Mayor Herenton Resigns

I never thought I would see the day when I would be able to write the above headline. Even as I write this blog, I am still in a semi-state of disbelief. Is it possible that the mayor with the never-ending terms would actually step down? Could it be that the very man who was "appointed by God" is now going to pursue other endeavors?

Here's a recap of what's happened in case you haven't seen the news: It was announced on Thursday that Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton is resigning, effective July 31, 2008. Herenton has served as mayor for more than sixteen years, having just been elected to his fifth term in office last fall. In spite of his long tenure, the mayor has many critics. In fact, Herenton himself said of his resignation announcement, "Some of my supporters will be disappointed and some of my detractors will be dancing in the streets with joy."

So what happens next? The city's charter has the following policy in place: Upon Herenton's departure from office, city council chairman Scott McCormick will become the mayor for 20 days. After that, the city council will be charged with appointing an interim mayor who would serve until November (at which time a new mayor would be elected in the general election). If, for some reason, the city council is unable to appoint an interim mayor, Memphis' chief administrative officer, Keith McGee, would be appointed mayor until November.

So now I'd like to know what you think of the mayor's resignation announcement. Are you happy about it? Let me know by voting in the poll below. While you're doing that, I'll be outside dancing in the street.