County Commission - Special Meeting

Good morning. We will uh convene the general government committee today um Wednesday, May 6. We have one item on the committee on the committee agenda. Uh, Madame Parliamentarian, please read the item. Good morning. Item one is a resolution electing blank as interim representative to this office of state house of representatives for the 93rd district of Tennessee sponsored by Chairwoman Shante K. Avant.

Thank you, madamarian. This item has been moved by um Commissioner Bradford and second by Commissioner Brooks. All right. The first um nominee that we have listed is Terry Gray. Is Terry Gray here? Okay. You want to come forward? All right. We do. We I mean uh unless you have a supplement to what you originally submitted.

Okay. Thank you so much. You just push that button. [clears throat] And um Madame Clerk, how many minutes? Uh three. Three minutes. Just the green board on the right. I'm sorry. Okay, Miss Gray, if you could give us your name and address first, we'd appreciate that. Name and zip code. Okay. Can you There you go. We can hear you.

Good morning to you all of you all. Good morning to you commissioners. Uh Commissioner Brooks, ask the question again. your name. Your name and your zip code? Yes, ma'am. For the record. Yes, ma'am. Terry Gray. Zip code is 38114.

All right. Thank you so much. You can move forward. Okay. My reasoning for coming before you all on today is because we are uh needing to have representation for our district and because I am one that is here asking for an understanding of how do we move forward and how I can uh fill in that space at this time and for this term. Uh again the seat is district 93 the house uh legislation house representative seat. Uh again my name is Terry Gray. I am a part of the greater Memphis area uh community leader government uh community government sports relation and home um HR workforce strategist. I'm sorry this morning. Uh is there any question that I need to ask before I go into this? No, just go right in uh into

the statement that you want to deliver to this body and then after your statement, we'll ask questions. Okay?

So, just calm down. It's your show. uh due to previous uh opportunities of being able to serve for an appointed position especially with the city of Memphis. uh beyond one of the questions that stood out in the application process said uh best describe an experience not stated above that would like that you would like to bring to the attention of the commission and beyond what my work history has stated for in the past and uh new representation it states that beyond my listed roles I bring hands-on track record in the community of transformation through initiatives like ACM curving ing hunger and the awakening minds is a mobilized resource built partnerships and advocates for underserved voices as a community and a leader, a communicator. Uh the bridge policy and the people for this particular district always uh an abiding and open mind with forwardinking vision and equality for the opportunity and to just create new leadership for that area. Um my summary for this particular area would be transformational exit transformational executive leader for 15 plus years an experience across corporate human resources executive recruiting nonprofit leadership workforce development public service political strategist budget and advocacy professional sports advocate and football analyst uh national football league analyst I'm Sorry. Proven ability to lead policy informed initiatives, align programs with funding, compliances and requirements, and has served as trusted bridge between organizations and government entities, athletic organizations, and communities

they served. I've also been able to serve again as the council woman for the city of Memphis in District 4 uh in 2022. This area is also the same area in which I dwell in now. currently wanting to seek to continue to do the work that I've never stopped doing, but making sure that we continue to move forward with uh having uh such great representation uh as our past um GA Hardway representative.

All right, Miss Gray, thank you.

Yes, ma'am. Just before we go, I don't there aren't any members in the queue, but before we have members in the queue, I want to ask the county attorney, Miss Smith, if you could help me with the law around the timing on this on this particular issue. I'm just trying to understand um the timing and what the law says regarding the timing of this appointment by the county commission. Megan Smith County Attorney's Office. The Tennessee Constitution is instructive. It gives you the command to fill the vacancy when there is uh less than 12 months before remaining on the term. So in terms of timing, it's appropriate to have this election today.

Okay. So less than 12 months, is there is there a window in between that period where we have to act? And and let me try to help you understand my motivation here. As I said last week, I'm concerned about the community having adequate sufficient notice and the word being spread wide enough in district 93 so that all interested parties would have an opportunity to come forward. So I don't want to back the train up, but I want to make sure that we are within the [snorts] law. I mean to I mean squared. There's no room for any anything else.

Uh Megan Smith, County Attorney's Office. Um Representative Hardaway passed away um more than a week almost two weeks ago. Uh the vacancy was considered noticed. Then we received a letter on Monday from the general assembly and the state formally recognizing that vacancy and acted at the soonest appropriate time. Uh having this election today is within the bounds of the law. Okay. I and I can understand that and I appreciate that. I just remember in the past that we've always received um a letter from the governor

recognizing a vacancy which triggered um the county commission's actions. So this came from the clerk of the house, right, Megan Smith? Yes. formally recognizing the vacancy. And maybe I'm just being a little bit picky on this, but in my years, 14 years and then eight on this board, I've never seen an u a vacancy announcement from the clerk. It's always come from the governor. I can't speak to what's happened in the past. I do know that we've received formal notice of the vacancy.

