
All in all, it’s a troubling commentary on Memphis’ inability to come to grips with the simplest of principles – live and let live. Rather, we are capable of jumping on the mildest of disagreements to launch into the kind of vitriol that undermines any sense of civility in our community. (The media’s codependency with this culture of crassness is a constant indictment of their leadership for a better city.)
Dysfunction
A few days ago, we were talking with a psychiatrist friend about dysfunctional families and the difficulty that its members have in breaking away from the abusiveness and antagonism that are their constant companions. Ironically, in the midst of a destructive relationship, members fear – and fight – any change to things.
The problems are twofold: one, the family members think all families are like theirs, and two, the dysfunction becomes familiar and comfortable albeit it hostile and painful.
In this environment, communications is raw and attacks are common, and communications has been used as a weapon so long that family members can no longer interpret each other’s dispassionately or react proportionally. Instead, every one is forced to take sides in every disagreement, escalating every issue into a controversy that bursts the family at its seams.
Resisting Change
As he talked, we forgot for a moment that he was describing dysfunctional families. We thought he was describing Memphis.
But we didn’t tell him. Instead, we asked: What does someone do to change things?
He said that it’s no easy or quick. The people who use the dysfunction to have power resist change the most. They immediately feel threatened and set up roadblocks and obstacles. We thought of some old guard political leaders.
What To Do
If people are serious about changing things, he said, there are several things they have to do:
1) They have to realize that one person’s not in charge of another person’s life, and every one has the right to make their own choices free of attack;
2) They have to quit fighting old battles, because there are no winners, because every one loses;
3) They have to identify what they want to happen and then change their behavior to make it happen; and
4) They simply refuse to respond to the dysfunction or engage in the old combative ways of communicating.
Paying Attention
Most of all, for change to happen, it requires constant attention to positive behaviors and improvements in relationships, until the people who try to perpetuate the dysfunction find no reward or power in it.
Perhaps, there’s no better New Year’s resolution for Memphis than for each of us to pledge to find our own ways to change our dysfunctional civic family.
Maybe, before it’s over, we can actually attract some national attention for our ability to transcend our differences and abandon the bomb-throwing behavior that attracts national attention.
Competing In A New World
As we said, it’s much more than simple decency (although that would be reason enough). Rather, it’s an economic necessity.
In a world of multitudinous ethnic groups, an assortment of religions, different sexual orientations and collections of cultures, a city that can’t respect its own differences can never connect - or compete - in a world whose overwhelming characteristic is its diversity.
Or put another way, a city that is open, inclusive and tolerant has the best chance of competing for the kinds of jobs – and workers - that matter most in a knowledge-based economy.
That’s why we think if Memphis is going to adopt a new bumper sticker slogan as part of our latest economic growth plan, it’s this: Tolerance: our most important competitive advantage.
Even if you are uncomfortable talking about a city’s moral values, there’s also a reason anchored in enlightened self-interest: Tolerance is a critical competitive advantage for cities today, particularly as they work to attract and retain college-educated young workers.
That’s because two out of three of these people – the gold standard for the knowledge-based economy – pick where they live before they pick where they work, and they say that they want to live in a city where each can “live the life that I want to lead.”
The Pot Boils Over
Incidentally, the percentage of women who say they want to live in this kind of city is slightly larger than the percentage of men, a fact made more important by the fact that women are now 20 percent more likely to be college-educated than men. In that regard, economic growth today is powered by the 25-34 year-old college-educated demographic, but cities getting on the front of the wave also have are figuring out ways to attract women in particular.
But we digress. The point of this year to us is that if had set out to send the most negative messages to the rest of the country and to the target demographic, chalk 2007 up as a total success. It was a year when Memphis’ toxic displays of intolerance – now a regular staple of our civic and political life – burst in the national media time after time.
The Kwanzaa tempest in the Memphis teapot that closed the year seemed almost the perfect punctuation for a year in which intolerance was a overpowering theme. Unfortunately, the conflict over the African-American cultural celebration attracted more national attention to what appears to be Memphis’ flirtation with self-destruction.
Vituperations
Of course, publicity of this kind was in great supply in the past 12 months, particularly during the venomous election for city mayor, a race that featured the most overtly racial pandering in modern times. Meanwhile, in City Council meetings, some members repeatedly poisoned the atmosphere with racial invectives against people appearing before them, to the point that one council member called the head of a city-county agency a bigot, despite the person’s lifetime of work for civil rights.
Not to be outdone, on the county side of the street, a couple of equally belligerent commissioners tossed around racial epithets, oblivious to the corrosive atmosphere they were creating for reasoned discussed. Then, there was troubling undercurrent of anti-Semitism that has existed since the election of U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen and that fed the anti-gay screed by some scripturally-deprived Baptist preachers opposed to his support for hate crime legislation.
All in all, it’s a troubling commentary on Memphis’ inability to come to grips with the simplest of principles – live and let live. Rather, we are capable of jumping on the mildest of disagreements to launch into the kind of vitriol that undermines any sense of civility in our community. (The media’s codependency with this culture of crassness is a constant indictment of their leadership for a better city.)
Dysfunction
A few days ago, we were talking with a psychiatrist friend about dysfunctional families and the difficulty that its members have in breaking away from the abusiveness and antagonism that are their constant companions. Ironically, in the midst of a destructive relationship, members fear – and fight – any change to things.
The problems are twofold: one, the family members think all families are like theirs, and two, the dysfunction becomes familiar and comfortable albeit it hostile and painful.
In this environment, communications is raw and attacks are common, and communications has been used as a weapon so long that family members can no longer interpret each other’s dispassionately or react proportionally. Instead, every one is forced to take sides in every disagreement, escalating every issue into a controversy that bursts the family at its seams.
Resisting Change
As he talked, we forgot for a moment that he was describing dysfunctional families. We thought he was describing Memphis.
But we didn’t tell him. Instead, we asked: What does someone do to change things?
He said that it’s no easy or quick. The people who use the dysfunction to have power resist change the most. They immediately feel threatened and set up roadblocks and obstacles. We thought of some old guard political leaders.
What To Do
If people are serious about changing things, he said, there are several things they have to do:
1) They have to realize that one person’s not in charge of another person’s life, and every one has the right to make their own choices free of attack;
2) They have to quit fighting old battles, because there are no winners, because every one loses;
3) They have to identify what they want to happen and then change their behavior to make it happen; and
4) They simply refuse to respond to the dysfunction or engage in the old combative ways of communicating.
Paying Attention
Most of all, for change to happen, it requires constant attention to positive behaviors and improvements in relationships, until the people who try to perpetuate the dysfunction find no reward or power in it.
Perhaps, there’s no better New Year’s resolution for Memphis than for each of us to pledge to find our own ways to change our dysfunctional civic family.
Maybe, before it’s over, we can actually attract some national attention for our ability to transcend our differences and abandon the bomb-throwing behavior that attracts national attention.
Competing In A New World
As we said, it’s much more than simple decency (although that would be reason enough). Rather, it’s an economic necessity.
In a world of multitudinous ethnic groups, an assortment of religions, different sexual orientations and collections of cultures, a city that can’t respect its own differences can never connect - or compete - in a world whose overwhelming characteristic is its diversity.
Or put another way, a city that is open, inclusive and tolerant has the best chance of competing for the kinds of jobs – and workers - that matter most in a knowledge-based economy.
That’s why we think if Memphis is going to adopt a new bumper sticker slogan as part of our latest economic growth plan, it’s this: Tolerance: our most important competitive advantage.
Friday, December 28, 2007
This Week On Smart City: Meeting People's Needs
Chip Conley is celebrating his 20th anniversary as founder and CEO of California's largest boutique hotel company, Joie de Vivre Hospitality. But his is not a business story about uninterrupted success. Instead, at a low point, Chip turned to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to guide him and he is sharing what he learned in his book, PEAK: How Great Companies Get Their Mojo from Maslow.
