WEBVTT
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Production funding
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for Behind The Headlines
is made possible in part by
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the WKNO Production Fund,
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the WKNO Endowment Fund,
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and by viewers
like you, thank you.
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- Candidate for mayor,
Van Turner, tonight
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on Behind The Headlines
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[intense orchestral music]
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I'm Eric Barnes with
The Daily Memphian.
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Thanks for joining us.
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I am joined tonight
by Van Turner,
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former county
commissioner, former head
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of the local NAACP, and
candidate for Memphis mayor.
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Thanks for being here again.
- Thank you.
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- Along with Bill Dries,
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reporter with
The Daily Memphian.
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For those who've been watching,
this is one of a series
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of one-on-one profiles we're
doing with the major candidates
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for Memphis mayor.
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We've recently done
Michelle McKissack.
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We've talked to
Karen Camper, JW Gibson.
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We will soon be talking to
Floyd Bonner, Paul Young,
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former Mayor Willie Herenton.
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It's important to
know our criteria
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for what is a major candidate.
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It is basically financial
viability in terms of the amount
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of money raised and
the number of donors,
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it's previous election success,
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and it's the limited
polling that's available.
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There's been no
magic to the order.
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It's just been as
we've been able
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to get everybody scheduled.
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So some will come
after early voting,
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some were before early voting.
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And I should also say that
all those are available
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at wkno.org or you can go to
YouTube and search for WKNO,
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all those different profiles.
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You can also go to
The Daily Memphian
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and get to the stories
Bill has done about them
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as well as the video interviews.
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All this follows a debate
we did on criminal justice
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with some of the major
candidates back in April.
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You can get that if you search
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for Daily Memphian on YouTube.
01:59.986 --> 02:02.555 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5%
And we have on
Tuesday at 7 PM
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on WKNO a mayoral debate
with, at this point,
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six of the eight candidates
I have mentioned so far.
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Floyd Bonner has not committed.
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He has also not declined.
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Willie Herenton has said
he's not going to be there.
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Van Turner will be.
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That, again, is
August 15th on WKNO.
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It'll be livestreamed on KNO.
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It'll be on KNO-FM.
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It'll be livestreamed through
The Daily Memphian site.
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And of course, if you miss it
on Tuesday, it'll be archived
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in all those locations.
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The election is October 5th,
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but early voting
is September 15th.
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And last point, Kontji Anthony,
formerly of WMC,
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will be co-moderating
that debate with me.
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Thank you for being here
with that big introduction.
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I'll ask you a question
I've asked other people
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'cause it's a
point of reference.
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- Right.
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- Has Jim Strickland,
who's termed out,
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who's coming up to
the end of his term,
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has he been successful?
02:52.805 --> 02:54.073 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
Has he been successful
in some ways
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and failed or not been
as successful in others?
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- Yeah, I think that
he's been successful
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in many of the things
that he has wanted to do.
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Obviously, the thing
that stands out is crime.
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And I believe that there
have been challenges there,
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and he would've probably wanted
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to be a little more successful
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or have that improved
a little more
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by the time he left office.
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Obviously, the pandemic
was a big issue
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during his administration,
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and that affected crime
and mental health.
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And so I think that's something
that he probably wanted
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to improve upon a little more.
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- For you, if you win, what
is your approach to crime?
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We still have a crime problem.
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I mean, what is that
approach going to be?
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- Well, you know, I'm not
there to defund the police,
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but I am there to reform.
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Obviously, we want
more officers.
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That's something that
everyone has stated,
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but we also need to focus on
intervention and prevention.
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So that means using the example
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of what the Boys and Girls
Club did in Craigmont.
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The Boys and Girls Club
goes into Craigmont,
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and they have this mentoring
program for the young people
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that want to join 100%
graduation rate as opposed
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to a 73% graduation rate
for those at Craigmont
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who are not in that program.
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That's an example that
needs to be scaled up
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and needs to be modeled
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in all of our high
schools, if possible.
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And then, prevention.
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We know that fifth grade
reading levels are key.
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If our young people are
not reading on grade level
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by fifth grade, there's
a chance of truancy
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and a chance that they drop out.
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And obviously, we don't
want any of that to happen
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because all that's left is
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to enter into perhaps a life
of crime or doing some things
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that we don't want
to see them doing.
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So that's my strategy.
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We are down by 500 officers,
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and we need those
officers in order
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to do the community policing
that so many individuals want.
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- How do you get them hired?
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I mean, Jim Strickland came
in wanting to get to 2,500.
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The number of police
has been at 1,950,
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maybe a little over 2,000.
04:56.429 --> 04:57.630 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
It's been in that range.
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It is, to be fair,
as he has pointed out
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and others have pointed out,
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police forces
across the country,
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urban police forces
particularly,
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are really struggling to hire.
05:04.904 --> 05:08.308 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
But how would you get to
500 or get those 500 more?
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- Yeah, well, I think
what they just did
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in this budget was just passed,
05:12.345 --> 05:15.048 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
it was about approximately
$800-million budget,
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they increased the
pay for officers.
05:17.283 --> 05:19.619 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
They have also put other
incentives in place.
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I think we just keep leaning
into those kinds of things
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that will allow us to attract
more officers to the force.
05:30.630 --> 05:33.633 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
Also, we have to see what's
going on with our young people
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who are here.
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Have we reached out to
LeMoyne-Owen College?
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Have we reached
out to Southwest?
