Herenton has not committed himself, The (Memphis) Commercial Appeal reported. While he picked up the papers Thursday, he had not turned anything in as of Friday.
The five-term mayor cited Myron Lowery, a former city council chairman who became interim mayor when Herenton left office at the end of July, as his reason for going after the office he just voluntarily gave up. Lowery is a candidate in the special election.
"It is clear to many citizens that my retirement from office created opportunities for Mayor Pro Tem Lowery and a puzzling list of mayoral candidates to turn our city backward," Herenton wrote. "I am disappointed in Myron's reckless style of leadership. He must be stopped. The city I love deserves better."
When he left office, Herenton said he planned to run for Congress next year and go into business. The cost of the special election is estimated to be $1.16 million.
"I think it's shocking for everyone to know that we're about to spend a million dollars on a special election to replace a man who intends to run in that special election," said Bill Giannini, chairman of the election commission.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
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