We have from the clerk. Okay. But in the past, I think the last two were from the governor. Okay. Um, no, no reason for a delay. Just want to make sure I understand it. Okay. So, um, there are no members in the queue and I Well, yes, we do. Chairwoman Aent, good morning.

Good morning. and thank you so much for offering yourself for service uh at this critical time for us um in the state. Uh, Miss Gray, just give me of the you shared kind of briefly wanting to make sure we have good representation uh going to Nashville at this critical time, but just tell me if you um your desire and why you feel like your skill set would uh support you in the role um as a state representative.

Yes, ma'am. with district 93 being the area in which I dwell in uh on the state on the house side and of course with the redistricting for the county which would have been 10 now nine and however four for the city the total estimate of people and voters that are in that area is 35 to 50,000 people when uh the last election which was 2022 we had about 16,500 104 voters that came to vote for our um late representative. However, the last election prior to that would have been in the range of about 5600 give or take. Uh with us being in a critical situation right now for uh our state, our city, our county to have proper representation and not have a dragout moment so that we can continue to move. It is a critical time. The fact that we have things that are in uh district 93 that are required. Uh that is one of the most prominent things that we have that that dwells in that space. Knowing that that community is 75 70 to 85% African-American. However, we have a mixed environment at this current time. Uh middle class workingclass families. Most of the thing in the strongholds of the community are churches and organizations as presence. Uh, one of the things that that community lean on is the senior legacy of Memphis in their continued area. Uh, with a high turnover right now and a need for employment, a need for workforce, a need for trade, a need for uh food supplement. There are a lot of things that are in deserts that right now are pushing. Uh currently I am

contracted and have a partnership with a company called uh Landmark in Orange Mound and they're also contracted with the farmers market and with Whole Foods. I've managed to take that contract and we've managed to serve 72% of Shelby County and since last year I've been gifted that gift to be able to do that. That's a blessing. The other part of that is the Awakening My Nuns profit uh community development corporation that I've had since 2016. We've been able to raise about $7.7 million to spread over Shelby County in those areas and on top of that to build the remaining E. The time is out. I'm sorry. Okay.

Feel free to finish your thought.

The building out the areas in which we lack over in Orange Mound on Nat Bing. This used to be a daycare center or learning uh learning center over on Park Avenue. One of those particular buildings that was recently uh obtained by a company where they have 96 students. These are uh ages from 18 to 29. They are African-American men. Three of them are Caucasian. Six of them are Hispanic. Two are Asian. They are building currently everything that you can think of that deals with trade. I've managed to partner with them so that we can try to get workforce moving because that is an area on top of Bing Hampton, on top of Highland Heights, on top of a portion of Cordova that we are in need to make sure that we don't have a community that's being underserved, but that we continue to move positively with everything that is going on right now in the city of Memphis, Shelby County, state of Tennessee.

Yes, ma'am.

Commissioner Caswell. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, uh, Councilwoman for your willing to step up for service. Uh, and I know this being a short notice and everything that's happening in our climate now is the the word we hear so often is fight, fight, fight, right? We know that we no doubt have a fight on our hand. But I I think that when we look at the state of where we are in this state, when you talk about a supermajority at the state level of Republicans against the Democrats, you can fight, but fighting for what? Because there many times I say I want to be clear with the question I'm about to ask you because when we look at um many times we go up to committee,

we watch them just not give a Democrat even space to call. they'll call the question before you even uh can even get anything out in that committee. So, how do what what do it look like for you to be able to work with the climate and environment in which you're about to step into if this is your role to to to be strategic about getting results for your district in a different way.

Thank you, Commissioner. Um, one of the things that I've learned, uh, admiring, uh, Commissioner Brooks, because she's been lasting the longest along with every last one of you all, when you watch filming through the week, uh, Miss Mills, every last one of you all, I've watched how you all have worked very hard, our new commissioner, uh, I've watched you all one by one fight for the, no, work very hard. Let's change the word of fighting. work very very hard for us to focus on the things that need to be transferred and transitioned. Uh one thing that I think I've learned over the years uh between teaching and serving and having different components of my life is that when you build a bridge of people uh regardless as to what that looks like when you work as a unit then that means that you have more support versus the support that you did not have. So, hypothetically speaking, for me, that means that everything on the city level, everything on the county level, everything on the state level, and that includes my th those are my constituents. And when you have a a great rapport with your constituents, they'll go move mountains for you. Now, I know that seems really, really crazy right now in the times where people don't think that they're being heard, but I do believe that when you move as a force of people together on one accord, I do believe that you can get results. And even when they come at you and say that these things cannot happen, we can always have a positive push back. And I believe that if I get the opportunity to go and serve, I believe I can get the support from you all to go and say, "Hey, I need your help. How can you guide me along the way in case there's something that I'm not seeing?"

Yeah. And my closing uh quick seconds will be asking with one thing that you think about the district need that you can take to Nashville and ask and put in the ads for, what would that be? One thing even if they did or did not adhere, one thing would be major financial resources, food deserts because we need those things to be given in those areas. But even if they did not give those things, we have access to a lot of major uh grants that will fund things when we all come together. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Commissioner.