05:39.072 --> 05:41.674 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
Have we been reaching out
to University of Memphis
05:41.674 --> 05:43.176 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65%
in order to make sure
05:43.176 --> 05:47.513 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
that we're cultivating those
graduates going into a career
05:48.247 --> 05:49.482 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5%
of law enforcement?
05:49.482 --> 05:52.051 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
And so we will lean
into that as well.
05:52.051 --> 05:54.921 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
Furthermore, we are the
capital of the Mid-South.
05:54.921 --> 05:57.123 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
That means we have
relationships with Mississippi
05:57.123 --> 06:00.460 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
and Arkansas that we
could utilize as well.
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But I think we have
to rebuild the trust.
06:02.261 --> 06:06.499 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
Obviously, the Tyre Nichols
incident has broken the trust.
06:06.499 --> 06:09.535 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
So when we say reform, we
mean top-down, bottom-up
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to rebuild that trust.
06:11.104 --> 06:12.438 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5%
And once that happens,
06:12.438 --> 06:16.309 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
I think we can better
incentivize individuals
06:16.309 --> 06:18.010 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60%
to join the force
06:18.010 --> 06:19.579 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
because the morale
will be boosted,
06:19.579 --> 06:21.514 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
the trust will be there,
06:21.514 --> 06:24.117 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
and I think we can see
the change and the reform
06:24.117 --> 06:25.118 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55%
that we need.
06:25.118 --> 06:26.786 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5%
- Let me bring in Bill.
06:26.786 --> 06:31.791 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80%
- And to your point about
that, I think, just my opinion,
06:31.791 --> 06:35.928 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5%
our discussion about
crime and police reform
06:36.929 --> 06:41.934 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5%
kind of swings like a pendulum
based on what is happening
06:41.934 --> 06:43.603 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5%
at the moment.
06:43.603 --> 06:45.671 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
So we go toward we
gotta deal with crime.
06:45.671 --> 06:47.206 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
Then, the pendulum swings
06:47.206 --> 06:49.275 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
and it's like we have to do
something about the police.
06:49.275 --> 06:52.578 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
We have to rebuild
trust, as you said.
06:52.578 --> 06:54.380 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5%
And if you look at this
06:54.380 --> 06:57.350 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
from the outside, you
can get the feeling
06:57.350 --> 07:01.888 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
that those two pursuits
are mutually exclusive
07:01.888 --> 07:04.724 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80%
or that they are opposing goals
07:04.724 --> 07:08.561 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
that if you have one,
you can't have the other.
07:08.561 --> 07:11.964 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
How do you get past
that kind of rhythm
07:11.964 --> 07:15.101 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
that our local civic
debate has taken on
07:15.101 --> 07:17.069 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5%
for several years now?
07:17.069 --> 07:18.604 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65%
- Yeah, well, I think
07:18.604 --> 07:21.607 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
the Department of Justice
investigation will assist.
07:21.607 --> 07:26.612 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
Obviously, everyone is
interested in the root cause,
07:26.612 --> 07:27.914 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5%
and I think it's important
07:27.914 --> 07:30.783 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
to have a third-party
neutral come in
07:30.783 --> 07:33.352 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80%
and just call balls and strikes.
07:33.352 --> 07:37.123 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
This is not the Memphis
Police Department
07:37.123 --> 07:38.958 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5%
looking at itself.
07:38.958 --> 07:41.294 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
This is not the mayor
looking at what's going on.
07:41.294 --> 07:43.396 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5%
This is not even the state.
07:43.396 --> 07:45.631 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
This is the Department
of Justice coming in
07:45.631 --> 07:48.801 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
with the neutral eyes saying,
"These are the root causes,
07:48.801 --> 07:51.304 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
"these are the issues, this
is what can be improved.
07:51.304 --> 07:53.506 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
Here's our report. Now, go."
07:53.506 --> 07:55.141 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
And once we have that report,
07:55.141 --> 07:57.410 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
I think we can
really in earnest,
07:57.410 --> 08:01.013 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
and in earnest, just start
to rebuild that trust.
08:01.013 --> 08:03.749 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
Because we can say to
individuals in the community,
08:03.749 --> 08:07.987 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
"We know what led to the
Tyre Nichols incident.
08:07.987 --> 08:10.857 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
"The Department of Justice
is going back five years.
08:10.857 --> 08:13.125 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5%
"Here's a road to improvement.
08:13.125 --> 08:15.161 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65%
"Help us to improve.
08:15.161 --> 08:17.196 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80%
"Help us to rebuild this trust.
08:17.196 --> 08:19.499 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
"Help us to get back
to community policing."
08:19.499 --> 08:22.668 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
And I think once
individuals in Memphis
08:22.668 --> 08:25.838 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
and in this community
see that plan of action,
08:25.838 --> 08:27.840 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
see what the report
says, I think we can
08:27.840 --> 08:31.277 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
in earnest start building back
what we need to build back.
08:31.277 --> 08:33.579 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
That's trust between law
enforcement and community,
08:33.579 --> 08:35.815 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
and we can chart
out a better path.
08:35.815 --> 08:39.285 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
- Mayor Strickland has
expressed some concerns
08:39.285 --> 08:42.488 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
about the Department
of Justice review
08:42.488 --> 08:47.493 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
and has voiced concern that it
might make it more difficult
08:47.493 --> 08:50.229 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80%
for the Memphis Police
Department to recruit the number
08:50.229 --> 08:52.398 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5%
of officers that it needs.
08:55.167 --> 08:58.037 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
Do you share his concern
on that specific point?
08:58.037 --> 08:59.872 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80%
- No, I think it's the reverse.
