Missing hopefuls provoke response

Candidates for Memphis mayor shared their visions for the city with students Tuesday night on campus. But some mayoral hopefuls, including frontrunner AC Wharton and former pro-wrestler Jerry Lawler, were noticeably absent.

Of the city's 25 mayoral candidates, 12 attended the NAACP forum in the Michael D. Rose Theatre.

A spokesman for Wharton's campaign said the Shelby County mayor had a scheduling conflict but didn't say what; however, one source said Wharton was at Tsunami restaurant in Midtown last night around the same time as the forum's commencement.

"It makes me think he's apathetic," said Stephanie Cook, junior sociology major, of Wharton's absence. "It would have been nice if he would have elaborated on his views tonight."

Carol Chumney, former city councilwoman, said candidates who weren't at the forum were disrespecting students.

"One of the frontrunners didn't think enough of you to be here," she told the audience. "If you want them to vote for you, you should respect them enough to show up."

Wharton, who is a U of M alumnus, could not be reached for comment.

The candidates who participated in the forum discussed their views on a wide variety of topics that included revitalizing the Memphis Pyramid, legalizing marijuana, fighting crime and solving economic problems.

Martecia Taylor, junior communications major, said she left the theater with a better understanding of the candidates' positions and clear idea about whom she will vote for.

"I felt it was very important for them to come and speak to us tonight," she said.

Some students, like sophomore biology major Addie Williams, said she enjoyed hearing candidate Randy Cagle's platform, which emphasized reducing crime.

"He impressed me the most," she said. "I liked (his) overall personality and the way he carried himself. His words were really clear."

Crystal Hollins, senior leadership major, said she will vote for either Cagle or Wanda Halbert.

"They both touched bases on the crime rate," she said. "(Cagle) didn't make any promises because change will not happen overnight. Memphis is a mess, and in two years it's not going to happen."

Farmer said the event was both informative and entertaining with candidates like Robert Hodges (Prince Mongo) and Leo Agowhat.

"I especially liked the views of Prince Mongo and how he wanted to shape the Memphis Pyramid into a homeless shelter," she said.

Other students, like Holley Haley, junior psychology major, said Agowhat's vision of growing marijuana in the Memphis Pyramid caught their attention.

"I thought he was kind of special," she said. "Although legalizing marijuana could be profitable, Mongo made some good points."

Agowhat said legalizing marijuana would reduce crime in the city.

"If we decriminalize pot, we can focus on the hard drugs and get rid of the junkies," Agowhat said. "Let's let Memphis be known for something in the world. Let's be known for having the best pot."

Prince Mongo said the way to reduce crime in the city was to improve conditions in Memphis City Schools.

"A lack of education is a breeding ground for criminals. We are loaded with them. You can't even walk down this walkway without fear of being mugged," he said, referring to the theater's aisle. "I bet my car won't even be there when I leave."

Candidate Kenneth Whalum Jr. said he would improve the school system, though he didn't have time to elaborate on his plan.

"It is time to take Memphis back," he said. "I'm sick and tired of failing our children. I'm sick and tired of our children graduating Memphis City Schools unable to read on a ninth grade level. As mayor, I will take over Memphis City Schools."