Miss Gray, I think I had just one question maybe. Um, so with what is before the general assembly now during this special um call session, tell me what what do you what do you see as happening with that uh with the focus being on Shelby County? I know not the outcome, but in terms of the focus being on Shelby County and if you were appointed, what do you think your place would be and what would be your role? What do you see as your role?

Thank you for that, Commissioner. Um, the climate in Nashville along across the country is very crucial right now. And so we can assume all day long that we know what we're going to do and we can assume and and God knows I've had to stand in these shoes before and say that I knew all that I was going to do. But until you get in that role, you have absolutely no clue because you have to get it in and start working it. But I do believe that you can become very parallel with the people that you're working with. And when people know where you're coming from and they know what you need to do, sometimes what you think won't give will give and and what won't give will give at that season in time. We are dealing with a lot of things being taken away and Shelby County is crucial right now for the state of Tennessee. And do I believe that? Do I believe I can go and move mountains? I believe with the right people alongside me, yes, I do.

Okay. All right then. Thank you so much. Thank you. And if you want to have a couple of seconds to just wrap up before you leave.

Okay. Um again, let me say thank you. Uh and for just out of common courtesy, uh congratulations to every commissioner who has been on these races lately. Uh let me just say that first and foremost. And last but not least, I do not um I've learned that if anything in this world one person can come to this microphone to do one job or to petition for it, it still take a team of us for us to accomplish it. And as long as we are all trying to serve the same greater good, to see Shelby County looks a little bit better uh and work as a unit and as a force, I believe that this thing can turn around another way. I thank you all for your time.

Thank you, Miss Gray. Thank you. Our next candidate is TJ Hardaway. Mr. My heart away.

Good morning, board of commissioners.

Good morning. My name is Willis Lincoln Hardaway. I've introduced myself as TJ. I am the son of GA Hardway and area code 3A114. Good afternoon, Shelby County Board of Commissioners. First, thank you for your service to Shelby County and for the sense of urgency which you are approaching this responsibility. I know this is not an ordinary appointment process. The moment carries tremendous weight for Orange Mound, Bingampton, South Memphis, and more to deliver the future representation of Memphis and Nashville. It is an honor to have the opportunity to stand before you today in pursuit of an opportunity to carry on my father's legacy. Memphis lost a dedicated public servant very recently. District 93 lost an advocate and Tennessee lost an unwavering voice that rallied the constituents he represented. Many of you know that Memphis is personal to my current ambition. You're familiar with the passion, dedication, and applicable experience that my family and I have already contributed to the public service. My roots run deep in Memphis. From Ron Redwing's earliest campaign to Mayor AC Warden, I have carried about Memphis voting rights, working families, and making sure that communities too often overlooked have an opportunity to be heard. I believe leadership is about creating availability for constituents and presenting evidence to support the implementation of policies and creating

pipelines of transparency from state to county. For the last week, I have been answering multitudes of calls from District 93 already, helping people navigate their emotions and make sense of their potential lack of ability to navigate the approaching attempt to change their civil rights. gradually instilled over 20 years. The lessons I learned firsthand serve me innately with both intangibles and practical skills to build a body of work that are instrumental to GA Hardaway's legacy. And today I stand before you humbled by the opportunity to continue and finish that work. And let me be clear, I do not query for the appointment without merit. I have spent years preparing for service and have been reared to represent across the Memphis and collaborate with both parties to find solutions and uplift our society. I served as an intern in the legislative office and worked alongside many public servants that instructed me on constituent matters such as funding for specific branches, public education, community outreach for institutions such as MOS and Le Moine district operations that utilize the budget to maintain infrastructure of roads, historic areas, and issue the construction of non-invasive walkways and campaigns throughout District 93. Of course, I saw firsthand the responsibility that comes with representing people at the state level. I was not watching from the sidelines. I was involved in the work. I saw the late nights, the difficult

conversations, and the sacrifices that public service requires. I know families in need of aid, seniors in need of assistance, young people looking for opportunities, communities wanting someone who would evaporate after election day because representation is not just voting in bills in Nashville. Representation is service. People often talk about how much my father showed up for the community, but what many don't know is that my siblings and I helped carry much of that work with him. We learned early what service looks like and right now District 92 deserve District 93 deserves someone who can continue serving without interruption. This is a critical moment for Memphis and I believe I can do it. I also want to acknowledge and commend the other individuals who applied for this appointment. Anyone willing to answer the call to public service deserves respect. It is about people. And one thing my father taught me is that effective leadership is not about who gets the credit. It is about whether the work gets done. If selected, I commit to approach the role with humility, professionalism, and accessibility. I intend to be present. I intend to be accessible. I intend to be responsive. I intend to continue building bridges between government and the people it serves. I intend to fight for economic investment in our neighborhoods, support

