Carter Malone, the public relations firm owned by Shelby County Commissioner Deidre Malone, was hired to do P.R. for H&M Construction Company after the Jackson, Tenn. company was awarded a $46.7 million contract to build three schools by the Memphis School Board. Malone’s close friend and frequent commission ally, former commissioner Bruce Thompson, who did not run for reelection last year, has come under attack for working for the company to secure support on the board while serving as a public official.
“I’m sure Bruce was instrumental in my getting our contract,” said Malone, who disclosed her firm’s involvement on Monday. She insisted there was no impropriety in her action and said that she, like Thompson, had asked for and received a supportive legal opinion from Shelby County Attorney Brian Kuhn on the acceptability of performing work for the company. Carter Malone’s involvement with H&M lasted for some months in the spring and summer of 2005.
— Jackson Baker
