Mayor Herenton Defends Business Deal During State Of The City Address

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Updated: 1/13/2009 7:57 pm
MEMPHIS, TN- Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton says he is preparing to defend himself against charges that he used his public office to line his pockets.

The “Commercial Appeal” reports a federal grand jury is investigating how Herenton personally made a $91,000 profit on a land deal he was actively promoting as Mayor. The deal involves the property at the downtown Greyhound Bus Station. It is a complicated and undisclosed real estate transaction.

"I have made preparations to defend myself against inappropriate allegations and conduct and obviously I have been advised by council that I should refrain from making any comments about any of the matter mentioned in the newspaper," says Herenton.

During the Mayor's Rotary Club speech Tuesday, January 13, 2009, Herenton said he would only take questions from Rotary Club members. Coincidentally our anchor Cameron Harper is one of them.

"I'm wondering if you can use this opportunity to explain how “Herenton Investments” came to earn $90,000 on a downtown bus station and how you feel that is appropriate behavior and not a conflict of interest?” asked Harper.

“I think the centerpiece of the investigation is that there is a line of separation of public and private life. I think I know where the line is and I feel confident I have not crossed that line," answered Herenton.

After the meeting, Herenton told the media these allegations are hurtful.

"You are always going to get people shooting arrows in your back but what really bothers me is my integrity, my character, my honesty being questioned. That cuts deep.”

Mayor Herenton told the media he has written an editorial piece and submitted it to the “Commercial Appeal”. Editor Otis Sanford says he has received the article and he is strongly considering publishing it in Wednesday’s paper.
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ivoryangel - 1/14/2009 7:12 AM
Damn shakin' them hater's off... WE need to shake them LOOSERS off startin' with Willie Herenton!!!Peace

Myrottenpets - 1/14/2009 6:19 AM
Sure do! I hear even the dead vote for him they love him so much. Or is that for the other elections? So much voter fraud, hard to keep up with.

mulberrydaddy - 1/13/2009 7:31 PM
Heck memphians must love him they keep putting this bum back in office!!!!!!!!

shelby - 1/13/2009 1:10 PM
Ditto on what 'mrhmeisme' said!!!

mrhmeisme - 1/13/2009 12:30 PM
The state of the city? I don't need to listen to this arrogant narcissist to know that he has single-handedly ruined this city under his lack of leadership, though I'm sure he'll turn it in to a personal bragfest about how great a mayor he is. Phooey!!!
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