Forward Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu works hard for her UofM Tigers. Sports, Page 12
Program builds strong boys and girls through mentoring. Perspective, Page 4
VOL. 69, No. 7
February 13 - 19, 2020
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MATA nets CIP funding from County Commission
Stepping up
by Erica R. Williams Special to The New Tri-State
For the first time in Shelby County’s history, the County Commission will contribute yearly funding to public transit. During the Feb.10 commission meeting, an ordinance was passed on the final reading that dedicated 1.5 percent of the Shelby County capital budget to Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) yearly. The commission’s action is expected to generate “at least $1 million of the CIP budget to transit every year,” according to the county’s website. The ordinance was approved 10-2 with Commissioners David Bradford and Amber Mills voting against it. The decision comes on the heels of extensive conversation surrounding public transit in Shelby County, including Mayor Lee Harris’ push for additional transit funding and the creation of an ad-hoc committee to explore options for additional funding sources. “The plan approved by the commission was the first of our two-part plan to make a significant, yearly investment in transit,” Harris said about his $10-million-dollar proposal. “This was a great step forward and this part of our plan, should be noted, does not include any tax or fee whatsoever.” Harris’ proposal to generate transit funding included a $145 “sustainability fee” for every vehicle past the second registered to a household or business. His plan was greeted with skepticism from some commissioners, who said they were hesitant to support the proposed fee. Harris has noted that a dedicated investment of at least $10 million has an economic impact of more than $40 million as a result of expanded job access and reduced car crashes in Shelby County. “There are 15,000 available jobs in Shelby County. More frequency helps people get a job and keep a job,” Harris said. Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr., who voted for the county ordinance, Monday said he will not vote for any further funding for the MATA. Some commissioners, however, and MATA of-
The theme was “Stepping Up in 2020” as the Best In Black Awards gala – sponsored by The New TriState Defender and its parent company, Best Media Properties, LLC, was held at the new Central Station Hotel last Thursday evening (Feb. 6). (Above) The Best Wings salute went to Crumpy’s. (Right) Sebastian Carson, Best Spoken Word winner, performs one of his two selections. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises) Story, more photos Pages 6-7
SEE MATA ON PAGE 2
POLITICS 2020
Early voting open for primary elections
by John Semien
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Early voting now is underway through Feb. 25 for the March 3 Presidential Preference Primary and the Shelby County Primary Election. Election officials predict about 30 percent of the county’s 563,370 registered voters will have cast their ballots by the end of early voting period. Linda Phillips, administrator of elections, said typically only 30 percent of registered voters vote. She said 60 percent of those voters wait until Election Day to cast their ballots in a presidential election because so many candidates drop out late in the race. “If I’m voting on a Democratic ballot I’d like
to try to vote as late as possible,” Phillips said. “If your candidate drops out of the race, there is no way to change your vote. “There are no do-overs. People wait to see who survives,” Phillips said. Election Day is March 3, or Super Tuesday because so many states hold primary elections and caucuses that day. Candidates for their parties’ presidential primaries pay particular attention to Super Tuesday because of the number of party convention delegates at stake. President Donald Trump is the runaway choice on the Republican Primary ballot. A host of candidates are vying for the Democratic nomination. After the recent Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary, Pete Buttigieg, Bernie
Sanders and Amy Klobuchar are the early delegate leaders. Also on the local ballot are party primaries for General Sessions Court Clerk. Any photo identification card issued by the state or federal government is required to vote. The card must have your name and a photo. It can be expired and you don’t need The REAL ID to vote. All 26 early voting sites are open for early voting. The site at 157 Poplar is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. All other sites are open from 11 a.m. -7 p.m. Voters can learn more about early voting and Election Day voting locations by using the GoVoteTN app or by going to the Election Commission website at www.shelbyvote.com.
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