M. LaTroy Alexandria-Williams Unveils Bold Economic Vision for Memphis

M. LaTroy Alexandria-Williams, Democratic candidate for the 9th Congressional District, has proposed a comprehensive economic plan aimed at revitalizing Memphis and restoring its status as a major U.S. city. Alexandria-Williams’ vision focuses on leveraging Memphis’ strategic location and untapped potential to create thousands of high-paying jobs and attract global businesses.

At the heart of his plan is the transformation of Mud Island into an international trade center. This ambitious project could potentially create 80,000 new jobs with salaries ranging from $35 to $350 per hour. “Memphis has the potential to be the third or fourth largest city in the United States because of its location,” Alexandria-Williams asserts.

Complementing this initiative is a proposal to develop President Island into a hub for green jobs and renewable energy. Inspired by President Obama’s $4 trillion green jobs initiative, this project could generate positions paying between $50 and $500 per hour, focusing on energy, wind, and other green technologies.

Alexandria-Williams also emphasizes the need to improve Memphis’ transit system, seeing it as a key driver for growth and job creation. He advocates for opening up the city to outside businesses and encouraging competition, particularly in the logistics sector, to break what he calls the “good old boy network.”

The candidate proposes a shift from what he perceives as an 18-year “trickle-down” economic approach to a “trickle-up” theory. This change, he argues, would better serve the diverse Memphis community. Alexandria-Williams stresses the importance of electing representatives who reflect the community’s demographics and can effectively address local needs.

A significant portion of Alexandria-Williams’ platform addresses racial inequality and its economic impacts. He contends that racism and “white superiority” are major economic factors that need to be confronted for the city to progress. “Racism is the highest paying percentages in the world,” he states, emphasizing the need to dismantle systemic barriers to economic equality.

Alexandria-Williams calls for new leadership with fresh ideas to help Memphis grow economically. He argues that the city needs sophisticated, competitive leadership capable of negotiating with powerful business interests. “These businessmen who control the city and who control the state, they’re like lions,” he says. “You got to have someone who has the wits and the myth and the mighty to be able to find ways to work with them.”

In his critique of current leadership, Alexandria-Williams advocates for a more inclusive approach to economic development that benefits all segments of the Memphis community. He proposes round table discussions involving diverse participants from Memphis and beyond to generate innovative solutions for the city’s economic challenges.

As Memphis faces the challenge of reclaiming its former status as a major U.S. city, Alexandria-Williams presents himself as the “tiger” needed to navigate the complex economic landscape and bring about transformative change. His vision for Memphis is one of economic growth, racial equality, and inclusive prosperity, aimed at positioning the city as a competitive force in the 21st century economy.