Candidates try to woo students
By: Beth Spencer
Issue date: 10/7/09 Section: News
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The forum, sponsored by The University of Memphis chapter of the NAACP, included Mayor Pro Tem Myron Lowery, Carol Chumney, Charles Carpenter, Kenneth Whalum Jr., John Willingham, DeWayne Jones, Ernest Lunati, Randy Cagle, James Clingan, Leo Agowhat and Robert Hodges (Prince Mongo).
Mayoral hopefuls passed out campaign information, answered students' questions and provided three-minute vision statements about the city.
Several of the candidates focused their visions on students and the importance of student participation in the election.
"There are no job opportunities here," Carpenter said. "Memphis, being the eighteenth largest city, you should be able to start your careers right here."
Cagle, a local business owner, said generating solid jobs and reducing crime are crucial to keeping college graduates in the city.
"When you graduate, we're going to lose you," he said. "We have crime issues and tax issues. We've got to grab a hold of our city. We've got to have a leader that will attack these issues and take care of our city."
Whalum said college students should thoroughly research candidates and make a decision based on their findings.
"You all are in charge," he said. "Don't vote for somebody because mama said to. Read. Do the work. Our future is at stake."
Keeping young people informed of their educational opportunities was a theme Halbert emphasized.
"When we go through high school, we must end with opportunities," she said. "It's a reality that not everyone chooses to pursue a degree. I'm going to make sure you know your options."
Some candidates also fielded questions about the future of the Pyramid.
"The Pyramid should be turned into a beautiful place for the homeless," said Prince Mongo, local entrepreneur.
Some students, like Holley Haley, junior psychology major at The U of M, said hearing candidates speak gave them insight on casting their vote.
"I liked how Chumney said she would lay a foundation for the city," she said. "She will not make huge changes immediately."
Joseph Alfonso, biology major at Christian Brothers University, said he enjoyed learning more about the candidates who make fewer headlines.
"It seems like there are more promising candidates than the big three everyone is talking about," he said.
Mayoral candidate A C Wharton did not appear at the forum yesterday due to a conflict in scheduling.
There will be more coverage on the mayoral forum in tomorrow's edition of The Daily Helmsman.