Also with us is Alan Crogan, Chief Probation Officer with the Riverside County, California, Probation Department. We will talk to Alan about how to reduce the number of men and women in our prisons and still keep our streets safe. He has a long career in community corrections in California, having served 17 years as Chief Probation Officer in San Diego County and Santa Barbara County before coming to Riverside.
Smart City is a syndicated, weekly hour-long public radio talk show that takes an in-depth look at urban life: the people, places, ideas and trends that affect us all. Host Carol Coletta talks with national and international public policy experts, economists, business leaders, artists, developers, planners and others on the pulse of city life for a penetrating discussion on urban issues.
Smart City is broadcast at 6 a.m. Saturday and Sundays on WKNO-FM, but it is also webcast and podcast. For the webcast, times for the broadcast in other cities and to sign up for the podcast, visit the website.
Also with us is Alan Crogan, Chief Probation Officer with the Riverside County, California, Probation Department. We will talk to Alan about how to reduce the number of men and women in our prisons and still keep our streets safe. He has a long career in community corrections in California, having served 17 years as Chief Probation Officer in San Diego County and Santa Barbara County before coming to Riverside.
Smart City is a syndicated, weekly hour-long public radio talk show that takes an in-depth look at urban life: the people, places, ideas and trends that affect us all. Host Carol Coletta talks with national and international public policy experts, economists, business leaders, artists, developers, planners and others on the pulse of city life for a penetrating discussion on urban issues.
Smart City is broadcast at 6 a.m. Saturday and Sundays on WKNO-FM, but it is also webcast and podcast. For the webcast, times for the broadcast in other cities and to sign up for the podcast, visit the website.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Question Of The Week: Fishing For Ideas
We’re continuing our discussion about the future of The Pyramid, which began last Thursday. We hope you’ll join in.
Questions of the week:
What should Memphis do to put The Pyramid to its best use? What objective should city government have in mind as it considers options for the arena? If the choices are Bass Pro Shop and Pyramid Adventure, do you have a preference? Or do you vote “none of the above?”
Questions of the week:
What should Memphis do to put The Pyramid to its best use? What objective should city government have in mind as it considers options for the arena? If the choices are Bass Pro Shop and Pyramid Adventure, do you have a preference? Or do you vote “none of the above?”
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Our Christmas Wish: No More Cooked-up Kwanzaa Complaints
We bet you never thought you’d hear us say this: Shelby County Commissioner Henri Brooks is right.
Nonetheless, it is true, and in the current manufactured controversy about Kwanzaa, Probate Court Clerk Chris Thomas is either being intentionally obtuse or being driven by the irresistible opportunity for political advantage that comes with his racially-veiled comments.
Pray For Peace
The clerk seems almost orgasmic with his opportunity to use words like “discrimination” and “discrimination against Christians” in his fiery opposition to a Kwanzaa event in the Shelby County Board of Commissioners chambers of the county administration building.
His first email response, sent after an emailed invitation to the Kwanzaa event was sent to county employees, asked: “WHY ARE WE SPONSORING A RELIGIOUS CEREMONY FOR ONE GROUP NOT CHRISTMAS AND HANNUKAH? I DO NOT THINK THIS IS APPROPRIATE!!!!!"
Mr. Thomas’s position is that Kwanzaa is a religiously-oriented event and therefore, he says that Christian and Jewish religious celebrations should also be allowed in the public space. His proof is pretty thin: he bases his comment on the fact that Kwanzaa uses terms like “spiritual,” “creator” and “faith.”
Seven Days
We’re not sure what he’s using for reference, but the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa don’t include any of those words, or anything about religion for that matter. At its essence, the 31-year-old celebration is about seven days of black pride, black culture and black tradition. If and when it refers to creator and spiritual, it’s more in a cultural framework than religious references.
In the interest of complete honesty, we’ve never gotten Kwanzaa, but then again, we suspect that most African-Americans are equally baffled by St. Patrick’s Day and the celebration by many of us of a feast day in honor of the Christian patron saint of Ireland.
In its way, Kwanzaa bears about as much resemblance to a religious event as St. Patrick’s Day. Of course, its tone is more serious and the purpose is more introspective, intended to create cultural anchors and a current of self-reliance for African-Americans.
Talking To The Base
According to most polls, it’s observed by a small minority of African-Americans, but that’s really beside the point. After all, not all Caucasians celebrate St. Patrick’s Day either.
We hate to be cynical, but we suspect that Mr. Thomas’s motivation is as much about playing to his political base as it is to defending Judeo-Christian religious traditions in county buildings. He’s undoubtedly read some of the writings of some Religious Right commentators whose relentless attack against Kwanzaa treat it as it if Western civilization hangs in the balance.
Then again, the founder of the Pan-African celebration didn’t make it particularly hard for Kwanzaa’s critics. When he invented Kwanzaa in 1966, his criticisms of Christians and Christ were nothing short of inflammatory, but it’s worth remembering that it was a time of heightened black pride and black nationalism. It’s also worth remembering that freedom of speech isn’t just restricted to those who say things we agree with.
Rights
There are times when even friends of Commissioner Brooks suggest that she’s stuck in 1968 and can’t escape. Then again, that’s her right, and it’s clear that she has constituents who support her points of view, which are formed by her long-time interest in black nationalism.
All of this is beside the point. At the end of the day, it’s just hard to make the case that a Kwanzaa event should be prohibited in a public building.
After Mr. Thomas appealed his complaints to Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton – who took no action to revoke the Kwanzaa event in the county administration building – he filed a lawsuit Friday in Chancery Court to block it. Of course, although Mayor Wharton sets policy for use of public buildings, that power has traditionally not extended to the commissioners’ chamber, since it is the province of the legislative body, which would likely back Commissioner Brooks’ request for the use of the facilities.
Playing To The Kleig Lights
It’s widely expected that Mr. Thomas’s lawsuit will go nowhere, but at this point, he seems intent on playing to the TV cameras, using any opportunity to position himself as a combatant in the war against Christianity, that fiction espoused loudly about this time each year to rally Religious Right voters and pander to the hysteria that lies at the heart of this voting bloc.
Meanwhile, Mr. Thomas continues to pander to his base with his emotional concerns about discrimination against Christianity. But if you want to talk to him about this, don’t call Monday or Tuesday.
Mr. Thomas and Shelby County’s 6,000 employees will have two days off to observe the most Christian of holidays - Christmas. Last time we checked, no day on the Jewish, Muslim or Kwanzaa calendar manages such preferential treatment.
In other words, if there's a war, it's pretty clear who's winning. By the way, just for the record, Commissioner Brooks is a member of the board of trustees of Greater Imani Church and Christian Center.
Nonetheless, it is true, and in the current manufactured controversy about Kwanzaa, Probate Court Clerk Chris Thomas is either being intentionally obtuse or being driven by the irresistible opportunity for political advantage that comes with his racially-veiled comments.
Pray For Peace
The clerk seems almost orgasmic with his opportunity to use words like “discrimination” and “discrimination against Christians” in his fiery opposition to a Kwanzaa event in the Shelby County Board of Commissioners chambers of the county administration building.
His first email response, sent after an emailed invitation to the Kwanzaa event was sent to county employees, asked: “WHY ARE WE SPONSORING A RELIGIOUS CEREMONY FOR ONE GROUP NOT CHRISTMAS AND HANNUKAH? I DO NOT THINK THIS IS APPROPRIATE!!!!!"
Mr. Thomas’s position is that Kwanzaa is a religiously-oriented event and therefore, he says that Christian and Jewish religious celebrations should also be allowed in the public space. His proof is pretty thin: he bases his comment on the fact that Kwanzaa uses terms like “spiritual,” “creator” and “faith.”
