University of Memphis alumna Carol Chumney is running for the Shelby County mayoral position. Chumney is hoping to receive the Democratic nomination over Shelby County public defender A.C. Wharton Jr. and former State Representative Harold Byrd.
Chumney, who is currently a Tennessee House Representative for District 89 — in Shelby County — would be the first woman ever to hold the prestigious position, if elected.
Chumney is the self-proclaimed “candidate of change,” and is calling for leadership for Shelby County.
Chumney said that she is not tied down, like her opponents, to any special interests, and that one problem that must be addressed would be to change the financial policies of Shelby County in order to put a stop the continually rising debt.
One possible solution to the problem would be a proposed broad-based income tax, in which the sales tax would lowered by about 50 percent and a flat rate income tax instituted.
“I am open to the idea of broad-based income tax. We have to find a way to generate revenue, but I am not in favor of raising sales tax to do so,” said Chumney.
Duplication in government is another issue Chumney feels strongly about. “It is not necessary to have a city counsel and a county committee. We could consolidate those type of factions and operate more efficiently,” said Chumney.
As the current chairperson of the Children and Family Affairs Committee of the 101st General Assembly, family issues and education are other points of concern for Chumney.
“Early childhood education is very important, and we should bring more accountability into (the daycare) system,” Chumney said. “We can do that by getting businesses to sponsor local daycares that their employees use, and by offering the daycare workers, who usually make minimum wage, health benefits and educational opportunities through scholarships.”
Chumney is calling her campaign process a “grassroots campaign,” and to that end is going to many local events daily. She can be found attending high schools, labor worker’s meetings and home owners meetings.
The U of M is also included in the solving of one of the county’s problems, “I would like to see The University of Memphis come together to help those in poverty receive better job training,” said Chumney.
Another hot-button issue facing the incoming Shelby County Mayor will be the possible consolidation between the Shelby County and Memphis City School Systems.
Chumney stated that she is sill looking at that issue and is not committed to either side yet, but believes that alternative funding mechanisms can be used to generate more revenue for both school systems.
“It’s time we did something to solve the problems that haven’t been, and need to be, solved,” said Chumney.
