Why I Guessed Jack Sammons Would be Appointed Chair of MSCAA
Yes, it was a guess–a predictable one though. Jack Sammons is a great choice to lead our airport authority into a new chapter. He is a good businessman and he understands politics as well as economic development. He has served on Memphis City council and ran for Shelby County Mayor. Although he was defeated, I helped with his campaign and got to know Jack and watched him navigate the political waters. He has great connections and for the most part–the business community likes him. He’s the natural choice and that’s why I guessed he’d be appointed chair.
Jack’s quotes in today’s news stories are significant. He wants transparency in the decision making and operations of the MSCAA. He wants constructive feedback and community engagement. This is refreshing and a much needed direction as the airport is for everyone. Jack is also a communicator and I think that his voice will be heard often as we look for solutions to our airport troubles of late.
So, Jack, if you are reading this, congratulations and good luck with what will play out to be a very difficult, political and obviously “challenging” job. It’s going to take some mental toughness and I think there will be further difficulties ahead, but if anyone can be the change agent, I think you can! I think the business community will get right on behind Jack and I will too.
