A Message from Andrea Bell

My name is Andrea Bell, and I am running to be your next Shelby County Commissioner for District 12. For those of you in Hickory Hill and the Southwind area, this isn't just a political race for me—it’s about home. I have lived here my entire life. My journey began in South Memphis, where despite the challenges we faced, there was a profound sense of community. We lived by the "village" mentality; we didn't know we were poor because we had each other. If you needed a cup of sugar or a bit of flour, you went next door. I am a proud Kirby High School graduate—a Cougar through and through—and I’ve stayed right here in Hickory Hill because I believe in the potential of our streets and our families.

The spark that led me to this moment happened last year during the discussions surrounding the bipartisan education bill. As I watched the process unfold, I realized that our children deserve better. They deserve representation that reflects the needs of every resident, not just a select few. I am running because I believe the first job of a commissioner is to be a community advocate. Right now, there is a massive disconnect; nine times out of ten, when I talk to neighbors on their porches, they don’t even know who their commissioner is. That has to change. While this is technically a part-time position, the issues we face—crime, education, and economic stagnation—require a full-time mentality. I am ready to be the visible, diligent leader who knows your name and the specific issues on your block.

My life has been defined by accountability and hard work. I’ve always moved with a sense of urgency—graduating both high school and college three years early. By the age of 23, I faced a life-altering challenge: I legally adopted six of my younger siblings to keep our family together. Navigating that responsibility while building a decade-long career in federal government contracts and services taught me exactly how the systems in Shelby County work—and where they fail. I successfully raised my siblings, saw them graduate, and watched them thrive. I bring that same grit, that same "family-first" dedication, and a high-level expertise in budgeting and oversight to the Commission.

One of the biggest questions I get is about taxes. Let me be clear: I am against raising taxes unless it is a direct necessity for public health, safety, or education. Before we ever ask the hardworking people of District 12 to reach deeper into their pockets, we must look at how we are spending the money we already have. My first strategy is to aggressively target and reduce fraud, waste, and abuse. By honing in on these inefficiencies, we can recover millions of dollars and reinvest those revenues directly back into our neighborhoods.

We also need a "New Shelby County" when it comes to growth and entertainment. It breaks my heart that there is so little for our children and families to do within our own district. We need to show outside investors that Memphis is the place to be. When people disparage our city, it hurts our ability to grow. As a leadership team, we must reinvest in ourselves first to prove our value to the world. We need thriving businesses and safe spaces for recreation so our children don't just grow up here—they stay here and work here.

I am running as an Independent because I believe the hyper-partisanship of modern politics is a barrier to progress. Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, we all share the same goal: a better, safer, more prosperous Shelby County. I am here to build bridges, not walls. We are the "next wave" of leadership—a movement focused on positivity, accountability, and the restoration of that "village" spirit I grew up with. I am Andrea Bell, and I would be honored to have your support and your vote as we move District 12 forward together.