Seven Days
We’re not sure what he’s using for reference, but the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa don’t include any of those words, or anything about religion for that matter. At its essence, the 31-year-old celebration is about seven days of black pride, black culture and black tradition. If and when it refers to creator and spiritual, it’s more in a cultural framework than religious references.
In the interest of complete honesty, we’ve never gotten Kwanzaa, but then again, we suspect that most African-Americans are equally baffled by St. Patrick’s Day and the celebration by many of us of a feast day in honor of the Christian patron saint of Ireland.
In its way, Kwanzaa bears about as much resemblance to a religious event as St. Patrick’s Day. Of course, its tone is more serious and the purpose is more introspective, intended to create cultural anchors and a current of self-reliance for African-Americans.
Talking To The Base
According to most polls, it’s observed by a small minority of African-Americans, but that’s really beside the point. After all, not all Caucasians celebrate St. Patrick’s Day either.
We hate to be cynical, but we suspect that Mr. Thomas’s motivation is as much about playing to his political base as it is to defending Judeo-Christian religious traditions in county buildings. He’s undoubtedly read some of the writings of some Religious Right commentators whose relentless attack against Kwanzaa treat it as it if Western civilization hangs in the balance.
Then again, the founder of the Pan-African celebration didn’t make it particularly hard for Kwanzaa’s critics. When he invented Kwanzaa in 1966, his criticisms of Christians and Christ were nothing short of inflammatory, but it’s worth remembering that it was a time of heightened black pride and black nationalism. It’s also worth remembering that freedom of speech isn’t just restricted to those who say things we agree with.
Rights
There are times when even friends of Commissioner Brooks suggest that she’s stuck in 1968 and can’t escape. Then again, that’s her right, and it’s clear that she has constituents who support her points of view, which are formed by her long-time interest in black nationalism.
All of this is beside the point. At the end of the day, it’s just hard to make the case that a Kwanzaa event should be prohibited in a public building.
After Mr. Thomas appealed his complaints to Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton – who took no action to revoke the Kwanzaa event in the county administration building – he filed a lawsuit Friday in Chancery Court to block it. Of course, although Mayor Wharton sets policy for use of public buildings, that power has traditionally not extended to the commissioners’ chamber, since it is the province of the legislative body, which would likely back Commissioner Brooks’ request for the use of the facilities.
Playing To The Kleig Lights
It’s widely expected that Mr. Thomas’s lawsuit will go nowhere, but at this point, he seems intent on playing to the TV cameras, using any opportunity to position himself as a combatant in the war against Christianity, that fiction espoused loudly about this time each year to rally Religious Right voters and pander to the hysteria that lies at the heart of this voting bloc.
Meanwhile, Mr. Thomas continues to pander to his base with his emotional concerns about discrimination against Christianity. But if you want to talk to him about this, don’t call Monday or Tuesday.
Mr. Thomas and Shelby County’s 6,000 employees will have two days off to observe the most Christian of holidays - Christmas. Last time we checked, no day on the Jewish, Muslim or Kwanzaa calendar manages such preferential treatment.
In other words, if there's a war, it's pretty clear who's winning. By the way, just for the record, Commissioner Brooks is a member of the board of trustees of Greater Imani Church and Christian Center.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Fishing For Answers To Questions Of The Week
O.K., you’ve heard from us once again about The Pyramid. Now it’s your turn.
Questions of the week:
What should Memphis do to put The Pyramid to its best use? What objective should city government have in mind as it considers options for the arena? If the choices are Bass Pro Shop and Pyramid Adventure, do you have a preference? Or do you vote “none of the above?”
In other words, we’re interested in anything you have to say about proposed uses for The Pyramid and what you think Memphis should be trying to accomplish in the first place.
Who knows? As long as non-binding letters of intent are being passed out, maybe your idea could get you one, too.
Questions of the week:
What should Memphis do to put The Pyramid to its best use? What objective should city government have in mind as it considers options for the arena? If the choices are Bass Pro Shop and Pyramid Adventure, do you have a preference? Or do you vote “none of the above?”
In other words, we’re interested in anything you have to say about proposed uses for The Pyramid and what you think Memphis should be trying to accomplish in the first place.
Who knows? As long as non-binding letters of intent are being passed out, maybe your idea could get you one, too.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Tomb Of Tomb Beckons More Projects
Memphis’ biggest stocking – which has always promised more than it delivered – remains to be stuffed – The Pyramid.
We’ve never been fans of the Bass Pro Shop proposal, a disdain made visceral with the prospects of a fish logo on the side of our signature building on the riverfront. But then again, even if we were fans of the outdoor store, we’d still be baffled by city government’s single-minded pursuit of it as if it’s the only game in town.
While there are many questions to be answered on the theme park concept pushed by Memphian Greg Ericsson and now gaining traction, there’s really no logic in not giving him the same non-binding letter of intent given three times already to Bass Pro Shop despite its failures to hit any of the previously announced deadlines.
Promises, Promises
This should all feel so familiar. After all, it’s almost been 20 years since John Tigrett and Sidney Shlenker promised a “state-of-the-art arena” and a “365-day a year tourist attraction.” Of course, we got neither, and before the debacle was over, city and county governments had to step in to get the building open, albeit it only partially since more than 150,000 square feet of space remained undeveloped.
Over the years, except for the time when the Memphis Wonders exhibitions were a tenant, there’s never been an attraction in the so-called private tenant space on the north side of The Pyramid, and certainly nothing close to a year-round tenant.
That doesn’t mean that local government didn’t try.
Deja Vu All Over Again
Several times, it started the process to find a developer for an attraction and once, it got within in 24 hours of an announcement before Memphis Mayor Willie W. Herenton – in a move still shrouded in mystery – pulled the plug and backed out of the deal to give the talented Marius Penczner of Memphis the opportunity to put in an ecologically-oriented tourist attraction that was clearly ahead of its time.
In the aftermath, Mr. Penczner left a hometown in disgust, taking his place as one of the nation’s leading political consultants and videographers and Memphis was left with yet another squandered opportunity to put something in The Pyramid.
That was 1993. An opposing proposal for the building at the time was presented by Mr. Ericsson, and ultimately he and Mr. Penczner joined forces. For the 14 years, Mr. Ericsson’s been begging for city government to listen to his ideas.
It's About One Thing
Finally, there appears to be progress from his point of view. The patience of county commissioners, who had remained silent as city government handled the point on the Bass Pro Shop deal, finally reached its breaking point and called for an end to the retailer’s exclusive position in the negotiations.
Under new pressure, city government finally acts as if it will at least give Mr. Ericsson a fair shot and it will conduct due diligence on his proposal. Buoyed by the new attention, the Ericsson group runs the risk of overplaying its hand, already unveiling a revamped proposal that seemed to be too much of a good thing and called for new development at Mud Island.
It all conjured up images of the Shlenker days, when he could have successfully finished his original plans for The Pyramid if he’d just stayed focused. Instead, his appetite grew larger and larger as he rolled out his much derided plans for Rakapolis on Mud Island.
Needed: Answers
As he begins to persuade Memphis that his project is best, Mr. Ericsson needs to remember a primary lesson from those days, chiefly, the logic of doing one thing at a time, and after proving that you can develop The Pyramid, then moving on to other things.
There are clearly many questions to be answered about the Ericsson proposal, and googling the names of his major investors does nothing to quieten them. Questions about financial stability also harken back to the Tigrett/Shlenker days when big promises of major financing became monthly events.
If Mr. Ericsson is to get the serious consideration he seeks, he needs to put to rest – quickly - any questions about his investors and their promised financing for his Pyramid Adventure project. If the past should teach him anything, it’s how easy it is to go from hero to goat when reality never matches up with the promises. (Remember the halcyon days of Mr. Shlenker when he was voted “Memphian of the Year.”)
