The Memphis resident to bear the title of "Mayor" preceding their name next fall could be just about anyone at this point, because incumbent Charles Garber will not be seeking reelection to a fourth term as the city's top official.
Garber, 70, a former Memphis police chief who retired from the Detroit Police Department, also put in time with the Armada police force.
In 1997 he commenced a four-year city council term and successfully ran for his first two-year term as the mayor of Memphis in 2001.
Voters re-elected him to that position in 2005 and again in 2007.
Though Garber is justifiably proud as he looks back at his distinguished career, he now stands ready to face the future from a different perspective.
"I am still healthy. I have been here for 18 years and have been involved in the politics and the running of the city and I would like to do something different," he said.
In addition to the race for mayor, three city council seats are up for grabs.
Candidates interested in running the city can pick up nomination packets at the Memphis City Hall, 35095 Potter St., during normal business hours.
Questions regarding rules governing a candidate can be directed to personnel at (810) 392-2385.
"We don't have a primary. We are non-partisan," Clerk Mary Brusca advised.
Candidates must be at least 18 years of age, a Memphis resident for a minimum of two years, a U.S. citizen, qualified elector of the city, bondable and not in default to the city.
The city charter requires there be at least two candidates vying for the mayoral post and a minimum of four contenders for the three open city council seats.
The two-year mayoral term pays an annual salary of $1,200, and council members are compensated $1,000 for each year during their four-year term.
Nominating petitions must be circulated and returned to the clerk's office before 4 p.m. on Sept. 15.
Election Day is Nov. 3, and winners will be sworn in within 10 days of the election.
Eric Schneider, Terry Treend and Dan Weaver are the councilmen whose four-year terms conclude this fall.
Schneider, who began his city council career in 1998 when called upon to fill a vacancy, was twice re-elected to additional terms and plans to run again this fall.
Treend has decided to call it quits and will not seek election for the position he has held for six years since he was first appointed to fill a council seat vacancy in 2003.
"No I am not running again," Treend declared, indicating he plans to do some traveling.
Rumor has it that Weaver, a councilman since 2003, will make a run for the mayor's office; but he was hesitant to comment just yet.
"Maybe I'll run for mayor," he said. "I am going to run for something. I have to talk things over with my wife before I make any decisions."
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