public education, advocate for safer communities, protect the voice and voting strength of Memphis, and ensure District 93 continues to have strong representation in the Tennessee General Assembly. Over these past days, I have heard countless stories from residents across District 93 about how their lives mattered for decades. Some remembered legislation. Others remembered encouragement. Others simply remembered that a phone call was answered. I understand there is still an election ahead and ultimately the voters will decide who permanently serves. My priority is the vote at the state capital tomorrow and promptly finish the race in both the grit my father instilled and in my own attempt to bring diversity in ideology and dignity to the remainder of this term. I want to say thank you again to each commissioner chairs here today. public service at any level requires sacrifice and I respect the work each of you do on behalf of Shelby County. I humbly ask for your consideration, your trust and your nomination to allow me to opportunity to continue serving the people of District 93 and continue the work that my father dedicated his life to. Thank you all again for your time, your leadership, and your consideration. TJ Hardaway.

Thank you, Mr. Hardaway. We do have members in the queue. We'll now go to Commissioner Shalai.

Thank you, Chair. First, I would like to offer my condolences again to you. Uh I know the loss was recent. Um and so I also commend you for being willing to step up so soon after. Um, I know that you formerly served as both intern but also assistant in the House 93 office and I'm just very curious how you plan to use that experience on the I guess underneath the role of representative um and transfer that into the role of of actually sitting representative. The intangibles became a priority once you step up. uh being able to have conversations, difficult conversations that don't necessarily turn into arguments but turn into collaboration. If evidence is presented, then the need to evolve is necessary. And if we put ourselves in a position where there is a lopsided scenario to to policy, the response is not to react. The response is to did we do the best thing that we could for the constituents who will be affected by these policies and proceeding to continue that conversation. Adjustments can be made.

Commissioner Caswell.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you again. My credience to you and your family. Uh I was at the funeral and and you know one of the things I just say uh that touched me hard I know Mr. Redwing kind of spoke to the sacrifice the children made it it made me go home and have some real conversation with my children because I know the sacrifice the long hours the time that you spend trying to give back to a community. So again I appreciate what you all gave by allowing daddy to do the work that he did for us in this community. So I'm going try to do this without crying because uh it is something to see a child follow in his father's footstep or parent footstep as my daughter even did with the organization and I and I often say to her do I feel like you was forced to do this right because did you feel like you had to carry I'm asking myself to my daughter but I say to you do you feel like you just have to do this for him or is this something that you believe in doing for you and for your community and what you are willing to take his role.

Excellent question. Presenting earlier, we did this as a family. Just [clears throat] as you consulted your children on their participation in any public scenario, we were consulted by our father prior to his um his presentation for election. We participated in his campaigning and therefore I do not feel obligated to be here. I have a duty to be here. I have a duty to make sure that what we started is carried out in full. That being said, I have an individual ideology. I am an individual person. I share my father's grit. I share the rearing that we were brought up with his dignity. Uh being an articulate and maluable person but still an individual and with that comes conversations that provide a novelty to district 93.

Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you for that answer. And just to what I asked uh councilwoman about how do you see the strategy to work with a super majority to get something done one and then two what do that one thing look like for your community and district that you see that you need to be bringing back to the community. And lastly I ask uh if you appointed are you considering running for the seat? I meant to ask you that too councilwoman and that that's the question I wanted to ask.

Yes sir. understanding that there is both a social aspect to our constituents, but there's also a financial aspect to our constituents. And understanding how to how to balance those two perspectives has [clears throat] to be presented in an articulate way. And if evidence is presented on a regular basis, if evidence is presented, then of course we have to put ourselves in ability to grow. We have to put ourselves in an ability to to evolve to that evidence, process that evidence and then rebuttal or collaborate. A number of reasons that I constantly present myself as an individual is uh that I will not serve as a mediator. I am to serve as a bridge. I believe that practical information serves more for bipartisanship than emotional responses. [snorts] And in reference to the end of your question, um I come from a relatively technological background. I think a number of a number [snorts] of tools that we can use to present are currently are currently innovating our society. And I can go into greater detail, but I'm sure we're all aware of how artificial intelligence can be both disruptive, but with the right ideology and the right perspective, it can also be a very valuable tool, particularly in education.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Commissioner.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, and Mr. Hardaway. I wanted to join my colleagues in offering you our uh my deepest condolences. I was very touched and humbled that um you invited me to the service. Sorry I wasn't able to to be there with you. Um but I can only imagine um what you're going through at this time and uh dealing with that loss and now contemplating this. I just wanted to make sure I I said that on record. Um, I don't I don't really have a question for you or any of the candidates. I just want to leave it at at your statements uh and what I hear from my colleagues and your answers. But, um, wanted to thank you for stepping up and doing this in in spite of what you're going through. um and did want to share that I have I didn't have a lot of occasion to interact with Representative Hardaway, but on the one occasion that I do remember um I had visited the capital um and we were interacting with legislators and he went out of his way to come and speak with us and to offer some advice and really good advice and he was so kind. Um, and he was he was real. So, I appreciate that and I hope that's something that that you carry with you, continue to carry with you uh in whatever role you have through life. But, thank you for your part in uh the sacrifice that that you uh you and your family put in. And you know, I know these campaigns are a family uh proposition, but again, just thank you for uh being with us at Dehenik and my condolences to you. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Commissioner. Chairwoman Aette.