Ignore Six Flags' Problems
Meanwhile, the promise of a $250 million investment in a themed attraction runs counter to all trends in the entertainment industry. Also, he needs to put to rest speculation that the project is all about getting control of The Pyramid in hopes of the Tennessee Legislature legalizing gambling. In other words, the sooner the questions get answered, the better off we’ll all be, particularly Mr. Ericsson.
After all, the “Tomb of Doom” lived up to its name every time University of Memphis took the basketball court, but it also came to characterize the big ideas, bold announcements and politically-driven pursuits of something, almost anything, to fill the building.
Once politicians have gotten out in front of a project like the one involving Bass Pro Shop, the advantage decidedly shifts to the business side of the table. Threatened by political embarrassment and loss of face, city staffers become under increasing pressure to cut a deal to make something happen.
Manipulating Local Government
That’s why it sometimes looks like city government has the equivalent to “new car fever,” feverishly grasping at anything to make the project look like its substantial and imminent. Bass Pro Shop’s experience in manipulating governments like ours puts it firmly in the driver’s seat. It routinely wrings $25-40 million out of local governments across the U.S. for its stores.
As we’ve frequently reported in our updates, Buffalo, New York, is in its sixth year of trying to convert Bass Pro Shop’s promises for a downtown megastore on the waterfront into reality. So far, the company has reneged on its pledge to convert an abandoned arena into a giant store, it’s changed location, it’s changed its financial plan and it’s changed the timeline.
Regardless of what the final decision is at The Pyramid, we just hope that it won’t be made in an action of political desperation. At the end of the day, there are worse things than an empty arena.
We’ve never been fans of the Bass Pro Shop proposal, a disdain made visceral with the prospects of a fish logo on the side of our signature building on the riverfront. But then again, even if we were fans of the outdoor store, we’d still be baffled by city government’s single-minded pursuit of it as if it’s the only game in town.
While there are many questions to be answered on the theme park concept pushed by Memphian Greg Ericsson and now gaining traction, there’s really no logic in not giving him the same non-binding letter of intent given three times already to Bass Pro Shop despite its failures to hit any of the previously announced deadlines.
Promises, Promises
This should all feel so familiar. After all, it’s almost been 20 years since John Tigrett and Sidney Shlenker promised a “state-of-the-art arena” and a “365-day a year tourist attraction.” Of course, we got neither, and before the debacle was over, city and county governments had to step in to get the building open, albeit it only partially since more than 150,000 square feet of space remained undeveloped.
Over the years, except for the time when the Memphis Wonders exhibitions were a tenant, there’s never been an attraction in the so-called private tenant space on the north side of The Pyramid, and certainly nothing close to a year-round tenant.
That doesn’t mean that local government didn’t try.
Deja Vu All Over Again
Several times, it started the process to find a developer for an attraction and once, it got within in 24 hours of an announcement before Memphis Mayor Willie W. Herenton – in a move still shrouded in mystery – pulled the plug and backed out of the deal to give the talented Marius Penczner of Memphis the opportunity to put in an ecologically-oriented tourist attraction that was clearly ahead of its time.
In the aftermath, Mr. Penczner left a hometown in disgust, taking his place as one of the nation’s leading political consultants and videographers and Memphis was left with yet another squandered opportunity to put something in The Pyramid.
That was 1993. An opposing proposal for the building at the time was presented by Mr. Ericsson, and ultimately he and Mr. Penczner joined forces. For the 14 years, Mr. Ericsson’s been begging for city government to listen to his ideas.
It's About One Thing
Finally, there appears to be progress from his point of view. The patience of county commissioners, who had remained silent as city government handled the point on the Bass Pro Shop deal, finally reached its breaking point and called for an end to the retailer’s exclusive position in the negotiations.
Under new pressure, city government finally acts as if it will at least give Mr. Ericsson a fair shot and it will conduct due diligence on his proposal. Buoyed by the new attention, the Ericsson group runs the risk of overplaying its hand, already unveiling a revamped proposal that seemed to be too much of a good thing and called for new development at Mud Island.
It all conjured up images of the Shlenker days, when he could have successfully finished his original plans for The Pyramid if he’d just stayed focused. Instead, his appetite grew larger and larger as he rolled out his much derided plans for Rakapolis on Mud Island.
Needed: Answers
As he begins to persuade Memphis that his project is best, Mr. Ericsson needs to remember a primary lesson from those days, chiefly, the logic of doing one thing at a time, and after proving that you can develop The Pyramid, then moving on to other things.
There are clearly many questions to be answered about the Ericsson proposal, and googling the names of his major investors does nothing to quieten them. Questions about financial stability also harken back to the Tigrett/Shlenker days when big promises of major financing became monthly events.
If Mr. Ericsson is to get the serious consideration he seeks, he needs to put to rest – quickly - any questions about his investors and their promised financing for his Pyramid Adventure project. If the past should teach him anything, it’s how easy it is to go from hero to goat when reality never matches up with the promises. (Remember the halcyon days of Mr. Shlenker when he was voted “Memphian of the Year.”)
Ignore Six Flags' Problems
Meanwhile, the promise of a $250 million investment in a themed attraction runs counter to all trends in the entertainment industry. Also, he needs to put to rest speculation that the project is all about getting control of The Pyramid in hopes of the Tennessee Legislature legalizing gambling. In other words, the sooner the questions get answered, the better off we’ll all be, particularly Mr. Ericsson.
After all, the “Tomb of Doom” lived up to its name every time University of Memphis took the basketball court, but it also came to characterize the big ideas, bold announcements and politically-driven pursuits of something, almost anything, to fill the building.
Once politicians have gotten out in front of a project like the one involving Bass Pro Shop, the advantage decidedly shifts to the business side of the table. Threatened by political embarrassment and loss of face, city staffers become under increasing pressure to cut a deal to make something happen.
Manipulating Local Government
That’s why it sometimes looks like city government has the equivalent to “new car fever,” feverishly grasping at anything to make the project look like its substantial and imminent. Bass Pro Shop’s experience in manipulating governments like ours puts it firmly in the driver’s seat. It routinely wrings $25-40 million out of local governments across the U.S. for its stores.
As we’ve frequently reported in our updates, Buffalo, New York, is in its sixth year of trying to convert Bass Pro Shop’s promises for a downtown megastore on the waterfront into reality. So far, the company has reneged on its pledge to convert an abandoned arena into a giant store, it’s changed location, it’s changed its financial plan and it’s changed the timeline.
Regardless of what the final decision is at The Pyramid, we just hope that it won’t be made in an action of political desperation. At the end of the day, there are worse things than an empty arena.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Three Pair Of Big Shoes To Fill
'Tis the season of transitions, and three deserve special mention -- Andy Dolich, Judith Drescher and Carissa Hussong.
All are about to step down from their jobs, but they share more than the coincidence of their announced resignations. More to the point, they are all class acts, principled people who have shown unusual dedication to making Memphis better and to doing it in the most challenging situations.
When Grizzlies majority owner Michael Heisley hired Mr. Dolich in 2000 as president of basketball operations, it was the first indication that he was serious about running a first-class organization. After all, Mr. Dolich was highly respected in his profession, forever associated with the success of “Billyball” in the glory days of the Oakland A’s.
During his 14 years there, he hosted an All-Star game and six post-season appearances, including three World Series. He increased season ticket holders 40-fold and quadrupled attendance, building a reputation for running a quality operation and for an unswerving customer-focused approach.
No Prisoners
He took the Memphis job with no misconceptions about the “take no prisoners” management style favored by the majority owner, but we suspect that the difficult – if not demanding – work environment finally just wore down his enthusiasm for his job.
Lesser men would have left years ago. Typically, in announcing his departure, he was the consummate professional, refusing to utter even a hint of criticism against the Heisley regime.