08:59.872 --> 09:02.909 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70%
I think once we show that
we are cleaning house,
09:02.909 --> 09:04.977 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5%
this is a better
force, it's a force
09:04.977 --> 09:08.948 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70%
that has a new direction,
yes, it's taken a hit
09:08.948 --> 09:10.950 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5%
with the Tyre Nichols incident
09:10.950 --> 09:13.352 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60%
but there is an
improvement plan,
09:13.352 --> 09:15.321 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5%
there's reform from
the top-down,
09:15.321 --> 09:17.890 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5%
there's better leadership,
there's better training,
09:17.890 --> 09:21.360 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5%
I think that will
improve what's going on
09:21.360 --> 09:22.728 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
with the Memphis
Police Department.
09:22.728 --> 09:25.398 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
And we could probably
attract more individuals
09:25.398 --> 09:27.266 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80%
who are a little concerned now.
09:27.266 --> 09:30.536 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
I mean, obviously, we're
pulling from the community.
09:30.536 --> 09:34.307 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
Bill, I was at
201 just recently,
09:34.307 --> 09:36.542 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80%
and I saw officers greeting some
09:36.542 --> 09:39.612 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
of the individuals who
were going into 201 Poplar.
09:39.612 --> 09:41.080 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
Now, I'm not saying
that they were going in
09:41.080 --> 09:42.648 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
for a criminal incident,
09:42.648 --> 09:44.784 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
but the officers
know the individuals
09:44.784 --> 09:47.286 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5%
who are going into 201.
09:47.286 --> 09:49.488 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
We all grew up together
in this community,
09:49.488 --> 09:50.990 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
and so that's where
we're pulling from,
09:50.990 --> 09:52.992 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
so we have to
rebuild that trust.
09:52.992 --> 09:55.528 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
We have to get back
to community policing.
09:55.528 --> 09:57.697 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
And I think once we do
that, we'll see the change
09:57.697 --> 10:00.099 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80%
and the difference that we want.
10:00.099 --> 10:03.135 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
- You have worked with
Attorney Benjamin Crump,
10:03.135 --> 10:07.006 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
who is representing
Tyre Nichols' family,
10:07.006 --> 10:09.709 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
who's also representing
I believe at least
10:09.709 --> 10:12.645 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
one other family that
is involved in this.
10:12.645 --> 10:16.616 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
And the lawsuit has been
filed by the Nichols family.
10:16.616 --> 10:20.653 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
So tell me how this works
if you're elected mayor
10:20.653 --> 10:24.023 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60%
and that lawsuit
is still pending.
10:24.023 --> 10:28.294 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
- Well, we will have to settle
the lawsuit if possible,
10:28.294 --> 10:30.496 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
and we would treat that
lawsuit like we would treat
10:30.496 --> 10:32.264 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5%
any number of cases
10:32.264 --> 10:34.333 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60%
which come before
city government.
10:34.333 --> 10:36.002 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60%
I think it helps
that I'm there.
10:36.002 --> 10:37.536 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5%
I know the other side.
10:37.536 --> 10:40.673 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
I feel the pain of
Ms. RowVaughn Wells.
10:40.673 --> 10:42.408 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5%
I have a pretty good sense
10:42.408 --> 10:45.211 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
of perhaps what a good
settlement should look like
10:45.211 --> 10:48.247 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80%
because I've handled these
multimillion dollar cases before
10:48.247 --> 10:50.049 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5%
in my 20 years of practice.
10:50.049 --> 10:53.152 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
So I think it's helpful
to have someone who's been
10:53.152 --> 10:57.590 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
on the other side now sitting
as mayor to make a fair
10:57.590 --> 11:00.893 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
and equitable
determination and to assist
11:00.893 --> 11:03.796 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
in a good resolution
to this case.
11:03.796 --> 11:05.564 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
It needs to be resolved.
11:05.564 --> 11:08.834 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
No mother should endure
what Ms. Wells endured.
11:08.834 --> 11:10.503 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65%
The city has to pay.
11:11.370 --> 11:12.838 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
We have to make it right,
11:12.838 --> 11:16.409 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
and we will make it right
if I'm elected mayor.
11:16.409 --> 11:19.612 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
And that's something that
I feel comfortable doing.
11:19.612 --> 11:22.248 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
- The city's
position now has been
11:22.248 --> 11:25.184 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80%
that these were rogue officers,
11:25.184 --> 11:28.654 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
that this incident does
not reflect on the policies
11:28.654 --> 11:31.957 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
and practices of the
Memphis Police Department.
11:31.957 --> 11:33.426 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60%
What about that?
11:33.426 --> 11:35.461 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
- Yeah, I'm sure they
filed the motions.
11:35.461 --> 11:38.464 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
And obviously, that's
what you do in litigation,
11:38.464 --> 11:41.267 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
but I think that
there's something amiss.
11:41.267 --> 11:43.069 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
The Department of
Justice is in looking
11:43.069 --> 11:44.637 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
at pattern and practice.
11:44.637 --> 11:47.640 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
And so to some extent, has
this been an issue before?
11:47.640 --> 11:50.576 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80%
I think there's another
lawsuit dealing with this unit,
11:50.576 --> 11:52.945 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
and this incident occurred
before Tyre Nichols.
11:52.945 --> 11:55.314 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
And so it may not have
been the training,
11:55.314 --> 11:59.685 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
but if it was the practice
or procedure of this unit
11:59.685 --> 12:01.954 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
and of others involved with
the Memphis Police Department,
12:01.954 --> 12:03.389 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5%
then it's an issue.
