Tempers frayed somewhat in a heated debate on Thursday’s Pre-K Sales Tax Referendum, held Monday night at the Hooks Main Library on Poplar Avenue and sponsored by the Memphis League of Women Voters.
But there were light moments, too, in the encounter between Barbara Prescott, a proponent of the half-cent sales tax increase, and the Rev. Kenneth Whalum, an avowed opponent. Above is one such, occurring as Prescott attempted to characterize one of Whalum’s opinions, based on her reading of his tweets.
Monday night’s encounter was not the only last-ditch showdown on the sales-tax issue. Another one was scheduled for Tuesday at noon at the University Club. Sponsored by the Memphis Rotary Club, this one will match Whalum, who once again will make the case against the tax, and City Councilman Shea Flinn, one of the referendum’s sponsors.
Because of limited seating for the University Club event, a luncheon, non-members will be asked to pay an admission fee of $18.
Extended reviews of both debates will be featured in this space before Election Day, Thursday, November 21.
