Citizens of Mason ‘deserve the right of self-governance,’ Sen. Akbari says
Memphis senator speaks out against the state takeover of a West Tennessee town
MEMPHIS — Tennessee Sen. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, is speaking out against the state taking over control of Mason, a 153-year-old, predominantly Black, West Tennessee town near the site of Ford’s multi-billion Blue Oval development.
“All Tennesseans have the right of self-determination — the right to freely determine and establish their political, social and economic interests without pressure from Capitol Hill,” Sen. Akbari said. “We are witnessing a disturbing, unceasing effort by the supermajority to undermine the power and authority of local governments.
“The people of Mason, a majority Black Tennessee town, deserve the right of self governance today, especially as they write the next chapter of their storied history.”
Read more about the state takeover of Mason in the Tennessee Lookout.