12:03.389 --> 12:05.458 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
And I feel like I'm
negotiating against myself
12:05.458 --> 12:09.328 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
if I'm selected as mayor, but
the facts are what they are.
12:10.463 --> 12:12.064 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
We need to clean this up.
12:12.064 --> 12:13.299 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5%
We need to improve it.
12:13.299 --> 12:14.400 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5%
We need to make it better.
12:14.400 --> 12:16.602 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
We need to make sure it
doesn't happen again.
12:16.602 --> 12:19.405 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5%
And I'm committed to doing so.
12:19.405 --> 12:20.806 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
- Just to clarify one thing,
12:20.806 --> 12:23.075 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
and when we did your
intro, you are an attorney.
12:23.075 --> 12:24.577 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80%
I know that, not everyone does.
12:24.577 --> 12:26.746 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5%
You are not an attorney
for Tyre Nichols
12:26.746 --> 12:29.014 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5%
or the Nichols family,
just to clarify that.
12:29.014 --> 12:31.083 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80%
- Right.
- Being on the other side of it.
12:31.083 --> 12:32.318 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5%
- Correct.
12:32.318 --> 12:34.954 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
- That's more your former
role is head of local NAACP.
12:34.954 --> 12:36.088 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
- Right, that's correct.
12:36.088 --> 12:37.523 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
- And a family
advisor, not a lawyer.
12:37.523 --> 12:38.758 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5%
- Right, right.
12:38.758 --> 12:39.925 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
- Okay, 'cause you
wouldn't be able
12:39.925 --> 12:41.193 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
to be on both sides.
- No, no sir.
12:41.193 --> 12:42.862 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
- If you were a lawyer
to the Nichols family,
12:42.862 --> 12:45.164 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
you would have to recuse or
kind of step aside, okay.
12:45.164 --> 12:46.632 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
- Yeah, yeah, it
would be a conflict.
12:46.632 --> 12:48.634 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
- Okay, just to
clarify, thank you.
12:48.634 --> 12:51.937 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
Stay with guns, guns, ha,
stay with crime for a bit.
12:51.937 --> 12:54.273 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
Two things that there is
immense frustration about
12:54.273 --> 12:56.976 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
that we hear about it, it
showed up in a big city
12:56.976 --> 12:59.645 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
and countywide poll we did
about attitudes around crime.
12:59.645 --> 13:01.380 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
It comes up in
conversations at this table
13:01.380 --> 13:03.883 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5%
and has for years now is guns.
13:05.050 --> 13:08.988 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
As Memphis mayor, there
is not a lot, I mean,
13:08.988 --> 13:11.657 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
gun laws are generally
federal or they are state.
13:11.657 --> 13:14.460 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
And in a very, I mean, the
governor has set the date
13:14.460 --> 13:16.662 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
for a special
session around guns.
13:16.662 --> 13:18.631 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5%
It's a very limited agenda.
13:18.631 --> 13:20.166 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
I think there are,
for most people,
13:20.166 --> 13:23.636 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
very limited expectations of
what might come out of that.
13:23.636 --> 13:25.037 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
City Council,
meanwhile, is trying
13:25.037 --> 13:26.438 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5%
to put forward a referendum
13:26.438 --> 13:29.208 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
where they would ban I
think, what, assault weapons,
13:29.208 --> 13:31.744 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
and certain types of gun
in the city of Memphis.
13:31.744 --> 13:33.012 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5%
Likely to go to court.
13:33.012 --> 13:35.681 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
It seems most observers
will say likely to lose,
13:35.681 --> 13:37.183 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60%
but it's at least
a symbolic act.
13:37.183 --> 13:41.253 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
What really can the city
mayor do about guns,
13:41.253 --> 13:43.522 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
assault weapons,
semi-automatic weapons,
13:43.522 --> 13:46.559 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
and just the wide
availability of guns.
13:46.559 --> 13:48.961 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
- Right, I mean, the
mayor has the bully pulpit,
13:48.961 --> 13:50.229 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
and you're exactly right.
13:50.229 --> 13:51.897 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5%
This is state law,
13:51.897 --> 13:56.035 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
and the only way you can usurp
state law is by federal law.
13:56.035 --> 13:57.837 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5%
And so the litigation is good.
13:57.837 --> 14:00.573 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
I would expect that it
will go to federal court.
14:00.573 --> 14:05.578 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80%
And even if the city loses, you
build what we call a record.
14:05.578 --> 14:07.847 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5%
And why is that important?
14:07.847 --> 14:10.282 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
The struggle for the
Voting Rights Act of '65,
14:10.282 --> 14:14.753 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
the Civil Rights Act of '64
didn't start in '64, '65.
14:14.753 --> 14:19.491 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
It started in the '50s, during
the Montgomery Bus Boycott,
14:19.491 --> 14:22.194 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
during the decision involving
14:22.194 --> 14:24.496 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
Brown vs. Board of Education.
14:24.496 --> 14:26.532 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
So we can't look at
the here and now,
14:26.532 --> 14:28.200 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5%
but we have to build a record.
14:28.200 --> 14:30.669 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
We have to keep agitating.
We have to keep fighting.
14:30.669 --> 14:34.607 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
We have to make sure that
we are using all that we can
14:34.607 --> 14:36.575 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
to create the
change that we want.
14:36.575 --> 14:38.043 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5%
And I am confident.
14:38.043 --> 14:42.681 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
I am positive that we will
get that change that we need.
14:42.681 --> 14:45.684 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
We actually are restoring the
ban against assault weapons.
14:45.684 --> 14:48.754 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
We've had it before,
and it was lifted.
