Premium

‘Misinformation’ about Lakeland government change could jeopardize city charter, some officials say

By , Daily Memphian Updated: April 23, 2026 6:16 AM CT | Published: April 23, 2026 4:00 AM CT

With the process underway to gather signatures for a petition to change Lakeland’s form of government, organizers believe information presented at a public discussion last week caused confusion.

Lakeland Commissioner Connie McCarter and former Mayor Mike Cunningham issued separate statements Tuesday, noting what they perceive as an inaccuracy regarding the potential change in city government presented at the Lakeland Board of Commissioners meeting last Thursday, April 16. 

This is an excerpt of this story. To read more, please click here and subscribe.

Topics

Subscriber Only City of Lakeland change in government Connie McCarter James Lewellen Mike Cunningham

Thank you for reading The Daily Memphian. Your support is critical.

Did you know we are a 501(c)3 nonprofit news organization? We rely on a mix of revenue from subscriptions (50%), advertising, events and other earned income (25%) and fundraising (25%).

Please consider making a fully tax-deductible donation or other contribution to The Daily Memphian today. 

👉🏽 Your subscription pays for you to read all our journalism.

👉🏽 Your donation powers the work we do to reach everyone else with the news.

We believe an informed Memphis is a better Memphis. If you agree, join our growing list of donors now.

Michael Waddell

Michael Waddell

Michael Waddell is a native Memphian with more than 20 years of professional writing and editorial experience, working most recently with The Daily News and High Ground News.


Comments

Want to comment on our stories? If you’re a subscriber, scroll down to the comments. If you’re not a subscriber, only paid subscribers can add their thoughts, so subscribe now. Our commenting policy can be viewed here