Jackson Free Press

June 22, 2005

Mayor-elect Frank Melton announced his transition team June 14 at an informational session at the Crossroads Building in downtown Jackson. Hinds County Board of Supervisors President Doug Anderson is chairman of the team. Peyton Prospere, former chief counsel for Gov. Ronnie Musgrove, is executive director of the effort.

"The message that I'm sending everybody is that this is a cooperation between the city and the county, and we're doing it on the front end," Melton said. "Our team will work with the Johnson administration to ensure a smooth hand-over on Monday, July 4. We're looking at a group of the best talent in the city to help us launch a successful plan of action."

The transitional team is a veritable "who's-who" of Jackson's most influential, ranging from Byram annexation attorney and former Jackson mayor Dale Danks to unofficial entertainment mogul Malcolm White. Personalities involved with teams varied from Jackson Advocate Publisher Charles Tisdale to rapper Kamikaze.

Melton described himself and his campaign as a force of unity.

"I tell you, that we got (SCLC executive director) Stephanie Parker-Weaver and Leland Speed in the same group is testament to unity," Melton joked.

Melton's choice for the city's chief administrative officer is former Vicksburg Mayor Robert Walker. His selection for administration chair is former state numbers-cruncher Gary Anderson, who has been a quiet face in politics since his failed bid against Republican Tate Reeves for the state treasurer in the last statewide elections.

Chairs for teams include Denise McCray of the Personnel team; Carol Burger, of Human and Cultural Services; Rod Hill of Public Works; Leland Speed of Economic Development; Jimmy Bell of the Police Department; David Warrington of the Fire Department; Billy Redd of Parks and Recreation; Elaine Anthony of Education Initiatives, and Nina Holbrook of Neighborhood Quality of Life.

Melton also took time out from the one-hour session to introduce his choice for Jackson police chief: Shirlene Anderson, who worked under Melton during his short tenure with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.

Anderson, 53, appeared shy of the cameras and stood nervously as Melton made his announcements.

"Don't let that size fool you. She's dangerous. She's tough," Melton assured the audience. "When I was running for mayor I knew exactly who I wanted to be police chief. We're ready to move on with the approval of the city council."

Melton also showed full confidence in other members of the team.

"We have the institutional knowledge of former mayors Dale Danks and Kane Ditto along with a wonderfully diverse collection of professionals," Melton said. "This is a group which transcends party, race or political patronage."

Current Chief Administrative Officer Otha Burton said his administration was working hard to pass the torch with as much efficiency as possible, but added that he hoped the new administration shared many of the priorities of the current one.

"We love this community, and we hope that those people receiving this power and authority will understand the significance of the issues we've undertaken. There are a number of worthy capital projects and programs that are in place that we've put a lot of effort into creating. These should be maintained," Burton said, pointing out that the city budget was particularly delicate. "When Melton comes in he'll be coming right when there's a $350 million to $370 million budget getting handed to him."

Previous Comments

ID

169803

Comment

What do people think of Pat Fordice as Melton's choice for head of Human and Cultural Affairs? Sure, she worked on bringing some art exhibitts and did a good job (while hubby played). But is she really qualified to run a department responsible for an array of social, educational, and socioeconomic programs including Early Childhood Development, Family and Youth, and Senior Services?

Author

Johann

Date

2005-06-24T12:21:41-06:00

ID

169804

Comment

Another question is the residency issue. Should she live in the city to have such a position?

Author

ladd

Date

2005-06-24T12:29:34-06:00

ID

169805

Comment

Normally I stay out of the political talk on the site, though I respect everyone's opinons, but personally I think Pat Fordice is a wonderful choice for the position. Having worked with her on some projects, I can say that she is definitely in tuned with the needs of the city, especially the youth. She has the heart of a person who would put the city first in her decisions, especially when it comes to the MS Arts Center, Municipal Art Gallery, Parks and Rec., etc. My concern with the nomination is not the person, but the position her nomination will put the city in. Think about it: She is one of the most qualified people for the position (in my opinion, of course), yet she does not live in the city. That is a hurdle this City Council will not take lightly, and I don't think allowances will be considered for her to serve anyway--- though I think she should be given the opportunity.

Author

c a webb

Date

2005-06-24T12:31:21-06:00

ID

169806

Comment

She does seem lovely ó and more power to her for surviving marriage to such a man ó but I think C.A. is correct that the residency issue is, and probably should be, a major hurdle.

