Willie W. Herenton

Mayor Willie W. Herenton and two prominent city officials had lunch Thursday at the Westin Hotel’s Daily Grill.

“I’m going to call you,” he told a reporter, who also was having lunch at the restaurant.

Minutes later on his way out, Dr. Herenton cryptically said, “I’m going to tell you something without telling you. You are going to call me tomorrow.”

Dr. Herenton’s news could not keep until Friday. He has decided to resign July 31 and the news has set Memphis abuzz.

Early reports indicate Dr. Herenton plans to step down July 31 and has an interest in filling the Memphis City Schools superintendent vacancy.

Dr. Herenton’s lunch partners were Rick Masson, president of Memphis Light, Gas & Water Division, and City Council Chairman Scott McCormick, who would become mayor temporarily as the city’s secession procedure unfolds.

According to the city’s charter, McCormick would serve for 20 days. The Memphis City Council would then vote to appoint an interim to serve until the November election. The chief administrative officer – Keith McGee – would become mayor until the next election, if the council cannot agree on an interim mayor in the 20-day period.

The news shot through the city, with people sending text messages, burning up telephone lines, and stopping each other on the street, in elevators and offices.

“It is very shocking, but I think it’s a very good thing that Dr. Herenton is doing,” said Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr., a Memphis Board of Education Commissioner.

“I’m glad that he waited to do this and did not step aside before he was re-elected. Now, Dr. Herenton is free to be the school superintendent.”

Dr. Herenton won an unprecedented fifth term last fall in a mayoral contest that saw Memphis’ longstanding racial division come into play.

He first was elected in 1991 by a razor-thin, 142-vote margin over then-incumbent Dick Hackett.

Here is a sampling of the reaction:

Sidney Chism, County Commissioner and a longtime confidant of Dr. Herenton

“Had they left him alone and not tried to force him out, he probably would have left on his on. But he wanted to prove in this last election that he could win. He said to me some time ago that he had a desire to go to Congress. I don’t know how sincere he was (about Congress). But his heart and desire has been in the school system.

Sheriff Mark Luttrell

“Here’s a man who has spent a tremendous amount of his life in the public schools and the mayor’s office – about 40 years of service. We should thank him for his service and wish him well in his endeavors.”

City Councilman Myron Lowery

“When the history is written on the mayor’s term in office, many people will point to the many areas of progress and the areas where it wasn’t as good as it should have been. …People will point to the increase in crime and other areas where the city could have done a good job.

“The history will talk about the good, bad and ugly. I let people form their own minds on what they think his legacy will be. …There are examples of growth and progress in the mayor’s first three terms in office and less growth in the latter years in office.

“We need to get back on track to long range strategic planning.

“He made issues out of race when there shouldn’t have been an issue.

“Many people have urged me to run and I’ll take a look at it.”

Former City Council member Carol Chumney (and candidate for mayor in last year’s election)

“Memphis deserves better. We have high crimes, taxes and corruption. Now the mayor has announced he’s resigning. The public needs to know what’s transpired, why he’s resigning and what led up to this. Who knew what, when and was there a backroom deal? Are the powerbrokers trying to handpick the successor? We can do better. We can turn this city around. With this turn of events, there’s a new opportunity for the citizens to stand up.”

“On running for city mayor: “I ran because I’m committed to this city. I still believe I can turn this city around. I will be talking to my supporters, friends and citizens. (Right now) I haven’t seen the mayor’s resignation.”

Memphis businessman Fred Jones (founder of the Southern Heritage Classic)

“I was shocked and surprised by it all. I’m trying to sort through what is happening and not speculate on what might have happened. Five terms speak for itself. I doubt there will be another five-term mayor in Memphis.”

(This story includes reports by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell, Wiley Henry and Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku)

Click here to read related article: "Free and determined to lead"

Click here for Dr. Herenton's view of his accomplishments