14:48.754 --> 14:51.023 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
And so we just have
to keep agitating.
14:51.023 --> 14:53.425 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
We have to keep moving
in that direction.
14:53.425 --> 14:55.728 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
And I'm confident that
it will happen again.
14:55.728 --> 14:57.162 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5%
But we have to use the courts,
14:57.162 --> 14:58.797 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
and we take that
record to Congress.
14:58.797 --> 15:00.799 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5%
That's why it's important.
15:00.799 --> 15:03.936 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
We take that record to
Congress and we fight,
15:03.936 --> 15:06.705 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
and we argue, and we
agitate, and we march,
15:06.705 --> 15:10.876 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
and we keep pushing on this
issue until change occurs.
15:10.876 --> 15:14.146 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
And I think that, that's
something that will happen.
15:14.146 --> 15:16.682 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
- Another area that
there tends to be a lot
15:16.682 --> 15:18.951 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
of frustration about,
a lot of discussion
15:18.951 --> 15:23.389 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
and disagreement about is
the rules around the release
15:23.389 --> 15:25.758 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
of people picked up
and accused of crimes,
15:25.758 --> 15:27.726 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
whether that's going through
judicial commissioners,
15:27.726 --> 15:30.062 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
the judges, the DA's office.
15:30.062 --> 15:32.064 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
Current Mayor Strickland
has had a pretty public feud
15:32.064 --> 15:36.001 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
at this point with relatively
new DA Steve Mulroy,
15:36.001 --> 15:37.803 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
feeling like it's,
quote, a revolving door
15:37.803 --> 15:40.172 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
at 201 Poplar, the jail.
15:40.172 --> 15:41.807 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
Again, the mayor doesn't,
in many ways, doesn't have
15:41.807 --> 15:43.342 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
much authority
over how that works.
15:43.342 --> 15:46.812 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
That's the DA's purview and
the judges and state law.
15:46.812 --> 15:48.380 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
What, as mayor, would
you, what is your,
15:48.380 --> 15:51.116 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
I guess, what is your
take on that notion
15:51.116 --> 15:54.620 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
that too many criminals
or accused criminals
15:54.620 --> 15:57.523 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
or repeat offenders
are released too soon?
15:57.523 --> 15:59.058 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
- Yeah, well, similar
to what was done
15:59.058 --> 16:01.927 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5%
during the pandemic, we
have to work together
16:01.927 --> 16:05.397 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65%
and not point fingers
to tackle this issue.
16:05.397 --> 16:09.868 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70%
So day one, if I'm sworn
in as mayor on January 1,
16:09.868 --> 16:13.205 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
my next meeting, January 2,
January 3, would be
16:13.205 --> 16:15.374 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5%
with District Attorney Mulroy.
16:15.374 --> 16:18.210 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
It would be with Juvenile
Court Judge Tarik Sugarmon.
16:18.210 --> 16:23.048 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
It would be with the chief
of the criminal judiciary.
16:23.048 --> 16:27.353 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80%
And we will have to come
together and be on the same page
16:27.353 --> 16:30.289 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
as it relates to how we
are going to move forward
16:30.289 --> 16:31.890 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5%
with addressing crime.
16:31.890 --> 16:35.194 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
Our officers or the
police officers will pick
16:35.194 --> 16:38.163 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
these individuals up,
and we need to make sure
16:38.163 --> 16:39.865 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80%
that we are all on the same page
16:39.865 --> 16:41.367 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5%
as to what happens after that.
16:41.367 --> 16:42.301 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80%
- What does that page look like?
16:42.301 --> 16:43.969 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80%
- Right, so that page looks like
16:43.969 --> 16:47.606 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5%
if we are going to
16:47.606 --> 16:52.611 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
release an individual
who may be violent,
16:53.545 --> 16:58.217 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80%
may be in danger of recidivism,
going back into the system,
16:58.217 --> 17:02.654 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
we need to have a program in
place to watch that individual
17:02.654 --> 17:04.423 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5%
to safeguard the community,
17:04.423 --> 17:06.792 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
and be sure we're reaching out
to the parents or caregivers
17:06.792 --> 17:09.395 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
of that individual so we
can hold them accountable
17:09.395 --> 17:12.531 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
for what's going on with the
person that's in their home.
17:12.531 --> 17:15.934 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80%
So we just can't leave it at
releasing this person back out.
17:15.934 --> 17:17.836 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5%
So how can the mayor help?
17:17.836 --> 17:19.304 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5%
How can the city help?
17:19.304 --> 17:21.807 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60%
We need to assist
the court system
17:21.807 --> 17:23.475 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
with monitoring
these individuals.
17:23.475 --> 17:25.411 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
And I forgot, we need
to bring in the superintendent
17:25.411 --> 17:26.645 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5%
of schools.
17:26.645 --> 17:28.981 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
'Cause many of these young
people should be in school.
17:28.981 --> 17:31.316 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60%
Are these young
people in school?
17:31.316 --> 17:32.518 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60%
Are they truant?
17:32.518 --> 17:33.952 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
If they're truant and not
in school, we need to work
17:33.952 --> 17:36.422 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
to get them into an
educational program.
17:36.422 --> 17:39.324 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
So we need to extend
our community centers
17:39.324 --> 17:40.926 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
and offer the
wraparound services
17:40.926 --> 17:42.461 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60%
that these young
people may need.
17:42.461 --> 17:45.297 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
So I think those are the
things that the mayor can do.
17:45.297 --> 17:46.698 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60%
- With apologies
to Bill, I mean,
17:46.698 --> 17:48.667 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
that's a whole lot more money
17:48.667 --> 17:50.402 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
that would be spent
by the city to do?
