Now-former Shelby County Commissioner Mickell Lowery and now-former Shelby County Chief Deputy Sheriff Anthony Buckner were the highlights of Aug. 31's Shelby County government swearing-in ceremony. Lowery now holds the position of Shelby County mayor and Buckner earned one more promotion, becoming Shelby County sheriff.
Lowery and Buckner, both Democrats, won their Aug. 6 general elections in what were effectively landslides. Lowery topped Republican John DeBerry and Buckner beat veteran Shelby County Sheriff's Office employee Brad Less, who also ran on the Republican ticket.
In the ceremony’s closing remarks, Lowery thanked voters for the opportunity to create a government that “works for every community.”
“Today is not about one person. It’s
about one Shelby,” he said.
After thanking the swath of former mayors in attendance, Lowery spoke to his fellow elected officials: “These seats don’t belong to us,” he said. “They belong to the people who have given us tremendous responsibility.”
New Memphis-Shelby County Schools board members, judges, court clerks, Shelby County Commissioners and Shelby County charter officeholders were also sworn in on Aug. 31.
Lowery was met with a near-minute long standing ovation as he walked up to be sworn in. He was the only official to have the entire Cannon Center crowd stand during his oath-taking. He was sworn in by Shelby County Circuit Court Judge Cedric Wooten, who said Lowery has the skills to lead Shelby County "not just for this generation, but for the next generation, too."
Lowery, Buckner take top Shelby County elected roles
Lowery served two terms on the Shelby County Commission before he ran for mayor. He was born and raised in Memphis, one of three Shelby County mayors to be born within Shelby County's borders.
During the primary, Lowery said he believed Shelby County needed an executive to lead it. For the last 25 years he worked at FedEx in various roles, most recently holding the role of managing director of sales there.
A moderate Democrat, Lowery has worked across the aisle both within the County Commission and with members of the Tennessee General Assembly. He marketed himself to voters as that moderate with the capability of bringing more state money to Shelby County.
Buckner was met with a raucous applause as he was preparing to be sworn in by retired federal Judge Bernice Donald. A swath of Shelby County Sheriff's Office employees blanketed the Cannon Center, and stood to greet the new sheriff. Donald, prior to delivering Buckner's oath, touted Buckner's credentials and advised him on how to lead the office.
"Our community is facing real challenges," Donald said. "Families want safe neighborhoods, deputies and correctional officers deserve strong and principled leadership. And our citizens deserve a sheriff's office that is professional, accountable, responsive, and committed to justice for everyone. Those challenges are significant, but so is the opportunity before us."
Buckner was promoted to chief deputy more than three years ago, assuming the role of the department's second-in-command under now former Sheriff Floyd Bonner. In the wake of his Aug. 6 win, Bonner said Buckner's experience as his "second chair" set him up for to lead the department.
Buckner hosted his first transition team meeting a on Aug. 25. The transition team featured Bonner as a chair, alongside Memphis City Councilwoman Patrice Robinson, Memphis Shelby County Crime Commission President Bill Gibbons, and One City Church Lead Pastor Chris Conlee. The chairs represented much of Memphis' old guard when it comes to criminal justice policies.
Other notable members of the team include mental health experts, reentry advocates, community leaders and criminal justice reform advocates.
Prior to the transition team meeting, Buckner spoke with media about his priorities. At the top of the list, he said, was filling out his administration. Once that box is checked, he said his focus will shift toward the Shelby County Jail at 201 Poplar.
Buckner has, alongside Bonner, been a staunch advocate for a new jail. But, with no concrete plans in sight for the jail's future, he said he plans to focus on ways to avoid making emergency maintenance requests to the Shelby County Commission.
Annie Goldman covers government for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at annie.goldman@commercialappeal.com or 901-930-7431.
Lucas Finton covers crime, policing, jails, the courts and criminal justice policy for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached by phone or email: (901)208-3922 and Lucas.Finton@commercialappeal.com, and followed on X @LucasFinton.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: New Shelby County mayor, sheriff, commissioners take office
