Tuesday, April 18
6 PM - 7:30 PM
Butcher Shop, Cordova

The Main Street Journal is proud to announce the 2006 Meet the Press/Meet the Voter Mixer for all County Candidates on Tuesday, April 18, from 6 PM - 7:30 PM at the Butcher Shop in Cordova. Over 30 County Candidates have confirmed, with over a dozen media outlets represented. All are invited! Tickets are available at $10 per person and can be paid for at the door. See you there!

Confirmed Candidates Include:

Joyce Avery - County Commission
Wyatt Bunker - County Commission
Mike Carpenter - County Commission
Rebecca Clark - County Trustee
Bennie Cobb - County Sheriff
Joe Cooper - County Commission
Charlotte Draper - County Clerk
Dr. George Flinn - County Commission
Reginald French - County Sheriff
Bill Gibbons - District Attorney
J.W. Gibson - County Commission
James Harvey - County Commission
Marilyn Loeffel - County Clerk
Jimmy Moore - Circuit Court Clerk
Steve Mulroy - County Commission
Bob Patterson - County Trustee
Jane Pierotti - County Commission
Mike Ritz - County Commission
Mike Rude - County Commission
Paul Springer - County Commission
Debbie Stamson - County Clerk
Steve Stamson - Juvenile Court Clerk
Karla Templeton - County Commission
Chris Thomas - Probate Court Clerk
Brent Todd - County Mayor
A.C. Wharton - County Mayor
John Willingham - County Mayor

A C Wharton, Jr.
Mayor of Shelby County

NEWS ALERT
Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Legislation aiding crime victims is moving through the committee process in Nashville. A final vote on this legislation is scheduled this week

Initially introduced in the 2005 session of the Tennessee General Assembly, the measure was included as a recommendation in the Shelby County Efficiency Study. The Efficiency Study was undertaken as part of Mayor A C Wharton’s efforts to streamline government and stabilize its finances, and included a number of recommendations for placing the burden of paying for services on those who create the need for those services.

The Crime Victims Fee Bill (Senate Bill 1764 and House Bill 1360) authorizes counties to charge a $42 fee to defendants convicted crimes, with exceptions for certain misdemeanor offenses. The fees would be used solely to fund crime victims’ programs.

“We are pleased to have made this level of progress on legislation of great significance to Shelby County. If we are successful in obtaining approval of this bill, we will be able to enhance our efforts and provide meaningful assistance to individuals whose lives have been turned upside down because of a senseless criminal act”, said Wharton.

While costs associated with arresting, trying, and incarcerating criminals are substantial, proportionately less money is spent on the victims of crimes themselves. A Crime Victim Fee paid by convicted criminals provides a restorative justice approach for providing for the needs of those who are victimized by crime. Counties spend millions of dollars each year dealing with criminals. In contrast, counties spend only $96 per each crime victim. A $42 fee charged to people convicted of crimes will provide sizeable financial support for the Crime Victims’ Centers located in each county.

“We are grateful to Senator Curtis Person and Representative John DeBerry for sponsoring the bill and serving as such effective advocates. I would like to thank all of those who contacted members of the House and Senate committees and am hopeful the bill will pass this week”, said Heidi Verbeek, Administrator of the Shelby County Crime Victims’ Center.