17:50.402 --> 17:52.838 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
I mean, 'cause a lot of
people sit at this table,
17:52.838 --> 17:54.239 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5%
and I take them at their word,
17:54.239 --> 17:56.608 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
and they talk about
those kinds of things.
17:56.608 --> 17:58.143 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5%
It hasn't happened.
17:58.143 --> 17:59.878 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
I think everyone agrees
there's some pilot programs
17:59.878 --> 18:00.979 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5%
and so on.
18:00.979 --> 18:02.481 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
One problem, it's money.
18:02.481 --> 18:04.817 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
So are you committing that the
city of Memphis would commit
18:04.817 --> 18:06.585 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
to more community
center, more monitoring,
18:06.585 --> 18:08.921 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
more of the kinds of things
you're talking about?
18:08.921 --> 18:10.255 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60%
'Cause somebody's
gotta pay for it?
18:10.255 --> 18:11.657 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5%
- Well, I mean we have to.
18:11.657 --> 18:13.492 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80%
I think a recent post suggested
that people are willing
18:13.492 --> 18:17.463 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
to pay more to resolve
crime in this community.
18:17.463 --> 18:21.300 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
And I think that's what we
potentially have to look at.
18:21.300 --> 18:24.803 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
Now, do we go right to
a tax rate increase? No.
18:24.803 --> 18:28.774 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
But we do need to look at
private-public partnerships.
18:28.774 --> 18:31.944 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
We need to look at what
federal grants we can receive.
18:31.944 --> 18:35.214 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
And I think we look at, we
exhaust every other mechanism
18:35.214 --> 18:38.283 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
that we can exhaust before
adjusting the tax rate
18:38.283 --> 18:40.919 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
in order to get the
resources we need in
18:40.919 --> 18:44.556 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
to improve upon our
crime remediation.
18:44.556 --> 18:45.791 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60%
We have to do it.
18:45.791 --> 18:48.427 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60%
- All right, let
me bring in Bill.
18:48.427 --> 18:50.829 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5%
- Every mayor under
the mayor-council form
18:50.829 --> 18:55.834 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70%
of government has chosen
a new police director,
18:58.203 --> 18:59.771 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75%
either when they took office
18:59.771 --> 19:04.443 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5%
or at some point during the
first year in their tenure
19:04.443 --> 19:08.780 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
since the police director's
position has been there.
19:10.415 --> 19:14.086 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
First of all, have
you made any decision
19:14.086 --> 19:15.754 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
at this point just
being a candidate
19:15.754 --> 19:17.789 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
about whether
Chief Davis stays or goes?
19:17.789 --> 19:19.591 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5%
And second of all,
19:19.591 --> 19:23.662 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
in the timing of naming
a new police director
19:23.662 --> 19:26.932 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
or police chief, do you wait
for the Department of Justice
19:26.932 --> 19:29.701 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
to complete what it's
doing or can you,
19:29.701 --> 19:32.571 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
seeing as how that's
gonna take a few years?
19:32.571 --> 19:34.039 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65%
- Yeah, I would hope
19:34.039 --> 19:36.608 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
that the Department of Justice
would understand the need
19:36.608 --> 19:40.445 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
to move pretty
quickly on this issue.
19:40.445 --> 19:42.347 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
I'm not committed to
keeping the chief.
19:42.347 --> 19:47.286 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
I'm not committed to letting,
you know, letting her go.
19:47.286 --> 19:50.155 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
I think that we have to
have a transition team.
19:50.155 --> 19:52.891 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
We have to look at where
the DOJ is at that time,
19:52.891 --> 19:55.794 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80%
and then we have to make a call.
19:55.794 --> 19:59.731 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
I believe that we
need to do something,
19:59.731 --> 20:03.502 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
and does that mean
reform from the top-down?
20:03.502 --> 20:05.804 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
Meaning, we need a
new chief? We'll see.
20:05.804 --> 20:09.341 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
Does it mean reforming
from the bottom-up?
20:09.341 --> 20:11.810 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
You know, are we needing
to address what's going on
20:11.810 --> 20:13.178 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
in the training academy?
20:13.178 --> 20:14.379 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5%
We'll have to see.
20:14.379 --> 20:15.981 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
But I think it
would be premature
20:15.981 --> 20:19.151 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
and almost malpractice
for me to say,
20:19.151 --> 20:21.019 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60%
"Hey, I might get
a lot of points
20:21.019 --> 20:23.989 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
"by bringing out the
pitchforks and the stakes
20:23.989 --> 20:26.058 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
"and saying we're going
after Chief Davis.
20:26.058 --> 20:28.026 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65%
She's what's wrong."
20:28.026 --> 20:30.529 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
Obviously, there's
a systemic problem.
20:30.529 --> 20:31.964 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
There was crime
and there were issues
20:31.964 --> 20:33.832 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
before Chief Davis got there.
20:33.832 --> 20:36.969 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
Was she in a place or
was she in a posture
20:36.969 --> 20:40.939 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
of reforming the issues or
was she just there to go along
20:40.939 --> 20:42.174 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55%
to get along?
20:42.174 --> 20:44.610 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
The Department of Justice
report would bear that out.
20:44.610 --> 20:46.245 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
And I think we have
to be thoughtful.
20:46.245 --> 20:49.948 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
I mean, to some folks, I gain
a lot of points by saying,
20:49.948 --> 20:53.518 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
"Hey, we're gonna take
the chief out day one."
