Wharton's win brings big changes to Shelby County government

By Lori Brown - bio | email | Twitter | Facebook

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC-TV) - A new era is about to begin for leadership in the City of Memphis.

But when Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton is sworn in as mayor of Memphis, it will also shake things up in Shelby County government.

The county could have as many as three new leaders in less than three months.

When Wharton formally steps down as county mayor, Shelby County Commission Chair Joyce Avery will act as county mayor for up to 45 days, making her the first woman to hold that position.

In either November or December, the Shelby County Election Commission will appoint an interim mayor who will serve about nine months - until the general election in August.

Democratic Commissioner Steve Mulroy says he's confident it will be "a seamless transition..."

Republican Commissioner George Flinn agrees.

"This is an exciting period in Shelby County," he said.

Flinn has expressed interest in serving as both interim mayor and mayor.

"The main issue is to keep our taxes low, so we don't run people out of our county. We want people to be attracted to the county," he said.

Mulroy's name has been mentioned as a possible interim mayor, but he's not campaigning for the job. Like Flinn, he says the next leaders need to focus on being responsible with tax dollars.

"We have to work to continue our plan to bring down the county debt - that's important," he said.

Whomever becomes the interim mayor will likely hold some sway over what the consolidation plan will look like when it goes to voters.

"It will be a crucial time for Shelby County," Mulroy said.

In addition to Flinn, Commissioners Joe Ford, J.W. Gibson and Joyce Avery have also said they're interested in becoming interim mayor.