Good morning. Uh I also want to very much convey my uh condolences, deepest sincere condolences of the loss of your father who was um a great mentor and man for many of us sitting here on this day as and um that you have offered yourself for service to continue that legacy is commendable. So and I'm I'm grateful for that. Uh, I do want to ask, I think as a followup to Commissioner Caswell's question, um, about the the duty and responsibility of the moment, um, and offering yourself for service and, um, if this is something that you feel like is something for you as a in your path, uh, that is a next step for you. um separate and apart from the legacy of your father, but just a duty that you also just want to continue to carry out for the citizens of District 93.

Yes, ma'am. Thank you, Chairwoman. This is absolutely something that has been a long-term investment, particularly in my own ability to present what I've built as an individual. Um, especially after last year, I spent a considerable amount of time having one-on- ones with my father. And he had a he has a way of being unintentionally intentional. And even though his timing is a bit is a bit odd this time, uh, it it's a layer to things that we have already believed as as a family. And the duty comes at what's not finished. Um, as I said before, we have been raised in politics and we've been reared to present ourselves with in a dignified manner and to have individual perspectives on uh on politics and policy. And that's something that's going to come innately. But I have always felt called to serve as he did and that should speak volumes to who he was as a father. Representation as a man for your children is is vital. nothing like the measure of a man and he was uh a very great man to be respected and thank you for caught this. You know, it isn't easy. Obviously, you and your family are still grieving and for you to even consider something like this during this time says a lot about the measure of the man you are as well. Thank you.

Thank you, chair.

Thank you, Mr. Hardway. Um, seeing that there are no other members in the queue, I'll take this opportunity to let you know that I sincerely appreciated our conversation on Saturday quite lengthy. Um, and I would be remiss as well if I did not publicly um, express my sincere condolences to you and your family. And um you know this is this is a big step at a time that you are probably at your most vulnerable. So you know I really do hope you give this some really really deep deep thought but I do share um I can I can call them TA because we do we did share district 92 at the time. I retired at the time that I retired in 90 in 2006. That was the time that um I think your father came on right afterwards after the appointment of an interim. Um he ran for the seat and he won it. So I'm very familiar with the district. I understand it quite well. you know, outside of district 93, uh, with district 92 inside of it, outside of it being historic, uh, it has its own culture, its own character, personality, all of that. So, this is a big job. It really is. It's a big job. in fact representation people whether it's on the state level, the county level or the city level if you're serious. It's a big job and it's a lot of work. So, let's all be up to the job and I'm sure you are. All right, see other

members in the queue if you want to take a couple of me uh minutes and just kind of wrap up that'd be great.

Thank you, board of commissioners. Uh, and it is an honor to sit before you guys today, especially at this time. And I am I am prepared for the workload. I've been prepared for a long time. The timing's different, but the preparation is proper. And that's that's attributed to GA Hardway. that's attributed to my father. And just as I said, you know, this is this is a duty that I take on, but it's not and it's not a duty that I take lightly. I understand the workload and I've I've seen it countlessly, you know. Uh I've I've seen long nights and lately uh I am uh flooded with the the stories of my father taking that workload seriously and extending that workload to his to his uh his his friends and and co-workers. Um, I think more importantly is to understand that I do have my own my own tools and I do plan to instill those tools in policy, especially with the way that our society is utilizing technology to disrupt things that have disan disadvantages for for systems and if systems are put in place properly then the machine works and part of that is collaboration and serving as a bridge between those

working parts. Thank you. Right. Thank you. Our next candidate is I hope I get your first name correct. Kalita McKenna. Miss McKenna.

Good morning, board of commissioners. Good morning.

My name is Kita McKenna. My area code is 38112. I am a disabled veteran born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee with a deep commitment to serving the community that shaped me. I'm the founder of Veteran Hands, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to decluttering, cleaning, and organizing homes of underserved individuals in my community. Through this work, I've seen firsthand the challenges many families in our city face and from the power of community in overcoming them. I am interested in district 93 because I am passionate about Memphis and the people who call call it home as I do. The grit and grind mentality isn't just a slogan to me. It's how I've lived my life. I carried it through my honorable military career, helped me raise four children as a single mother, and continues to guide me today. I am proud to have two sons, served in the United States Army, and a daughter who is pursuing a law degree at Georgetown. I don't consider myself an activist. I am, however, a community enthusiast. Community is how I survived as a child, and it's what drives me to give back every day. That perspective shapes how I led, how I led and how I served. During my military service, I developed strong leadership skills rooted in discipline, accountability, and teamwork. I led in high pressure environments, managed critical responsibilities, and learn how to make decisions that impact lives. Skills I will bring with me while serving in District 93. If chosen, I plan to focus on two key issues impacting our community, my community. Neighborhood revitalization, ensuring families have safe, stable