Grizzlies games are a tough sell -- the NBA’s smallest market and one where about 20 percent of the population can’t afford tickets under the best of circumstances. Add to that the trade of the team’s most popular player, Shane Battier, the team’s chronic losing streaks and Mr. Heisley’s bungling on-off love affair with Memphis – alternating between “I’m going to make the investments necessary for a winning team” and “won’t somebody, anybody, buy this team” - and it would be hard for P. T. Barnum to put butts in seats. (At least the Grizzlies aren’t last in average attendance, beating out Indianapolis, New Orleans and Philadelphia.)
While Mr. Dolich’s marketing acumen was beyond dispute, his insights into the Memphis psyche were even more impressive. Few people in this city were more thoughtful and more on target in dissecting Memphis’ chronic lack of self-worth and engrained negativism, proving that his American University degree in government wasn’t wasted.
Unappreciated Pros
The exits of Jerry West and now Mr. Dolich are troubling omens for the future, because it’s seems possible that we will someday recall the days when the Grizzlies had the best in the business. The team appears to be headed in an entirely different direction now as the Heisley group tightens the screws on an operation that’s thwarted his ambitions to “flip” the team and move on to his next investment.
Strangely, The Commercial Appeal hasn’t reported on Mr. Dolich’s next job, completing his trifecta of major league sports. Next, he’ll set up shop as chief operating officer for the San Francisco 49ers.
Staying on the subject of often underappreciated professionals, Ms. Drescher steps down as director of the Memphis library system at the end of the month after 23 years of exemplary service.
It hasn’t been easy heading up an operation that regularly received more lip service than public service from city government. She’s suffered through city chief administrative officers who thought libraries were becoming obsolete and rarely funded the system at a level that ensured that it fully responded to the public’s needs.
Book Lover
Meanwhile, her greatest disappointment likely is the dismantling of the city/county library system that resulted from Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton’s unfortunate decision to eliminate county funding for libraries.
Despite these problems, through sheer force of personality and commitment to her cause, year after year, she put together a budget – often with string and baling wire – that maintained library services and prevented cutbacks in services, especially to inner city neighborhoods.
A passionate believer in the power of books – and the Bill of Rights - her vision, not to mention her persistence, resulted in the construction of the new central library, and her defense of its public art – notably the Marx quotations in the sidewalks out front – in the face of the withering right-wing criticism from elected officials like former county commissioner Marilyn Loeffel (now incredulously, a Commercial Appeal columnist) was a reminder of how rare it is in Memphis for political demagoguery to be met with the courageous resistance by appointed officials. To that end, she also fought any attempts by the same right wing cabal to block websites on library computers that offended its sensibilities or to use libraries as the stages for manger scenes and other Christian iconography.
In other words, Ms. Drescher was one of the rarest kinds of public servants. She actually believed so strongly in what she was doing that she refused to make the kind of political concessions that would have made her professional life easier. It’s possible that city government can find a library director with her strong professional qualifications. Harder to find will be a civil libertarian who can continue Ms. Drescher’s special brand of public sector leadership.
Old Pros And Young Turks
It’s worth noting that two other old pros of the Memphis library system are also retiring – deputy director Sallie Johnson and head of human resources Val Crook. They, too, represented the best that public service has to give.
Ms. Drescher fought the public art wars at the new library HQs with Ms. Hussong, who is leaving her job as founding executive director of the UrbanArt Commission in January to become executive director of the National Ornamental Metal Museum.
When she took the helm of the modest new public arts organization, there were big ideas but no real plan to achieve them. The UrbanArt Commission, like so many positive initiatives of those days, resulted from the vision and tenacity of the seriously missed Kristi Jernigan.
The secret to success of public arts in other cities was obvious: percent for art funding that provided a reliable source of revenue. Conventional wisdom at the time was that our city would never pass a similar program here, but in December, 2001, Memphis City Schools passed a policy that set aside money for public art in all new schools, and three months later, Memphis city government followed suit with its capital projects.
No Substitute For Youth
While the most visible examples of public art include the central Memphis library, Cannon Center and Tom Lee Memorial, the impact of Ms. Hussong and her agency is seen dramatically in city schools, community centers, county schools and more.
If there’s a testament to the way that she’s changed expectations in Memphis, now, when people talk about the riverfront, the conversation includes how to integrate public art. When people talk about the master plan for Shelby Farms Park, the role of public art is addressed. When people talk about a skatepark on Mud Island, public art is also discussed as a way to make it even more dramatic.
When Ms. Hussong took the job at UrbanArt Commission, there were some who thought her youth could be a handicap. As is often the case, it was just the opposite, and while impatient for progress, she possessed a durable determination to make things happen, often acting a lot like water dripping on the stone until it’s eroded away.
Best of all, she brought to her work a cerebral idealism anchored in the belief that arts and culture can be transformative forces in Memphis, and that in the end, it’s about creating a vibrant and dynamic community. She also believed that every neighborhood of Memphis deserves the kind of public art that enlivens their every day lives and speaks to their distinctive character.
So what’s the lesson from Mr. Dolich, Ms. Drescher and Ms. Hussong. To us, it’s pretty obvious: There’s simply no substitute for passionate leadership. In the end, that’s the toughest job requirement of all to find.
All are about to step down from their jobs, but they share more than the coincidence of their announced resignations. More to the point, they are all class acts, principled people who have shown unusual dedication to making Memphis better and to doing it in the most challenging situations.
When Grizzlies majority owner Michael Heisley hired Mr. Dolich in 2000 as president of basketball operations, it was the first indication that he was serious about running a first-class organization. After all, Mr. Dolich was highly respected in his profession, forever associated with the success of “Billyball” in the glory days of the Oakland A’s.
During his 14 years there, he hosted an All-Star game and six post-season appearances, including three World Series. He increased season ticket holders 40-fold and quadrupled attendance, building a reputation for running a quality operation and for an unswerving customer-focused approach.
No Prisoners
He took the Memphis job with no misconceptions about the “take no prisoners” management style favored by the majority owner, but we suspect that the difficult – if not demanding – work environment finally just wore down his enthusiasm for his job.
Lesser men would have left years ago. Typically, in announcing his departure, he was the consummate professional, refusing to utter even a hint of criticism against the Heisley regime.
Grizzlies games are a tough sell -- the NBA’s smallest market and one where about 20 percent of the population can’t afford tickets under the best of circumstances. Add to that the trade of the team’s most popular player, Shane Battier, the team’s chronic losing streaks and Mr. Heisley’s bungling on-off love affair with Memphis – alternating between “I’m going to make the investments necessary for a winning team” and “won’t somebody, anybody, buy this team” - and it would be hard for P. T. Barnum to put butts in seats. (At least the Grizzlies aren’t last in average attendance, beating out Indianapolis, New Orleans and Philadelphia.)
While Mr. Dolich’s marketing acumen was beyond dispute, his insights into the Memphis psyche were even more impressive. Few people in this city were more thoughtful and more on target in dissecting Memphis’ chronic lack of self-worth and engrained negativism, proving that his American University degree in government wasn’t wasted.
Unappreciated Pros
The exits of Jerry West and now Mr. Dolich are troubling omens for the future, because it’s seems possible that we will someday recall the days when the Grizzlies had the best in the business. The team appears to be headed in an entirely different direction now as the Heisley group tightens the screws on an operation that’s thwarted his ambitions to “flip” the team and move on to his next investment.
Strangely, The Commercial Appeal hasn’t reported on Mr. Dolich’s next job, completing his trifecta of major league sports. Next, he’ll set up shop as chief operating officer for the San Francisco 49ers.
Staying on the subject of often underappreciated professionals, Ms. Drescher steps down as director of the Memphis library system at the end of the month after 23 years of exemplary service.
It hasn’t been easy heading up an operation that regularly received more lip service than public service from city government. She’s suffered through city chief administrative officers who thought libraries were becoming obsolete and rarely funded the system at a level that ensured that it fully responded to the public’s needs.