20:53.518 --> 20:55.787 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
To other folks, I gain a
lot of points with saying,
20:55.787 --> 20:57.489 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
"Hey, she's the first
black woman chief.
20:57.489 --> 21:00.425 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
"We're gonna let her stay
and respect that fact
21:00.425 --> 21:02.861 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
and let her have time
to work her plan."
21:02.861 --> 21:06.531 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
I think the answer is
let's get the DOJ report.
21:06.531 --> 21:09.534 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
Let's look at the transition
team, see what it says,
21:09.534 --> 21:12.404 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
and then we make a thoughtful
call on that issue.
21:12.404 --> 21:15.274 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
We don't try to gain political
points one way or the other.
21:15.274 --> 21:16.942 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
We do what's best
for the police force
21:16.942 --> 21:21.313 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
and what's best for the
citizens of Memphis.
21:21.313 --> 21:24.449 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
- There has been a whole
lot of discussion lately
21:24.449 --> 21:27.753 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
and ironically after there
was the deadline to withdraw
21:27.753 --> 21:31.290 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
from the ballot if a
candidate in the mayor's race
21:31.290 --> 21:34.026 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
or the Council race
chose to do so.
21:34.026 --> 21:36.161 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80%
But it goes something like this,
21:36.161 --> 21:38.830 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
there's too many people
in the race for mayor,
21:38.830 --> 21:41.166 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80%
and that raises the possibility
21:41.166 --> 21:42.434 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
that someone could be elected
21:42.434 --> 21:44.770 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
with less than a
majority of the vote.
21:44.770 --> 21:48.440 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
Are there too many people
in the race and can you win?
21:48.440 --> 21:51.143 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
Can someone win with a
majority of the votes
21:51.143 --> 21:53.211 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
with 17 people in that race?
21:53.211 --> 21:55.914 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70%
- No, I don't think the
winner on October 5 wins
21:55.914 --> 21:57.683 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5%
with the majority of the vote.
21:57.683 --> 21:59.718 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5%
There's no runoff,
there's no primary,
21:59.718 --> 22:02.354 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65%
so that it's winner
take all that night.
22:02.354 --> 22:03.789 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60%
This is America.
22:03.789 --> 22:08.593 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5%
And so I would be undemocratic
to say to any individual
22:08.593 --> 22:12.197 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5%
in a democracy, "You shouldn't
run" or, "You can't run."
22:12.197 --> 22:16.168 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5%
Would I have wanted
fewer candidates? Yes.
22:16.168 --> 22:18.270 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5%
Is that what we're
dealing with? No.
22:18.270 --> 22:21.006 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
The deadline has passed,
and so the field is set,
22:21.006 --> 22:22.974 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
and we have to work the field
22:22.974 --> 22:25.243 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
and play with the cards
that we've been dealt.
22:25.243 --> 22:26.812 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80%
I think I'm the best candidate.
22:26.812 --> 22:28.380 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
I think I stand on my record.
22:28.380 --> 22:31.583 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80%
I have a proven track record
of getting the tough jobs done.
22:31.583 --> 22:34.252 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
I'll continue to get
those tough jobs done
22:34.252 --> 22:36.154 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
if elected as the next mayor.
22:36.154 --> 22:37.756 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
And obviously, we'll
submit our case
22:37.756 --> 22:39.091 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
to the voters of Memphis.
22:39.091 --> 22:42.661 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
And hopefully, they'll
come back and say
22:42.661 --> 22:44.863 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
that Van Turner should
be the next mayor.
22:44.863 --> 22:46.031 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80%
- With just three minutes left,
22:46.031 --> 22:47.265 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
I'm gonna run through
a bunch of stuff
22:47.265 --> 22:48.533 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
that we could do
an entire show on.
22:48.533 --> 22:50.135 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
So with apologies,
I'm gonna kinda try
22:50.135 --> 22:53.004 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
to move through some things.
22:53.004 --> 22:54.906 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
One of those that we
talked about all the people
22:54.906 --> 22:57.943 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5%
in the ballot, there was a
lawsuit around residency.
22:57.943 --> 23:00.512 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75%
There were questions around
your residency, Floyd Bonner,
23:00.512 --> 23:02.547 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5%
some questions around
former Mayor Herenton.
23:02.547 --> 23:03.382 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5%
That was resolved.
23:03.382 --> 23:06.184 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60%
You were cleared
to run for mayor.
23:06.184 --> 23:08.086 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5%
But I hear it.
23:08.086 --> 23:10.589 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60%
You must hear it
from some people.
23:10.589 --> 23:12.457 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
They're frustrated you
weren't living in Memphis,
23:12.457 --> 23:14.326 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
and now you wanna be
the mayor of Memphis.
23:14.326 --> 23:16.094 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5%
Is that a fair frustration?
23:16.094 --> 23:17.562 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5%
- No, I don't think so.
23:17.562 --> 23:20.298 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
Obviously, when they hear
what happened, I moved
23:20.298 --> 23:23.602 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
into the unincorporated county
right outside of Memphis,
23:23.602 --> 23:25.070 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
less than a hundred feet.
23:25.070 --> 23:26.304 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80%
We were supposed to be annexed,
23:26.304 --> 23:28.507 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
but the state
stopped annexation.
23:28.507 --> 23:30.675 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
My intent was to
always be in Memphis,
23:30.675 --> 23:32.110 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
and that never occurred.
23:32.110 --> 23:33.779 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
- Again, we can talk
more on all these issues.
23:33.779 --> 23:35.046 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
- Right, right, I get it.
