MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - During his State of the City address, Memphis Mayor A C Wharton told the crowd at Southwest Tennessee Community College, "sometimes we get a little too down in the dumps because we haven't seen what other cities are facing."
Speaking on crime, poverty and education, Wharton said, "Cities everywhere are facing the same challenges we are facing."
Although, it's tough to imagine any city that has faced the kinds of problems Memphis has in trying to find someone to lead its animal shelter. Wharton told abc24.com, "What we need now is someone that knows how to and is willing to manage people, places, and processes."
Wharton said people shouldn't be surprised that it's been so hard to find a director, "particularly in light of the bad name Memphis has gotten and relentless attacks folks that come in will have to expect."
Wharton admits the person chosen to lead the Memphis Animal Shelter may not have experience in animal services. In that case, he said you get someone who's a good manager and you "back them up with the technical expertise. You don't have to have someone who's an experienced animal shelter director."
Wharton plans on announcing a new director in the next 30 days.