Book Lover
Meanwhile, her greatest disappointment likely is the dismantling of the city/county library system that resulted from Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton’s unfortunate decision to eliminate county funding for libraries.
Despite these problems, through sheer force of personality and commitment to her cause, year after year, she put together a budget – often with string and baling wire – that maintained library services and prevented cutbacks in services, especially to inner city neighborhoods.
A passionate believer in the power of books – and the Bill of Rights - her vision, not to mention her persistence, resulted in the construction of the new central library, and her defense of its public art – notably the Marx quotations in the sidewalks out front – in the face of the withering right-wing criticism from elected officials like former county commissioner Marilyn Loeffel (now incredulously, a Commercial Appeal columnist) was a reminder of how rare it is in Memphis for political demagoguery to be met with the courageous resistance by appointed officials. To that end, she also fought any attempts by the same right wing cabal to block websites on library computers that offended its sensibilities or to use libraries as the stages for manger scenes and other Christian iconography.
In other words, Ms. Drescher was one of the rarest kinds of public servants. She actually believed so strongly in what she was doing that she refused to make the kind of political concessions that would have made her professional life easier. It’s possible that city government can find a library director with her strong professional qualifications. Harder to find will be a civil libertarian who can continue Ms. Drescher’s special brand of public sector leadership.
Old Pros And Young Turks
It’s worth noting that two other old pros of the Memphis library system are also retiring – deputy director Sallie Johnson and head of human resources Val Crook. They, too, represented the best that public service has to give.
Ms. Drescher fought the public art wars at the new library HQs with Ms. Hussong, who is leaving her job as founding executive director of the UrbanArt Commission in January to become executive director of the National Ornamental Metal Museum.
When she took the helm of the modest new public arts organization, there were big ideas but no real plan to achieve them. The UrbanArt Commission, like so many positive initiatives of those days, resulted from the vision and tenacity of the seriously missed Kristi Jernigan.
The secret to success of public arts in other cities was obvious: percent for art funding that provided a reliable source of revenue. Conventional wisdom at the time was that our city would never pass a similar program here, but in December, 2001, Memphis City Schools passed a policy that set aside money for public art in all new schools, and three months later, Memphis city government followed suit with its capital projects.
No Substitute For Youth
While the most visible examples of public art include the central Memphis library, Cannon Center and Tom Lee Memorial, the impact of Ms. Hussong and her agency is seen dramatically in city schools, community centers, county schools and more.
If there’s a testament to the way that she’s changed expectations in Memphis, now, when people talk about the riverfront, the conversation includes how to integrate public art. When people talk about the master plan for Shelby Farms Park, the role of public art is addressed. When people talk about a skatepark on Mud Island, public art is also discussed as a way to make it even more dramatic.
When Ms. Hussong took the job at UrbanArt Commission, there were some who thought her youth could be a handicap. As is often the case, it was just the opposite, and while impatient for progress, she possessed a durable determination to make things happen, often acting a lot like water dripping on the stone until it’s eroded away.
Best of all, she brought to her work a cerebral idealism anchored in the belief that arts and culture can be transformative forces in Memphis, and that in the end, it’s about creating a vibrant and dynamic community. She also believed that every neighborhood of Memphis deserves the kind of public art that enlivens their every day lives and speaks to their distinctive character.
So what’s the lesson from Mr. Dolich, Ms. Drescher and Ms. Hussong. To us, it’s pretty obvious: There’s simply no substitute for passionate leadership. In the end, that’s the toughest job requirement of all to find.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
MPO Takes Road Less Traveled
There are public agencies buried so deep in local government that they would make Tony Soprano envious, and their unassuming names give no hint of their impact.
Poster child for these agencies is the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the federally-mandated regional conduit for hundreds of millions of transportation dollars.
On paper, the organization was created to broaden priorities, encourage public participation, and most revolutionary of all, balance environmental and transportation needs. In reality, though, if sprawl is a smoking gun, prominent fingerprints on it are the MPO.
Business As Usual
That’s because for decades, its decisions skewed toward asphalt at the expense of alternatives. Its policies treated public transit and park/ride lots as afterthoughts, and bike lanes and walking trails as mere ornaments. This highway-centric focus led to environmental advocates being seen as pariahs, if not kooks. It also led to ideas like light rail getting bogged down in process while massive suburban highways were treated as indispensable.
It wasn’t supposed to be this way. The 1991 Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (only the federal government could dream up such a name, complete with inevitable acronym, ISTEA) was supposed to be a renaissance for the more than 300 MPO’s, ushering in equal time for cleaner air, energy conservation, and social equity.
Here, it was business as usual, which wasn’t surprising considering the MPO’s strong loyalties to development.
Tail Wagging The Dog
Central cities are routinely underrepresented in the voting of the largest 50 MPO’s, but only one city is more weighted toward the suburbs than Memphis. According to the Brookings Institution, the Memphis population accounts for more than 60 percent of the total MPO population, but only 16 per cent of its members represent Memphis. Meanwhile, 84 percent of the members are white in a region that is on the verge of being majority African-American.
Sixteen cities have shifted to weighted voting, so the central city, with more population, gets more votes. (Portland, Oregon, even elects its members, who operate the convention center, performing arts center, stadium parks, land use, and transportation for a three-county, 24-city region.)
Here, the vote by the mayor of Memphis can be cancelled out by the vote of the mayor of Olive Branch, and when all of the suburban mayors of DeSoto County, Fayette County, and Shelby County band together, they can swamp the votes cast by Memphis interests.
Higher Ambition
Despite this, the MPO continues to be an impact player for Memphis, albeit one with little visibility to the broader community. Finally, the MPO is beginning to show signs of a new sensitivity to environmental issues and to bike paths, which are considered as integral to the transportation infrastructure as roadways in other cities.
This new philosophy stakes out a direction that could move the agency to the front page, or at least to the front page for other than embarrassing stories like when it flirted with losing its federal funds for failure to follow policy and for its role in the $6.5 million misuse of federal funds in construction of the FedEx Forum garage.
Sleight Of Hand
These problems were made even more striking in contrast to the Nashville MPO, which was leading development of the $40 million Music City Star commuter train from Nashville to Lebanon.
Meanwhile, in Memphis, there could be no federal funds for the FedEx Forum garage without the MPO. Its chairman, then County Mayor Jim Rout, called a special meeting to amend a transportation plan approved only 10 months earlier, but MPO approval was needed for $20 million in federal funds to be spent to “construct parking and an intermodal transfer facility near the intersection of Third and Linden.”
The MPO resolution promising the money for the garage shifted it from projects lowering auto emissions, increasing the use of mass transit, and decreasing traffic congestion. The resolution was mailed to federal highway officials, and attached to it was a letter setting out the fine and imprisonment that could result from failure to comply with it. A few days later, Rout and Memphis Mayor Willie W. Herenton signed an agreement that promised the garage and its profits to the Grizzlies.
New Direction
All in all, it was a black eye for the MPO, because accountability was supposed to be key to its work when it was created by the federal government.
These days, the MPO – under the chairmanship of another county mayor, A C Wharton - is developing the transportation plan required by law. It has one of those high-sounding names the public sector loves – Destination 2030 – but if nothing else, it promises to reverse development trends the MPO has helped to fuel for the past 25 years.
*This post was previously published as Memphis magazine's City Journal column.
Poster child for these agencies is the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the federally-mandated regional conduit for hundreds of millions of transportation dollars.
On paper, the organization was created to broaden priorities, encourage public participation, and most revolutionary of all, balance environmental and transportation needs. In reality, though, if sprawl is a smoking gun, prominent fingerprints on it are the MPO.