23:35.046 --> 23:37.349 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
- A lot of focus on MLGW
for all kinds of reasons,
23:37.349 --> 23:39.217 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80%
the many storms, power outages.
23:39.217 --> 23:42.788 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
Do you support the head of
MLGW eight months, nine months
23:42.788 --> 23:44.823 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5%
into the job, Doug McGowen?
23:44.823 --> 23:46.258 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
- I know Doug personally.
23:46.258 --> 23:48.226 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
We need to give him a
chance to work his plan out.
23:48.226 --> 23:51.229 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
I just saw a recent press
conference, he has a plan.
23:51.229 --> 23:52.464 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
Let's see if the plan works.
23:52.464 --> 23:55.400 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
If not, we'll look at
making adjustments.
23:55.400 --> 23:59.037 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
- You were, I could
be wrong on this,
23:59.037 --> 24:01.006 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
Franklin Haney made
a bid to replace,
24:01.006 --> 24:03.642 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
in the whole
argument and process
24:03.642 --> 24:06.411 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
of looking whether MLGW
should move away from TVA
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as the primary
provider of power.
24:08.580 --> 24:10.515 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
You worked, I believe,
with one of the bidders
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or Franklin Haney who
put forward a proposal.
24:13.885 --> 24:17.923 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
Does that cause any conflict
given that MLGW is owned
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by the city of Memphis?
24:19.257 --> 24:21.059 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5%
And the question about TVA
24:21.059 --> 24:23.361 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
and the future contracts
is still a live issue.
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How would you handle that?
24:24.563 --> 24:27.098 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
- No, no, I don't think
it causes any issue.
24:27.098 --> 24:29.134 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80%
I was an attorney for Mr. Haney,
24:29.134 --> 24:31.770 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
and I was helping
to paper the deal.
24:31.770 --> 24:34.706 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
I think now as many
citizens are realizing,
24:34.706 --> 24:38.543 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
we need more monies
towards our infrastructure
24:39.711 --> 24:41.313 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
and making sure that
we are not dealing
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with all of these power outages.
24:42.948 --> 24:45.617 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
And part of the plan that I
was assisting Mr. Haney on
24:45.617 --> 24:48.086 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
as an attorney dealt
with that issue
24:48.086 --> 24:52.023 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
in diversifying our
power supply from TVA.
24:52.023 --> 24:54.292 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
- Should that process
to look at alternatives
24:54.292 --> 24:57.496 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
to TVA be reopened in the
next, if you were mayor?
24:57.496 --> 24:58.897 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
- I think it's
still on the table.
24:58.897 --> 25:00.131 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5%
- Okay.
- Yep.
25:00.131 --> 25:01.299 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5%
- Talking about infrastructure
25:01.299 --> 25:03.168 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
and spending,
roads, a big issue.
25:03.168 --> 25:04.636 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
If Jim Strickland were
here, he would say
25:04.636 --> 25:06.605 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
that's one of the number,
after crime probably,
25:06.605 --> 25:08.707 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
paraphrasing, I'm
sorry, Mayor Strickland,
25:08.707 --> 25:10.041 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5%
roads is way up there for him.
25:10.041 --> 25:11.476 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
It always has been
when he was running
25:11.476 --> 25:12.744 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5%
and as he's been mayor.
25:12.744 --> 25:14.112 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65%
What can the city do?
25:14.112 --> 25:15.313 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
Can it spend more money?
25:15.313 --> 25:18.350 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
Is that a place where more
taxes ought to be raised?
25:18.350 --> 25:21.086 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60%
How do the roads
get fixed faster?
25:21.086 --> 25:25.257 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
- Well, we need to dedicate
those resources to making sure
25:25.257 --> 25:29.060 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
that we don't have the
issues of potholes.
25:29.060 --> 25:31.329 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
I mean, they're
tearing up our cars.
25:31.329 --> 25:32.597 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
The streets are torn up.
25:32.597 --> 25:33.798 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
We're not paving our streets.
25:33.798 --> 25:36.768 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
We have to find a
solution, and oftentimes,
25:36.768 --> 25:40.205 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
the solution may not
necessarily be raising taxes.
25:40.205 --> 25:41.907 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
Can we get federal funds in?
25:41.907 --> 25:45.143 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
Can we adjust our payment
in lieu of tax program?
25:45.143 --> 25:48.680 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80%
Can we do small adjustments
there to bring in more resources
25:48.680 --> 25:49.781 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60%
to fix our roads?
25:49.781 --> 25:51.016 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65%
But we have to do it.
25:51.016 --> 25:52.317 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
- All right, thank you
for the speed round.
25:52.317 --> 25:54.319 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80%
I appreciate it 'cause we could
spend a lot more time on that.
25:54.319 --> 25:55.520 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60%
Thank you, Bill.
25:55.520 --> 25:57.689 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
Again, this is one of many
conversations we're doing
25:57.689 --> 25:59.691 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
with mayoral candidates.
25:59.691 --> 26:01.726 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
You can go to wkno.org
and get those.
26:01.726 --> 26:05.330 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
Please tune in next Tuesday
at 7 PM right here on WKNO.
26:05.330 --> 26:07.699 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
We're livestreaming on the
internet for a mayor debate
26:07.699 --> 26:10.235 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5%
with Van Turner and six, five,
26:10.235 --> 26:11.870 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80%
hopefully six other candidates.
26:11.870 --> 26:14.673 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
Again, that's on Tuesday,
August 15th at 7 PM.
26:14.673 --> 26:16.374 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
Thanks for joining us, and
we'll see you next week.
26:16.374 --> 26:19.377 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5%
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