Herenton stands by his man
 

By George Brown WMC TV5 Memphis - www.wmctv.com

Mayor Herenton says no matter how long it takes, he's dedicated to seeing Jerry Crawford become Memphis fire director. There are many happy firefighters at firehouses across the city. The mayor made it clear, he plans to see Jerry Crawford in the fire director's chair.

In front of a group of more than a hundred firefighters Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton didn't mince words when it came to Jerry Crawford. "I am going to stand with Mr. Crawford until such time that the city council can give this man appropriate consideration because he is qualified."

While the mayor did not appoint Crawford as interim fire director, he did say he plans to nominate him again. "I want to go by the council's rules, if there is a six month's time duration before I can resubmit, I'm conveying during this press conference, I will wait this thing out."

Those are the words some firefighters have been waiting to hear. Chief Henry Posey, Memphis Fire Dept. said, "I think both sides need to realize what's happening, what's going on with the city, morale problems that are starting to surface."

While the mayor says he's in it for the long haul, those on the fire lines say they don't want to wait that long. Chief Gina Sweat, Memphis Fire Dept. said, "We hope we don't have to wait six months. Honestly, I think we need our leader now. We're ready to get on with the future."

During his speech, Mayor Herenton said politics between himself and the city council prevailed over qualifications, something Crawford's supporter say is obvious. "It's unfortunate Jerry Crawford has to get caught up in this. I'm afraid it's going to get worse before it gets better."

Whatever the outcome, the mayor made it clear, both he and Chief Crawford are in it for the long haul. The mayor held his press conference at the same time the city council was meeting to discuss changes that could reel in his powers. He said the timing was not a coincidence.

Mayor Herenton Says He Stands Behind Crawford
 

January 22, 2004 - WREG News Channel 3, www.wreg.com

Mayor Willie Herenton calls off the national search for a City Fire Director.  The Mayor maintains that his original choice for that post, Jerry Crawford is the man for the job and he stands behind him still. 

Herenton stood at the front of a crowd of firefighters and was greeted with a round of applause after he made his announcement.  Crawford was not there.

Herenton says Crawford was a victim of 'politics' when the council chose not to vote him in as Fire Director two weeks ago.  He said Crawford was not treated right by the council and therefore he should be reconsidered.

The Mayor said he wasn't appointing Crawford as Fire Director, but rather asking the Council to take another look and give him proper consideration.

Mayor Herenton is questioning a rule he said he's heard, that prohibits the Council from reconsidering a nominee until six months has passed.  The Mayor says if there is such a rule, he is prepared to wait it out and resubmit Crawford's name after six months.  In the meantime, there would be no Fire Director.  It is the Mayor's place to nominate a candidate, the Council votes on the choice.  If the Mayor does not nominate anyone, the Council has no decision to make.