Dr. Willie W. Herenton (left) and incumbent Steve Cohen have generated nationwide interest in the outcome of the Democratic Primary for the Ninth District Congressional seat. The Tri-State Defender will announce its endorsement online at noon on Friday (July 30). (Photos by Earl Stanback and Tyrone P. Easley)

As we contemplate the upcoming August 5th election – not to exclude the remaining days of early voting, which ends Saturday – I am reminded of the poem “The Crossroads”. In two important stanzas, Sadie Tiller Crawley writes:

So he took the wrong road and it lead him down,/ And he lost the race and the victor’s crown./ He was caught at last in an angry snare/ Because no one stood at the crossroads there/ To show him the better road.

While this election presents a significant opportunity for voters of Memphis and Shelby County to make critical decisions about the future of our community, it seems that there are many that have decided to stand near the crossroads to show voters a “better road”. The influencers have lined up to sway voter decisions, perhaps to ensure selection of the best candidates, or perhaps for other reasons.

I’ve picked up, been sent, or have otherwise read numerous ballots, endorsements and other materials that are meant to impact one way or another voters’ decisions. Some of these ballots are obvious money grabs generated by cash hungry political operatives manipulating anxious and in some cases desperate candidates seeking some kind of edge. Others obviously were purely party driven or masked as party for the sake of establishing credibility. Nonetheless, most share a common theme: a true lack of analysis and evaluation of the candidates and – in some cases – not even as much as a conversation with the candidate.

It seems to me that this sort of guidance begs for some levity and real analysis that provides voters with real information to make very important decisions about who has the honor and responsibility to make decisions about our lives for the next two, four, six and even more years. And establish precedent and policy that will have even longer lasting impact.

That’s why the Tri-State Defender established an endorsement process that includes capturing detail input from candidates on their credentials, credibility, capabilities and vision through a questionnaire, as well as garnering information and research on these candidates through other diverse means. Ultimately, as we select candidates for endorsement, we evaluate their understanding of the challenges, their vision, ability to lead and ability to implement new ideas.

We will endorse candidates – regardless of race or party affiliation – that represent the best vision, that can present solution-oriented plans of action, and exhibit the best ability to execute and deliver on their plans to address the issues and disparities facing the citizens of Memphis.

We understand that the issues that exist in Memphis and Shelby County are broad and complex. We know that each candidate must serve and govern in the interest of all voters. However, it is also our contention that understanding the severity and significance of the issues confronting black Memphis – and working to address those issues – will not only serve to uplift the African-American population of Memphis, but in doing so will improve the quality of life for all Memphians.

So ultimately these endorsement will serve as a tool, a guide to help our readers, the voters of Memphis and Shelby County, make better and more informed choices, hopefully the best choices. As Sadie Tiller Crawley wrote in the final stanzas of the poem,

And that one showed him the way to go;/ So he turned away from the road leading down,/ And he won the race and the victor’s crown;/ He walks today on the highways fair/ Because one stood at the crossroads there/ To show him a better road./

We have chosen to endorse only in select contested races. We have elected to comment on some candidates.

Governor – We will endorse a candidate in the November election.

House of Representative District 84, Joe Towns Jr. – A veteran legislator who has represented the 84th district, serving primarily the Whitehaven area, well. He has made strides over the years as an important member of the House committees on Education and Higher Education. His opponent, Mitzi Turnage, has been a positive, vocal community leader, but we see no reason to change for the sake of change.

House of Representatives District 85, Johnnie R. Turner – A proven and passionate community leader with an understanding of the legislative process and the rapport to be an effective legislator.

House of Representatives District 86, Barbara Cooper – An enthusiastic legislator and community activist that understands the importance of education and economic development. Rep. Cooper has been effective as an advocate and in engaging constituents over the years.

House of Representatives District 91, Lois Deberry – Speaker Pro Tempore, Deberry – having served 19 terms – has the highest seniority of anyone serving in the Tennessee House. As the second ranking House member, she has been one of the most effective and powerful state representatives presenting positive legislation or casting the deciding votes on other key issues.

Circuit Court Judge Division 4, Gina Carol Higgins – A person who will be a firm yet fair and compassionate person on the bench. Higgins is an independent thinker who understands the law and its appropriate application. All the candidates are thoroughly qualified, but ttorney Higgins represents the best choice.

Circuit Court Judge Division 8, Rhynette Northcross Hurd – A case of the best choice among several very good choices. Judge Hurd was appointed to the position by Gov. Phil Bredesen following the retirement of D‘Army Bailey and has earned the opportunity to maintain the judgeship.

Criminal Court Judge Division 3, Latonya Sue Burrow – Provided a thorough and compelling case in her completion of the candidates’ questionnaire. Obviously understands the challenges and responsibility of being a judge, has practiced law and understands its application.

County Mayor, Joe Ford – Interim Mayor Ford has made significant strides during the time that he has filled the remaining term of former County Mayor AC Wharton Jr. He has not wasted the opportunity and among other things has presented a balanced budget without raising taxes and worked diligently to ensure The Med remains a viable and vibrant entity for the citizens of the entire region. He has earned the opportunity to continue the positive work.

County Commissioner District 5, Steven Mulroy – Commissioner Mulroy brings levity and collaboration to the Commission and shows a true passion and interest in serving the interests of all the voters. He has been an agitator at times and an asset.

County Trustee, Regina Morrison Newman – The incumbent candidate doing a good job with the office.

General Sessions Criminal Court Judge Division 7, Derek Renfroe – A very crowded field of excellent candidates. We had the most thorough responses to our candidate questionnaire from those in this race for obvious reasons. Responses were received from Bill Anderson Jr., Taurus M. Bailey, Wm. D. “Billy” Bond, Erica Gatewood, Sherrie Miller-Johnson, Derek Renfroe, Randall B. Tolley, and Carolyn Watkins. Each candidate was equally impressive, but a consensus was reached based on background, experience and approaches of attorney Derek Renfroe. Clearly, any of the candidates listed, whose credentials we reviewed, could adequately fill the role.

General Sessions Criminal Court Judge Division 10, Lee Wilson

Shelby County Sheriff, Randy Wade – A long time lawman, community leader, with broad support and the ability to work with communities and constituents throughout Shelby County. Nearly won the seat eight years ago and is now ready and capable of being the top cop for the County of Shelby.

Circuit Court Clerk, Ricky W. Dixon

Criminal Court Clerk, Minerva Johnican

Juvenile Court Clerk, Shep Wilbun – A proven leader who was temporarily knocked off track but exonerated as an honest and genuine servant seeking to do the right thing for this community. Wilbun deserves to return to the seat that he never should have lost in the first place.

Probate Court Clerk, Sondra Becton

County Clerk, Corey Maclin

Register of Deeds, Coleman Thompson


Links to candidate questionnaires follow.


Bill Oldham

Coleman Thompson

Corey Maclin

Mark Luttrell

Randy Wade

Ricky Dixon

Shep Wilbun

Steve Mulroy

Tom Leatherwood

Wayne Mashburn

Regina Morrison Newman

JoeDae Jenkins

Lorrie K. Ridder

Derek Renfroe

Lee Wilson

Sherrie Miller-Johnson

Taurus M. Bailey

Erica Gatewood

Latonya Sue Burrow

Lorenzo D. Renfroe

Steve Cohen

Carolyn Watkins

Randall B. Tolley

Rhynette Horthcross Hurd

William D. "Billy" Bond

Bill Anderson Jr.

Lee Wilson

Sherrie Miller-Johnson