places to live while addressing blight and neglected properties. Two, access to support services for veterans, seniors, and lowincome residents, including mental health resources, home assistance, and community- based programs. Memphis raised me and I am now ready to serve it in a way with integrity, experience, and deep belief and strengthen our community. After splitting my time between Memphis and DC in the last two years, I've realized I needed to bring everything I have collected on my journey back home to the city that made me who I am and that I desire. And I and that desire brought me back here. Thank you, Miss McKenna. Uh, Commissioner Cwell.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you for your willingness to step up and serve as well and appreciate your services to our country. I see uh that you served in Army. Yes. And uh and again, thank you for that uh that you've done for us. And to just to some of the questions that I asked the previous uh candidates when you talk about the environment and where you're about to enter into if this is the seat that you're appointed to, what's the strategy for you on uh when you get there to be able to work in that environment to create capacity to bring back to your district the things that you just said you would like to see happen uh for your district? And then two, just are you considering to run for the seat if you appointed to the seat?

Absolutely. Um, I'm here to be mentored and I'm here to collaborate on behalf of my community. I am poised to be strategic and diplomatic. I have excelled in cross functional collaboration throughout my entire career. That's what I plan to bring to this seat. Mostly, I want to protect my community from continuous disenfranchisement. That is very near and dear to me. I see entirely too many people that look like me that have not been given the opportunities or access to the resources like I have and I want to change that and I absolutely plan to run for this seat.

All right. And and just one other question when you I heard you say you had a nonprofit and you did some work. What what do that work look like for you and the community? So what we do is we take we take um we take people that are uh elected to us. They send us information if they have a dilapidated home. They need decluttering, cleaning, organizing, and also small maintenance repairs to help those homes come back safe to people. Recently, I working with a disabled veteran through the VA who needed a home in um off Hollywood that needed to be decluttered, cleaned, organized, and some small maintenance repairs done in order for that veteran to go back into that home. That's what we do within the community. And that and that's a service you do for free. It is a free service.

Okay. Thank you. Thank you for your service. Thank you. Thank you. Uh, Miss McKenna, just one question about your um organization. So, um, you said you you've done some work in in the Hollywood community? Yes, ma'am. Okay. All right. Um, so what do you you all were what kind of numbers? You have some kind of a summary you can sort of give us. So, the nonprofit was created in January. I've only been back home about a year. So, we have worked on four homes. one in Atooka, Tennessee, one off of Tunica Street, and one off North Hollywood. Okay.

So, we have went in, these are small homes, three bedrooms, two bath, decluttered, um, cleaned them up, put fresh paint, fresh coats of paint, um, help them get organized and also ensure that those people were able to live in that house, that home safely. And you've been in existence how long now? Since January of this year. January. Okay. Have you done have you done any um have you had any activities in district 93? No, ma'am. I have been seeking out I'm working with someone else in the community who sends me referrals. Okay. Great. Great. Well, I appreciate you working in my county commission district and we'll have to connect. Yes.

All right. Well, seeing no other members in the queue, uh, thank you so much and we will now move uh, well, now let you have a minute or so to just give us some wrap-up comments. I just want to wrap up by saying thank you for all that you do and continue to do. I look forward to learning from you all. Thank you so much. Thank you. All right, our next candidate is um, get to the sheet. Alexis Miller. Miss Miller. Hello. Good afternoon, everyone.

Hello. You can push the button and give us your name and zip code, please. Maya got it. Hello, my name is Dr. Alexis Gwen Miller and my zip code is 38108. To our chairwoman and commissioners, thank you for the opportunity to speak today. First, I want to acknowledge the tremendous loss of Representative GA Hardaway. I was so moved by you, TJ. Thank you for sharing. Um, it made me think about what it's looking like for myself after raising five children when it is my time and who would step up and want to also uh represent the same work that my life's work would have represented. So, his presence, his advocacy, and his willingness to speak boldly for our neighborhoods will not be forgotten. And so, I have to make sure to acknowledge that today. This appointment is not simply about filling a vacancy. It is about making sure the people of this district continue to have a strong, a visible, and an active voice during a critical time for Memphis and for our state. I do stand before you as someone who lives in the district, who served in the district, and who works daily with children, families, educators, churches,

and community partners throughout Memphis. I've raised my children here in this district and for nearly three decades, my life's work has been connected to creating opportunities for our people through education and service and advocacy and also community leadership. I understand the needs of this district because I see them every day. Families concerned about safety. Young people searching for opportunity. Seniors concerned about health. Schools working to improve learning. Communities needing economic investment. And citizens who want to know that someone in Nashville is truly speaking for them and not just holding a title. District 93 deserves representation that is visible, that's responsive and collaborative, and also unafraid to advocate strongly for Memphis. We need leadership that can build relationships across this county while we also are standing firm for the needs of our neighborhoods. As a career educator, a school leader, and a community advocate, of course, I've spent years bringing people together around solutions, but also around problems. The short in that is that I know how to listen. I know how to work with diverse groups. I know how to advocate for children. I know how to advocate for families. And I know how important it is that our district has someone who will show up consistently, who will communicate clearly, and work tires tires tirelessly on behalf of the people. If appointed, I'd serve this district with integrity, accessibility, and professionalism. But more than that,

