Otis Sanford

“My love of CK’s was about the people, the regulars, who showed up like clockwork every morning and became an informal coffee klatch to talk sports — mainly pro football — and politics, or to share the latest gossip.”

“Young people must be told the truth about our history — not shielded from it because it makes adults uncomfortable.”

“I consider the former mayor, who was elected five times, the most pivotal player in this year’s election for a couple of reasons," says Otis Sanford.

Each of the seven serious contenders for Memphis’ next mayor owe voters answers to important, and different, questions about their pasts.

“We have met the persistent. And they are Tennessee voters.”

Otis Sanford: “What Carter discovered — by observation and through data that he could compile — was an eye opener, particularly regarding the dearth of criminal cases that go to trial.”

Everywhere Republican state Sen. Brent Taylor has served — with the possible exception of the Shelby County Election Commission — public disputes and rancor have followed.

Early voting starts Friday, July 12, at 26 polling sites throughout Shelby County. And the stakes could not be higher for local Republicans, Otis Sanford says.

Sanford:

'In today’s political climate, honesty and good taste are in short supply,' Otis Sanford writes.