“Publicly Indigestible”: Joe B. Kent Slams More for Memphis Ordinance’s Lack of Transparency in Fiery Speech Before Shelby County Commissioners”
By Public Affairs Staff on January 10, 2025
MEMPHIS, TN —- In an impassioned address to the Shelby County Commissioners on January 8, 2025, community activist, political watchdog, and investigative journalist Joe B. Kent laid bare the systemic inefficiencies, ethical breaches, and financial mismanagement he associates with the More for Memphis (MFM) ordinance. Kent’s remarks, steeped in meticulous analysis and fiery critique, called for immediate reforms and transparency, accusing the current proposal of being “publicly indigestible.”
Kent’s central theme was clear: transparency is non-negotiable. He proposed a sweeping amendment to the controversial ordinance that would strip it of its bureaucratic excess and ensure public oversight of funds channeled through Seeding Success, the nonprofit at the heart of the MFM plan. “If you give up your fiscal administration and public measurement duties, it might as well not be a local public government,” Kent declared, underscoring the necessity of local government accountability.
A Legacy of Obfuscation
Kent’s speech didn’t shy away from sharp critique of the ordinance’s proponents, suggesting a pattern of opacity and inefficiency that undermines public trust. “This is their structure, which is really very bureaucratic and inefficient,” Kent remarked while presenting his streamlined alternative. He emphasized that without public oversight, “it makes me think that More for Memphis does not know what they’re doing.”
The Broader Implications
Kent’s speech came amidst growing public scrutiny of the MFM ordinance, particularly its ties to Tennessee Prosperity PAC, which has funneled campaign contributions to more than a dozen elected officials. This controversy, coupled with allegations of ethical violations by both the Shelby County Commissioners and Memphis City Council, has deepened public skepticism of the ordinance’s legitimacy.
For Kent, the stakes are far greater than the ordinance itself. “You’re giving the money to Seeding Success. So oversee Seeding Success and have them open their meetings to the public. It’s just about transparency,” he concluded, delivering a pointed reminder of the fundamental principles at risk.
As the More for Memphis ordinance continues to draw scrutiny, Kent’s voice has become a rallying cry for those demanding accountability. His speech underscores the critical role of activists, journalists, and citizens in holding elected officials to account—a timely reminder of the enduring power of civic engagement.
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