City Councilman Scott McCormick announced today that he is running for re-election to the District 9 Position 1 seat on the Memphis City Council.  He officially filed qualifying papers with the Election Commission at noon.  Pledging to continue to set the right priorities, McCormick officially tossed his hat into the race for the District 9 Position 1 seat he has held since winning election in 2003.  District 9 is one of the council’s super districts, stretching from Cordova, through East Memphis to parts of Midtown and between Raleigh and Hickory Hill. 

“I pledge to the voters that I will continue to fight for the integrity of City Hall.  I have made it my responsibility to challenge the Mayor or any of my colleagues who fail to understand what really matters to the people of Memphis.”

 “I have worked with others on the council to put additional police officers on the streets and improve recruiting of officers so our city and families are safe.  I have fought any property tax increase, and have worked to restrict billboards and adult businesses that damage our neighborhoods.” 

“It has been my great honor to be a guardian of your trust and a public servant for the people of Memphis,” McCormick added. 

“My first priority as a councilman has been to eliminate many of the perks and the sense of entitlement that some of our elected officials have.  I voted for term limits, to eliminate the car allowance, and I have held accountable those in City Hall that have broken the public’s trust.”

In March, McCormick voted to oust Joseph Lee from Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division, and he was on the forefront in calling for the resignation of Council members Edmund Ford and Rickey Peete in the wake of federal corruption charges. 

                Soon after joining the City Council in 2004 McCormick was praised for brokering a deal that ended the 12- year rule, which allowed early retirement for city employees.  Passed by his colleagues in 2001, the 12- year rule was costing the city greatly, both in the large pensions that relatively young employees had started collecting and the cost of having to re-train new workers.   

                “It’s our moral responsibility to make sure we don’t waste tax payer money,” said McCormick.  “Whether it is paying for empty buildings or hollow ideas, the public expects us to hold down taxes for everyone; especially the many seniors who are living on a fixed income.” 

                McCormick said he wants to continue to invest in those programs and services that matter to the people he serves.  Additional measures to fight crime including expanding Blue Crush are at the top of his list.  He also will work to improve our schools and the quality of life in Memphis through better parks and services.     

                McCormick presently serves as chairman of the council’s parks committee, vice chair of the Education Committee, vice chair of Planning and Zoning, and will take an active role in Memphis Light Gas and Water, Public Services and Neighborhoods, and Economic Development, Tourism and Technology Committees.   As chair of the powerful subcommittee on PILOTs, McCormick has been instrumental on working on ways to bring new jobs to Memphis by offering incentives to companies that agree to expand or relocate in our community.                     

                “I have a lifetime invested in Memphis,” noted McCormick, who grew up in Memphis, graduated from the University of Memphis and lives in Cordova with his wife and three children.  “I have a very personal interest in protecting the future of our community.”

“ I am very proud of the many things I’ve accomplished in the past few years,” said McCormick.  “A good leader is open and responsive to everyone in the District.   I want to continue to provide the best possible representation to the many citizens who have placed their faith in me.” 

Facebook Ping This Post