I would serve with hearts. I work to honor the legacy of Representative Hardaway by remaining connected to people and connected to progress for our community. And so, thank you for your consideration. Okay. Uh, Miss McKenna, thank you so much. Um, we do have a member in the queue, Miss Commissioner Caswell.

Thank you, Madam Cher. Thank you. And again, thanks for your service. I know you've been serving a long time. I I met you many moons ago. uh uh doing work in the phrase community and and you all came in and helping with some organizations, some other capacities there and I appreciate that work then and even to continue in that work today. Uh, and so I just go to the same questions that we know the environment that we're about to enter into in in Nashville. What do that look like to for you and strategy to go into this environment to be able to negotiate and and and have those relationships that do end up with a result for your district and back for Chevy County?

Absolutely. And thank you, Commissioner, for asking that question. Um while we recognize that base building is really important in any type of work uh that where you're representing others um it's also really important to be able to understand uh how new collaboration efforts um are important to be able to strengthen where you want to move forward. And so I think uh in any new position um you want to be able to navigate who's saying what and why. Um, but also you want to be able to hold the voice of the people with integrity. And so I think that uplifting the stories of our community, uplifting those things that actually um represent the hearts and the minds of the people becomes really important because sometimes in our communities uh where we have the lived experience, we know it firsthand and sharing it to others may not always come across. Similarly to like in the civil rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King knew that certain certain eyes watching on TV what was happen certain eyes that saw on TV what was happening uh we're going to make a difference in their choices uh would have to be seen and so similarly I think that storytelling and raising the voices of the people would be really important to help collaboration move forward.

Two two last questions. one being that that one thing you can think about in the district to that you want to see happen or think need to happen right now to change the trajectory of district 93 and then two are you seeking to run for this office?

So economic investment for sure um the district is spread across many neighborhoods but certainly there's a need in our community for economic investment across a gamut of things. uh yes, workforce and training and things of that sort, but also when you go into our neighborhoods and you see two or three decent houses and four or five not so good houses and blighted buildings and uh stores or or all kinds of things that aren't up to par, then you know that that economic investment has to come and be deeprooted and deep set it period. Uh reality is is that I did not imagine that I would be sitting here in front of you today. Um but I am and so I understand the urgency of what's needed right now and I am looking at those things in my life in this 30 years of being in education and saying God I'm here to serve and so help me to navigate what is perfect will for that. And so right now I see perfect will in this opportunity being one that I could be able to represent the voices of the people in 6 months. What that looks like? I don't have an exact answer in transparency. Um but I do see that the urgent need at this moment is to make sure that the voices of the people live for our district.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you. I just have one question uh if I could real quick before I forget. You mentioned economic investment and my ears went up because that's such a wide spread issue in the core city. So just tell me [clears throat] what does that look like on your watch and during your term?

Yes, ma'am. So, it's no secret that I've been in education for a long time, and I've seen the highs and the lows of families, the halves, the have nots, and being raised in Memphis in poverty myself, um, when I was young, living at at least 14 different addresses before I actually graduated from high school, I understand the value of good housing and what that looks like and what that's needed for single moms like myself. I also understand that as I've gone through the years, whether it's been middle school, elementary school, high school, children have felt like I need to move somewhere else to prosper and not rest my head in Memphis where I'm from. And so disrupting multigenerational poverty and giving young people hope through internships, uh, workforce development, those things are really important to me as well. I'm grateful for being a college graduate, but I also am really grateful for that hair license that I have too that put some food on my table uh when my um teacher money was not stretching. And so I think economic investment, as you said, yes, that may be a broad term, but there are some specifics that are needed for single moms. There are specifics that are needed for seniors. My dad is disabled. He's been blind in one eye my whole life. However, um understanding his needs now as a senior citizen is just as important when I go over and I see what needs to happen so his home can be repaired um that I likely inherit or have to help him with as well. So, that economic investment is neighborhoods. It's also uh education to me. It's also

empowerment in your community as well to make sure that there are things that are done that can be a help to families in general, multigenerational wise. Just one more question in reference to the uh metamorphosis project. Could you just sort of give us a brief description?