Business As Usual
That’s because for decades, its decisions skewed toward asphalt at the expense of alternatives. Its policies treated public transit and park/ride lots as afterthoughts, and bike lanes and walking trails as mere ornaments. This highway-centric focus led to environmental advocates being seen as pariahs, if not kooks. It also led to ideas like light rail getting bogged down in process while massive suburban highways were treated as indispensable.
It wasn’t supposed to be this way. The 1991 Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (only the federal government could dream up such a name, complete with inevitable acronym, ISTEA) was supposed to be a renaissance for the more than 300 MPO’s, ushering in equal time for cleaner air, energy conservation, and social equity.
Here, it was business as usual, which wasn’t surprising considering the MPO’s strong loyalties to development.
Tail Wagging The Dog
Central cities are routinely underrepresented in the voting of the largest 50 MPO’s, but only one city is more weighted toward the suburbs than Memphis. According to the Brookings Institution, the Memphis population accounts for more than 60 percent of the total MPO population, but only 16 per cent of its members represent Memphis. Meanwhile, 84 percent of the members are white in a region that is on the verge of being majority African-American.
Sixteen cities have shifted to weighted voting, so the central city, with more population, gets more votes. (Portland, Oregon, even elects its members, who operate the convention center, performing arts center, stadium parks, land use, and transportation for a three-county, 24-city region.)
Here, the vote by the mayor of Memphis can be cancelled out by the vote of the mayor of Olive Branch, and when all of the suburban mayors of DeSoto County, Fayette County, and Shelby County band together, they can swamp the votes cast by Memphis interests.
Higher Ambition
Despite this, the MPO continues to be an impact player for Memphis, albeit one with little visibility to the broader community. Finally, the MPO is beginning to show signs of a new sensitivity to environmental issues and to bike paths, which are considered as integral to the transportation infrastructure as roadways in other cities.
This new philosophy stakes out a direction that could move the agency to the front page, or at least to the front page for other than embarrassing stories like when it flirted with losing its federal funds for failure to follow policy and for its role in the $6.5 million misuse of federal funds in construction of the FedEx Forum garage.
Sleight Of Hand
These problems were made even more striking in contrast to the Nashville MPO, which was leading development of the $40 million Music City Star commuter train from Nashville to Lebanon.
Meanwhile, in Memphis, there could be no federal funds for the FedEx Forum garage without the MPO. Its chairman, then County Mayor Jim Rout, called a special meeting to amend a transportation plan approved only 10 months earlier, but MPO approval was needed for $20 million in federal funds to be spent to “construct parking and an intermodal transfer facility near the intersection of Third and Linden.”
The MPO resolution promising the money for the garage shifted it from projects lowering auto emissions, increasing the use of mass transit, and decreasing traffic congestion. The resolution was mailed to federal highway officials, and attached to it was a letter setting out the fine and imprisonment that could result from failure to comply with it. A few days later, Rout and Memphis Mayor Willie W. Herenton signed an agreement that promised the garage and its profits to the Grizzlies.
New Direction
All in all, it was a black eye for the MPO, because accountability was supposed to be key to its work when it was created by the federal government.
These days, the MPO – under the chairmanship of another county mayor, A C Wharton - is developing the transportation plan required by law. It has one of those high-sounding names the public sector loves – Destination 2030 – but if nothing else, it promises to reverse development trends the MPO has helped to fuel for the past 25 years.
*This post was previously published as Memphis magazine's City Journal column.
Friday, December 14, 2007
This Week On Smart City: Connecting Through Technology
New technologies are combining to change the way we influence our communities. In her book, Momentum, Allison Fine writes about these new technologies and how they are igniting social change in our connected age. Allison is a senior fellow on the Democracy Team at Demos: A Network for Change and Action in New York, and was the founder and Executive Director of Innovation Network.
Also with us are Deepa Naik and Trenton Oldfield, coordinators of This Is Not A Gateway, a thoroughly modern, self-organizing festival of ideas planned for London next October. Unlike organizers of recent big-name U.S. "think" festivals, Deepa and Trenton are more curious than curatorial. Deepa's work has focused on cross-cultural contemporary art practice and community activism. She has recently worked as an artist and educator with Public Works and Art for Change. Trenton is coordinator of the Thames Strategy - Kew to Chelsea and he was project manager of Cityside Regeneration.
Smart City is a syndicated, weekly hour-long public radio talk show that takes an in-depth look at urban life: the people, places, ideas and trends that affect us all. Host Carol Coletta talks with national and international public policy experts, economists, business leaders, artists, developers, planners and others on the pulse of city life for a penetrating discussion on urban issues.
Smart City is broadcast at 6 a.m. Saturday and Sundays on WKNO-FM, but it is also webcast and podcast. For the webcast, times for the broadcast in other cities and to sign up for the podcast, visit the website.
Also with us are Deepa Naik and Trenton Oldfield, coordinators of This Is Not A Gateway, a thoroughly modern, self-organizing festival of ideas planned for London next October. Unlike organizers of recent big-name U.S. "think" festivals, Deepa and Trenton are more curious than curatorial. Deepa's work has focused on cross-cultural contemporary art practice and community activism. She has recently worked as an artist and educator with Public Works and Art for Change. Trenton is coordinator of the Thames Strategy - Kew to Chelsea and he was project manager of Cityside Regeneration.
Smart City is a syndicated, weekly hour-long public radio talk show that takes an in-depth look at urban life: the people, places, ideas and trends that affect us all. Host Carol Coletta talks with national and international public policy experts, economists, business leaders, artists, developers, planners and others on the pulse of city life for a penetrating discussion on urban issues.
Smart City is broadcast at 6 a.m. Saturday and Sundays on WKNO-FM, but it is also webcast and podcast. For the webcast, times for the broadcast in other cities and to sign up for the podcast, visit the website.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Council Stripped Of Power Over Clubs
There’s the axiom in the public sector that the organizational chart shouldn’t be based on personalities.
There’s also an axiom that the fundamental principles of local government shouldn’t be abandoned in pursuit of political expediency.
Of course, both of these rules at times succumb to the realities of city and county governments, but the zeal to put the brakes on our out of control strip clubs shouldn’t be the justification to abandon one of those fundamental principles – that City Hall is the appropriate government to set standards and laws for citizens within the city limits.
SOB's
Normally, the usurping of one government’s prerogatives by another is normally seen in the state legislature’s mandates on Memphians. While the county board of commissioners doesn’t create an equal specter of outside interference, it nonetheless should not try to subsume the appanage of the Memphis City Council.
While we were the first to write about the report being prepared about SOB’s (sexually-oriented businesses) and the need to get our lawless strip club culture under control, the legislation by the county board of commissioners feels less like an attempt to regulate as to vitiate.
The latter is not government’s role. If the business is legal, however, government has the right to issue and enforce regulations within its jurisdiction. The county’s rules apparently started with the aim of regulating, but along the way seems to have been captured by the morality police.
Baking Up New Ordinance
Actually, the Memphis City Council had this political hot potato tossed into its lap by the Herenton Administration, notably City Attorney Elbert Jefferson, who proposed the new strip club ordinance and left the Council to take the heat. In light of the numerous questions remaining to be answered and the research needed on this ordinance, the current Council wisely punted this issue to the next Council.
While it might have been possible for the current Council to resolve this issue before the term and the calendar came to a close, the perception that the ordinance was being rammed through the legislative process was reason enough to put it off until a time when there was ample time for all public questions to be answered.
While some county officials, notably Attorney General Bill Gibbons, were quick to protest the Council’s intentions to take up the issue (instead of acquiescing to the county law), the Council had every right to insist that their questions were answered and to pass its own strip club ordinance. Some of the prosecutor’s efforts to get out in front of this parade may be the result of criticism in the city/county consultant’s report that criticized the office’s lax enforcement of existing laws.
