@TigreNoir, Herenton's whole career has depended on racism. It's like he bottled it and used racism to fuel his rocket to a bigger bank account. His past campaign slogans always ammounted to the same thing, "vote for me cause I'm blacker than the other canidates."

"Principles," Mike, not "principals."

The only visions of prosperity "Dr." Herenton had was for "Dr." Herenton. Everyone who shares that title should consider it diluted by this obvious narcissist. The racism implication is just a cheap excuse for the usual politics-as-usual behavior. Vote for me and I'll give you crap you didn't earn, maybe a city job. Just vote for me. Cheap and destructive.

That boy, Herrington, certainly knew how to "father" children out of wedlock!!!

Dr Herenton delivered Memphis from the bowels of racism and self-denial into the 20th century. He kept a watchful eye on the city council; pointing fingers and calling names when necessary. Despite the onslaught of attacks by the Commercial Appeal – mainly Otis Sanford and Wendi C. Thomas – he maintained his popularity in the African-American community. His resignation opened the door for some of the most despicable behavior in Memphis history. There is no intelligent control of city business. If it take arrogance to maintain control – I want arrogance. How can a highly educated, super efficient, honest and dedicated public servant not be considered arrogant in a racist, poorly educated, backwater town as was Memphis 20 years ago – and not so different today. Too bad his visions for a prosperous Memphis are not shared by our present city council, which we pay to snipe at each other and to spend most of their time working on getting re-elected.

It's sad that people look to government to "get things done". Mussolini got things done. I'm concerned that it be the right things. Mayor Crump pretty much ruled Memphis. You think he ever threatened to mess somebody up? I'm thinking he did. The "all-time low" was when this idiot (Herenton) had any political power WHAT-SO-EVER. Note the report on this website that Memphis is said to have one of the worst economies in the world. 'Nuff said.

I wasn't here during most of Mr. Herenton's tenure as both Mayor and School Superintendent. When I visited, I found his public demeanor statesmanlike and politically savvy. The comments that follow this story ought to be interesting considering what others may think.