06/05/2026
The great state of Tennessee has a rock solid foundation for success. That is why businesses like Starbucks are relocating its headquarters here. Is TN perfect - no, we can always improve.
In contrast, Shelby County’s financial report card is not bright. I could give you the facts and numbers and most wouldn’t be surprised. Instead I want to discuss leadership and vision because we can’t fix it if we don’t know what is broken.
Shelby County under the leadership of Mayor Harris never established a “business PLAN” for his initiatives. The infrastructure of the County has been ignored and I’m hard pressed to remember a bipartisan solution to any concerns. The Mayor has ignored and in my opinion defied lawfully executed resolutions that were passed by the County Commission. (The remedy is to take the county mayor to court and that costs $). There is no logical or compelling reason for the Mayor’s actions, it blatantly violates the County Charter. This is not leadership in my humble opinion.
We MUST elect leaders that prioritizes the taxpayers over personal grievances. I see so many families suffering, scrapping by, struggling to put food on the table, gas in the car and supplies for school. Raising taxes(and fees - wheel tax), kicking the can down the road and robbing Peter to pay Paul is NOT WORKING!
Leadership MUST prioritize funding the items the County is legally responsible to provide. Common sense budgeting demands knowing the difference between a NEED and a WANT. Law enforcement and schools are a NEED. Paying for elected officials to travel to Hawaii for a conference is a WANT and we don’t have any extra funding! Maintaining building infrastructure is a NEED (201 & Juvenile Court Building) and sponsoring neighborhood block parties for former Commissioners is a WANT. If leaders want to sponsor these events, write a personal check out of your own account, OR use your influence and contacts to promote a fundraiser.
District 1, our founding fathers didn’t sacrifice everything to see us just give up. WE HAVE TO FIGHT for what we believe. I don’t believe in lowering standards because life gets hard. I believe we should raise our standards, roll up our sleeves, and work with our neighbors to leave our children and grandchildren with a better community than we experienced.
This is a long and deep post, if you have suggestions or just want to vent or talk….. call me 496-1955.
Ready on Day 1 for District 1. Rhonda O’Dell