Pleading His Case
Then, too, while the attorney general’s office was complaining about being left out of the city government meetings that led up to the presentation of the proposed ordinance, there are some who said it was ironic since the prosecutors never responded to invitations to participate in the consultant’s report a couple of years ago.
Whatever the case, in response to General Gibbon’s criticisms, the Council asked the Memphis city attorney to meet with his office to obtain its opinions about the law. Central to the Council’s deliberations is the answer to this question: What regulation has more impact on the clubs – the county law that makes violations a Class A and Class B misdemeanor or the city ordinance which has the power to shut down offending clubs.
Primary differences between the laws are that the city law allows topless dancing and beer drinking and the county law bans beer and requires pasties.
City Standards For City Residents
Ultimately, many of us may like the proposed changes in the county law, but at the same time, it just feels like bad governance. Once citizens incorporate a city and its citizens elect their representatives, they then should be given primary responsibility for determining – hopefully in response to the public’s needs, standards and values – what rules should be established for businesses operating within that city, whether that city is Collierville or Memphis.
But while we believe Memphis elected officials are best equipped to set the standards for Memphis, that isn’t to say that the Memphis City Council doesn’t have a lot to prove. For years, enforcement over the strip clubs – vested largely with the Memphis Beer Board – has been a joke. On occasion after occasion, Beer Board members acted more like investors in the clubs than citizens protecting the quality of life in their city’s neighborhoods.
The county’s lack of confidence in City Council’s sincerity in bringing order to these clubs isn’t exactly a thing of fiction. After all, the national consultants said that Memphis is one of three U.S. cities where strip clubs were out of control. In the clubs here, sex was ever present and ever available -- any kind, any way, any cost.
The Problem
If you wanted food in some, you went to the kitchen and ordered it from the cook, because the woman serving your table was also delivering services, but it wasn’t food. There was “full body contact” between male customers and female dancers on stage, frequently moving to a back room to complete the exchange of cash and bodily fluids.
In other words, if you’re wondering what took place in these clubs, let your imagination run wild. You’re probably not imaginative enough to compile the list of activities that took place there. That’s why there’s the widespread suspicion in Memphis that a cozy relationship exists between strip club owners and city elected officials.
That said, the task is to control illegal activities – prostitution and drug sales – and behavior that produced health risks. It’s not about trying to put the clubs out of business, as tempting as that would be, but to act within the legal framework of court rulings.
Getting Legal
After all, when Memphis City Council a decade ago took this approach to a city ordinance, members ended up in front of a federal judge who asked for their legal justifications for trying to put the clubs out of business.
Within this complex legislative territory, if a majority of City Council members are serious about passage of a strip club ordinance, they need to go the extra step to prove that they are acting in the public’s interest rather than to protect club owners from serious enforcement.
If nothing else, the Shelby County Board of Commissioners has forced this issue out into the open. Now it’s up to the incoming City Council to put it to rest in a way that sends the message that things have changed in city government.
Perhaps, then, we could even dream that a strip club ordinance is just the beginning of a new day in City Hall.
There’s also an axiom that the fundamental principles of local government shouldn’t be abandoned in pursuit of political expediency.
Of course, both of these rules at times succumb to the realities of city and county governments, but the zeal to put the brakes on our out of control strip clubs shouldn’t be the justification to abandon one of those fundamental principles – that City Hall is the appropriate government to set standards and laws for citizens within the city limits.
SOB's
Normally, the usurping of one government’s prerogatives by another is normally seen in the state legislature’s mandates on Memphians. While the county board of commissioners doesn’t create an equal specter of outside interference, it nonetheless should not try to subsume the appanage of the Memphis City Council.
While we were the first to write about the report being prepared about SOB’s (sexually-oriented businesses) and the need to get our lawless strip club culture under control, the legislation by the county board of commissioners feels less like an attempt to regulate as to vitiate.
The latter is not government’s role. If the business is legal, however, government has the right to issue and enforce regulations within its jurisdiction. The county’s rules apparently started with the aim of regulating, but along the way seems to have been captured by the morality police.
Baking Up New Ordinance
Actually, the Memphis City Council had this political hot potato tossed into its lap by the Herenton Administration, notably City Attorney Elbert Jefferson, who proposed the new strip club ordinance and left the Council to take the heat. In light of the numerous questions remaining to be answered and the research needed on this ordinance, the current Council wisely punted this issue to the next Council.
While it might have been possible for the current Council to resolve this issue before the term and the calendar came to a close, the perception that the ordinance was being rammed through the legislative process was reason enough to put it off until a time when there was ample time for all public questions to be answered.
While some county officials, notably Attorney General Bill Gibbons, were quick to protest the Council’s intentions to take up the issue (instead of acquiescing to the county law), the Council had every right to insist that their questions were answered and to pass its own strip club ordinance. Some of the prosecutor’s efforts to get out in front of this parade may be the result of criticism in the city/county consultant’s report that criticized the office’s lax enforcement of existing laws.
Pleading His Case
Then, too, while the attorney general’s office was complaining about being left out of the city government meetings that led up to the presentation of the proposed ordinance, there are some who said it was ironic since the prosecutors never responded to invitations to participate in the consultant’s report a couple of years ago.
Whatever the case, in response to General Gibbon’s criticisms, the Council asked the Memphis city attorney to meet with his office to obtain its opinions about the law. Central to the Council’s deliberations is the answer to this question: What regulation has more impact on the clubs – the county law that makes violations a Class A and Class B misdemeanor or the city ordinance which has the power to shut down offending clubs.
Primary differences between the laws are that the city law allows topless dancing and beer drinking and the county law bans beer and requires pasties.
City Standards For City Residents
Ultimately, many of us may like the proposed changes in the county law, but at the same time, it just feels like bad governance. Once citizens incorporate a city and its citizens elect their representatives, they then should be given primary responsibility for determining – hopefully in response to the public’s needs, standards and values – what rules should be established for businesses operating within that city, whether that city is Collierville or Memphis.
But while we believe Memphis elected officials are best equipped to set the standards for Memphis, that isn’t to say that the Memphis City Council doesn’t have a lot to prove. For years, enforcement over the strip clubs – vested largely with the Memphis Beer Board – has been a joke. On occasion after occasion, Beer Board members acted more like investors in the clubs than citizens protecting the quality of life in their city’s neighborhoods.
The county’s lack of confidence in City Council’s sincerity in bringing order to these clubs isn’t exactly a thing of fiction. After all, the national consultants said that Memphis is one of three U.S. cities where strip clubs were out of control. In the clubs here, sex was ever present and ever available -- any kind, any way, any cost.
The Problem
If you wanted food in some, you went to the kitchen and ordered it from the cook, because the woman serving your table was also delivering services, but it wasn’t food. There was “full body contact” between male customers and female dancers on stage, frequently moving to a back room to complete the exchange of cash and bodily fluids.
In other words, if you’re wondering what took place in these clubs, let your imagination run wild. You’re probably not imaginative enough to compile the list of activities that took place there. That’s why there’s the widespread suspicion in Memphis that a cozy relationship exists between strip club owners and city elected officials.
That said, the task is to control illegal activities – prostitution and drug sales – and behavior that produced health risks. It’s not about trying to put the clubs out of business, as tempting as that would be, but to act within the legal framework of court rulings.
Getting Legal
After all, when Memphis City Council a decade ago took this approach to a city ordinance, members ended up in front of a federal judge who asked for their legal justifications for trying to put the clubs out of business.
Within this complex legislative territory, if a majority of City Council members are serious about passage of a strip club ordinance, they need to go the extra step to prove that they are acting in the public’s interest rather than to protect club owners from serious enforcement.
If nothing else, the Shelby County Board of Commissioners has forced this issue out into the open. Now it’s up to the incoming City Council to put it to rest in a way that sends the message that things have changed in city government.
Perhaps, then, we could even dream that a strip club ordinance is just the beginning of a new day in City Hall.
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