MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - The proposal to force people who drive in Memphis more than twice a week to get auto inspections is picking up even more criticism.
A Millington lawyer and former city court judge says she travels into Memphis several times a week. If the plan is approved, and she gets a citation, she's going to sue.
City Councilman Ed Ford Jr. is lucky he doesn't have to get any votes from the suburbs. He came up with the idea to use red light cameras and police license plate scanners to track folks that travel to Memphis two or more times a week.
There are reasons people leave Memphis. The sleepy little outposts of forty years ago now bustle and thrive with the money of former Memphis residents stuffing cash registers.
Millington resident Rodney Smither said, "I used to live in Memphis. I bought a house out here 8 years ago, transferred my job out here.
There are all sorts of reasons people leave Memphis, reasons that rhyme with the words "Former Mayor Herenton."
"Actually when Willie was in charge, when he was in charge, that's one reason why I got out of Memphis," Smither said.
Now, Councilman Ford's proposal is just enough to keep Cheryl Winter out of Memphis for good.
"Well, I don't go to Memphis anyway, but I really wouldn't go for that," she said.
This is just a proposal. The plan hasn't been put together, but that makes no difference. Shelby County Commissioner Terry Roland sent a letter to City Council Chairman Bill Morrison urging members to vote against the plan.
He goes on to say the tables could be turned on Memphis and says if it's approved, he'll urge suburbs to come up with their own vehicle emissions tests and fees on drivers from Memphis.
Add to all of this a not too subtle warning from lawyer and former Millington City Court Judge Vicki L. Green.
"If they cite me for it, I will sue them for it. I just want you to know, it might as well be on notice there will be a lawsuit. If they hit my tag and bring me into court I will file suit on them."
When you find someone threatening to sue on something that is just a proposal, it shows the anger many folks have over this plan, one that will be seriously considered by Memphis City Council members.
