Shelby County Opioid Fight Continues

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) - The disagreements, and that's a polite way of putting it, the disagreements between the Shelby County Mayor and County Commissioners concerning opioids is still continuing.

Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell says, "We have been working on this problem for about three years now."

Luttrell says he's no Johnny-come-lately when it comes to opioids. He has been working with the health department, and with Shelby County Employees. Not to mention there's a lawsuit in the works. But this hasn't been smooth sailing.

"I'm pleased with our process that we're moving through now," Luttrell says. "It's being complicated somewhat by the County Commission intervention a bit, but we're working through that."

The Mayor's battle with the Shelby County Commission has been going on for about two months, and clearly, he is still bothered by their actions.

But some of his critics seem to be willing to talk, maybe they're not ready to smoke the peace pipe, but they're willing to listen. That's something.

Commissioner Van Turner says, "I think the legislative body is willing to work with the executive branch to make sure we are unified in our appropriations to address this issue."

There are a lot of $20 words in that answer. To translate, Van Turner is saying I think County Commissioners are willing to work with the Mayor to spend time and money on dealing with the opioids.

Turner has voted against Mayor Luttrell on this issue in the past, but says opioids is such a serious problem that he just wants to see something done, no matter who does it.

"I'm just so happy to be a part of it now," he says. "We need to address it from both ends. Law enforcement needs to address it. The health department needs to address it and we need to address it through the courts."

http://www.localmemphis.com/news/local-news/shelby-county-opioid-fight-continues/953040639