I sure can. Um the executive director of the metamorphosis project is Mrs. Micah Atkins and she has been out here doing this work of supporting the unhoused uh families and persons of our community for over 20ome years. And so we've partnered along the way um being able to go and serve at the Union Mission or down in Court Park or all over the city and just general um opportunities to make sure to serve with food and also with clothing. um in my um current position at Memphis Merit Academy, we've had some opportunities to even use the school building to bring out some of the Hispanic communities and do uh diaper drive uh to be able to support those younger mothers that have needed uh pampers and um also other things for their children as well. So over the course of the years, she's really partnered in that way. on the ed educational scene. We partner with some service projects as well uh with schools and also with students. Currently, we're working on a garden project uh with sixth and seventh graders as well. And so, she's been around with um with assistance over the years with a gamut of things. So, she knows my work in the community. All right. Thank you. Um, there are no other members in the queue, so if you'll take a moment to just wrap up your statement. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to come today and to be able to share with you. And I I'm blessed to sit in this seat, but I also know that the voices of people that need to be heard, that don't get to sit in this seat, that have the same lived experiences that I've had, need to be heard and represented across

our state. Thank you.

All right. Thank you so much. need to get to the next sheet of paper without spilling my coffee here. [clears throat] Our next candidate is um Miss Lantto Rudd. Miss Rudd. Well, I think that's Commissioner Elect Rudd, isn't it? [laughter] Good afternoon, commissioners. My name is Lant Rudd. My address is 1,200 David Street. I am a native Meian and I have been a resident of district 93 for a very long time. I have served the district for more than 15 years now with a focus on economic growth and workforce development. I was interested I need you to hear me. I was interested in being considered for the appointment of House District 93 State Representative. I currently serve on the Shelby County Democratic Executive Committee and the Democratic Women of Shelby County. I am well connected and have established [clears throat] relationships throughout the city, county, and state government.

In 2024 primary, I ran against GA Hardaway. I received over 700 votes, demonstrating a significant level of support. On April 27, 2026, I submitted the rightand candidacy form to the Shelby County Election Commission, which I have attached um for your reference and my resume. Filling the leadership void involves continuing the legacy and advocating for Memphis families and addressing the specific needs of our district. In addition to that, addressing lo local issues requires a representative who understands the unique challenges of our district. As a community advocate, our district needs a strong voice to uphold our constituents interests and ensure that our community is not overlooked in state politics. I understand that the seat will be temporarily filled by appointment, highlighting the need for a resilient, community focused candidate to step up and represent the residents of District 93 and work across party lines. My voice is tired. I've been campaigning for over a year and a half running for county commissioner. As you know, on last night, I was elected as the new commissioner for district 10. So, with that being said, I want to thank you all for considering

me. However, I am going to respectfully withdraw my interest and I pray that GA Sun is appointed for the interim representative. Thank you for your time today, commissioners. I look forward to working with all of you. It's a new day. It's a changing of the guards. You and all of other commissioners, I thank you so much for your time. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Wood. I'm sorry. Commissioner Elect Wood, our next candidate. Oh, I'm sorry. Excuse me, Commissioner Caswell.

Thank Thank you, Madam Chair. And uh congratulation on your win on last night and I know you was doing a lot of screaming last night. That's why you lost your voice. Uh but you have ran a long hard race. you have been out here doing the fight and uh and again thank you for coming today to say what which what direction because I was like do we send on to the state and let her take some of that voice and fight there or do you sit here in our local capacity and help serve us on this body I know you'll do well I've been over to serve with you with some of the youth that you've been working with in Orange Mound appreciate your service to the community I know that you're going to bring that grassroot capacity uh and work to his work and so congratulations. Look forward to you uh serving on this body and thank you for sharing your recommendation as well.

Thank you so much, Commissioner Commissioner Bryant. Thank you, Madam Chair. I just wanted to add my congratulations as well uh on the on the victory uh as commissioner elect. I can see the joy shining off of your face uh but also the uh um I can tell you put a lot of work into it. I can hear the gravel in your voice. So, just again, congratulations. You've been no stranger to these meetings. We've seen you a number of times. So, I know you're coming to this role with uh a lot of energy and passion and and it's authentic. So, thank you and I look forward to seeing what you accomplish in this year. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Chairwoman.

I too just want to echo my congratulations. Um and thank you for taking the time. um many folks after having a victory want to just rest and so I appreciate you taking the time to come down today to formally withdraw from the process but also to uh echo your support uh for uh Mr. Hardaway. So thank you again and look forward to serving with you.

Thank you chairwoman. Thank you so much, Commissioner Elect um Rudd. Our next candidate, let's see, Dario West. Mr. West, not here. Okay, appears that Mr. West is not here to so um I think that will uh conclude our Commissioner Bradford. I was going to make a motion to send this down without recommendation to our meeting at 1:00. Second.

It's been moved uh and properly second that we send this item down without uh recommendation to our 100 p.m. commission meeting. Can we do that without objection? So move. Seeing no other business to come before the general government uh special call meeting. We stand adjourned.