After nearly 18 years of one administration, A C Wharton Jr., the outgoing mayor of Shelby County, was sworn in Monday at noon as the new mayor of Memphis.

‘One Memphis’ readies for transformation

After retired Circuit Court judge George Brown administered the oath of office at noon on Monday, Mayor A C Wharton Jr. pledged to move expeditiously with an agenda the first 30, 45 and 90 days. Attorney Ruby Wharton stood in support of her husband. (Photo by Wiley Henry)

“They say a good God may be a little late, but He is right on time. I may be a little late getting here, but I am right on time,” Wharton told a dense crowd in the Hall of Mayors at City Hall.

“I carry a mandate from every neighborhood, Westwood to Raleigh, New Chicago to Cordova, and every community where people want better schools, better jobs, a more efficient government and safer streets.”

Wharton, 65, had been mayor of Shelby County for seven years and sailed to victory in the special election on the momentum generated by his campaign theme, “One Memphis.”

During the ceremony, Wharton spoke of bringing an end to “rancor and divisiveness,” a message that drew applause from the diverse crowd.

“We must demand better of ourselves and we must reflect an optimism in our nature that speaks to the hope in the heart of every citizen. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – One Memphis!”

Wharton’s supporters lauded the attorney who rose from humble beginnings in Lebanon, Tenn., to become the mayor of Memphis.

“It’s absolutely a wonderful new beginning,” said former mayor Richard “Dick” Hackett. “We have been challenged to be part of one community, and I join others in meeting that challenge.”

Activist Novella Smith Arnold called Wharton a decent man who is going to take One Memphis to another level. “He’s going to do the Lord’s work – and that is to keep us as one.”

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen said he looks forward to working with Wharton. The new administration, he said, “is one small step for A C and one giant step for the city of Memphis.”

Joseph Lee and Ron Redwing, two former appointees of former mayor Willie W. Herenton, said the concept of bringing people and communities together is an opportunity for Memphis to move forward.

“It’s exciting to have new leadership. And I support One Memphis,” said Lee, deputy director of the Park Services Division.

Redwing, president/CEO of the Redwing Group, added: “I believe we have a mayor at the helm and people will look to come back to Memphis to work and do business.”

Darrell K. Thomas, chairman/president/CEO of Thomas Consultants, Inc., anticipates more opportunities from the Wharton administration for business development and growth.

He also believes the administration will be inclusive.

Last week, during Wharton’s first appearance before the council’s executive session – one that had its share of rancor – City Councilman Joe Brown directed these words to the mayor-elect: “Welcome to the world of fire.”

On Wednesday, Brown said, “In order for Memphis to be one, there has to be equal social and economic diversity for all Memphians.”

Brown said he’s for one Memphis. “I wasn’t trying to inflame anyone or fight with anyone. I was trying to let him know that some council members may not be amenable to his ideas.”

Brown said it’s all about social and economic uplift.

“It’s a tough task. One Memphis is what the goal should be. But how can people in Klondike live in substandard housing and others live better.”