Author

ladd

Date

2005-06-24T12:34:10-06:00

ID

169807

Comment

Parks and Recreation is NOT part of Human and Cultural Services. Not questioning her arts experience (and note that there is no traiing in her qualifications), but what are her qualifications in dealing with early childhood, youth and family services and senior citizen services? As for residency requirements, no one indivudal should be given a pass on this... Even if Melton has his own a problems regarding residency...

Author

Johann

Date

2005-06-24T12:41:38-06:00

ID

169808

Comment

My first take is does she want to take an 8-5 job with the City of Jackson. She is a great figurehead; but, a day in, day out department leader is another thing. Since she isn't taking any pay why she can't join the department as a "spokesperson" or "talent" for the over all Team that will lead delegations and promote the city to potential art exhibits, etc. Seems like the right thing to do; and then allow a person who needs a job, the pay, is younger (so they grow with the city - not because of her age!), and is educationally qualified to take the Directors position. I am not sold on changing the ruling that allows for employees to live outside the County. I think it will only promote more flight from a group of city employees who can afford to move out instead of reinvesting their paycheck into Jackson's or the County's coffers.

Author

tortoise

Date

2005-06-24T18:50:57-06:00

ID

169809

Comment

and then allow a person who needs a job, the pay, is younger (so they grow with the city - not because of her age!), and is educationally qualified to take the Directors position. ... and give the job to an actual Jacksonian while you're at it. Good points, tortoise. I am not sold on changing the ruling that allows for employees to live outside the County. I think it will only promote more flight from a group of city employees who can afford to move out instead of reinvesting their paycheck into Jackson's or the County's coffers. Heck, no, they shouldn't change the rules. That's ridiculous. I can't even believe the will-be mayor suggesting such a thing. It's one thing to promote cooperation; it's another to hire people from all around to run a city they don't have a true stake in, or pay taxes in.

Author

ladd

Date

2005-06-24T18:54:56-06:00

ID

169810

Comment

No doubt! I don't want to change it; but, Mayor Melton did say he didn't care if you lived in Afghanistan and wanted to work in Jackson. He also has 4 votes on almost everything, so I am worried that a lot of rules will change. And, at first it may look better and may help; but, after time it may come back to haunt the city and future administrations. The new people in charge hopefully realize they are governing not just for us now, but for future administrations too. We can hope if he does successfully recruit people from outside Hinds that the city will convince/make them to return to the city and help rebuild while they govern.

Author

tortoise

Date

2005-06-25T12:04:07-06:00

ID

169811

Comment

did he really say that 'he didn't care if you lived in Afghanistan..'? now that is pretty strange.. I think the residency issue is a problem in many metro areas, don't have time to research . But for Jackson in particular - my thought is - if you say you care, then live there.

Author

sunshine

Date

2005-06-25T12:19:20-06:00

ID

169812

Comment

Yeah, he said that for emphasis on his argument that he just wants the best people for the job - which is GREAT! But, they should have to relocate then. Most of these positions pay pretty good, and housing is less expensive in Jackson then Madison or Rankin County - unless you want to live in one of those "Jim Walter Home" (which are small and too uniform) communities that are springing up everywhere.

Author

tortoise

Date

2005-06-25T12:35:42-06:00

ID

169813

Comment

I agree about the manufactured housing...it's so blah. If I got one, I would HAVE to personalize it. I'd have to go Frank Lloyd Wright all over the thing! I think Ms. Fordice is a sweetheart, but I have a problem with the residency issue also. I can hear people now: "If Pat Fordice works for the city and doesn't live there, Jackson must really be bad!"

Author

L.W.

Date

2005-06-26T12:03:27-06:00

ID

169814

Comment

I'd be interested in getting some background on some of the other committee members. How were these teams picked??? and waht EXACTLY are they supposed to do.

Author

trusip

Date

2005-06-27T09:35:01-06:00

ID

169815

Comment

Trusip, so far we know a few members as mentioned in the JFP's article and in the C-L. Peyton is a great choice and so is his CAO pick Walker and some others. However, as to who all is on the team, it's hard to say who they are and how they function. It's a mixed bag though. His website doesn't say very much. No info. on this weekends festivities either. Anyone got any details? We do we go to party?!

Author

tortoise

Date

2005-06-27T12:36:36-06:00

ID

169816

Comment

Although I am not positive, I believe she is moving to Jackson as a result of taking the job.

Author

MAllen

Date

2005-06-29T12:00:44-06:00