Jackson Free Press

We realized late in the production cycle for this issue that the Jackson Free Press is publishing its 100th issue this week. It may only be fitting that we reached such a milestone at the same time that the city of Jackson may be experiencing its most dramatic change since we began publishing—a changing of the guard at City Hall.

Over the past few weeks, we've had a few people ask us whether we'll become Jackson's "anti-Melton" newsweekly because we endorsed Mayor Harvey Johnson in the primary election. Answer: No. Simply put, we're pro-Jackson. So we'll be pro-Melton as long as he's good for Jackson.

The truth is that Jackson sits, right now, in a better place than it has been in years. Crime is down by a significant percentage and will stay there if we can keep the economy moving. (Hopefully, that isn't too big of an if with inflation on the rise.)

Projects like the Electric Building, Farish Street and TelCom Center are coming along, not to mention various "behind the scenes" improvements that have been made to Jackson's infrastructure during the Johnson administration. (We're reminded that a massive chunk of Jackson's budget—tens of millions of dollars—goes to improving an extremely old drinking water and sewage system.)

We're intrigued, too, at the potential of what we call Melton's "unity platform" and the diverse coalition of people and interested parties who are excited about his ascension to the mayor's office. Melton was occasionally compared to Rudy Giuliani during the campaign, and perhaps he can fulfill the role of improving the quality of life for Jacksonians and using a broad base of support—including businesspeople, organizations and residents from a variety of political backgrounds—to do it.

Melton has said he'll surround himself with good people. Already he's put forth a few interesting candidates for positions, such as Jackson's first black female for the job of JPD Chief—former MBN deputy director Shirlene Anderson. While she may have been chosen partly because she shrinks from the "top cop" spotlight that Melton enjoys, we're told that she's a strong administrator and an experienced officer who can keep the Jackson Police Department motivated to do a good job while maintaining discipline within the ranks.

While we expect Melton to be a vocal "top cop," we also hope he'll encourage JPD to stick to constitutional practices for law enforcement and to maintain an even keel in police administration. (Giuliani was also a vocal "top cop"—and in the year after he left office, New York City paid a stunning $582 million in lawsuit settlements coming out of the Giuliani administration, many of which were police brutality cases.)

Melton has an opportunity that Mayor Johnson didn't have—the potential for his "unity platform" to pull the entire Jackson Metro area together, such that Madison, Rankin and Hinds might work to make the entire Metro not only a better place to live, but a more complete offering for potential new residents and businesses.

Helping to shape some sort of regional cooperation for transportation and services could be Melton's greatest legacy. The City of Jackson foots the bill for many suburban services, and yet JATRAN buses can't—for instance—drop customers off at Ridgeland's Northpark Mall. If new jobs are in the suburbs, then Mr. Melton is going to need to use his charm and business sense to work with other municipalities to enable Jackson residents to reach those jobs.

But a strong leader doesn't give up the farm. Melton will need to balance the needs of Jackson residents—jobs, infrastructure, investment—with Jackson's relationship with its neighbors. And those neighbors must be convinced to get out of their trenches if we're going to build lasting alliances. That won't be easy.

Joint effort on the part of Hinds, Madison and Rankin counties might be the first step toward some future regional authority, which could improve transportation, infrastructure, tax policy and recreation options in the Metro. Such an authority, for instance, might be able to develop the Pearl River into an amazing natural resource with biking and hiking, as well as boat launches for fisherman and canoeists—the sort of amenities that attract high-tech businesses and active, professional workers seeking quality of life.

Ultimately, Mr. Melton will need to be judged against his promises. We expect to see West Jackson housing improved, Highway 80 populated with new businesses and a vibrant, exciting downtown once again serving as the heart of the Metro. And we need businesses located in the urban center, so that people can get to them.

That's one reason why we don't support changing the rules to allow non-Hinds residents to work for a paycheck in city government. Barring a commuter tax of some sort, it isn't fair to ask Jackson to pay for the infrastructure of those city jobs and buildings while sending those salary dollars into the suburbs. We need those city employees invested in Jackson neighborhoods, buying homes, contributing to quality of life and accountable to their neighbors.

As you can see from the cover story in this issue (see pages 14-17), we're interested in learning more of Melton's specific plans, and we're ready to see the "unity platform" in action. A lot of Jacksonians are excited by the future, and many of them join us in thanking Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. for getting us this far.

At the same time, we call on the Melton administration to run an open government and to get down-and-dirty discussing its plans. One excellent way for Mr. Melton to get the word out is to honor his repeated promises to sit down with the Jackson Free Press for a Q&A interview.

In either case, we'll be here reporting the facts and helping you keep Mayor Melton accountable. We're ready to see if Melton can live up to the lofty ideals of his campaign. We hope so, as we'd like to live in that Jackson.

We think Jackson has huge potential, and no one will cheer louder for Melton if he can—and will—help deliver it.

Previous Comments

ID

70182

Comment

The JFP certainly has shown it is Jackson first; even if you don't agree with certain articles or the "perceived" political view that everyone who is a fan of the paper is some left wing nut job (drink) as some people like to try and point out ñ unsuccessfully I must add. This editorial is no different. This is a very expressive editorial that captures how most of us feel. The part about JATRAN is very informative. That would be great! Which is why it bugs me that so many hard-core Melton supporters seem to have this stigma for those who supported HJJ? It's not as if we are going to up and move and bad mouth Jackson or just assume the city is going down. We love this city, we love the area and that won't change because we have a new Mayor. Itís fair to say that the paper and most JFP readers are quicker to support Jackson and defend our honor then other media outlets and MS residents. I look forward to lots of ground breakings, ribbon cuttings, and cheesy pictures of "new" business people in the business papers! I look forward to even less crime and improved unity between municipalities. Hopefully, all these improvements will still try to cater to the creative class too. People like to let their hair down after work without any stigmas attached. We will just have to wait and see if it develops. The time is right.

Author

tortoise

Date

2005-06-29T20:28:23-06:00

ID

70183

Comment

Thanks, tortoise. I can't take credit for it ó I didn't write this one ó but it captures well how we believe most Jacksonians feel, including the vast majority who didn't vote for anybody. People we know want to see Mr. Melton do well, and will applaud him for it, but also believe that he should be held as accountable as he has held other public officials over the years. Mr. Melton was never been one to say that the media should climb on board with a public official, no matter what they do or say, and no matter what percentage they won by; in fact, he got where he is today by bucking the status quo and demanding accountability from public officials. I am confident that he respects other media who are determined to follow the precedent that he has set in Jackson, and I look forward very much to that interview he and I keep discussing. Now that the campaign is over, we expect him to be much more open to doing a real interview. There is no reason not to talk directly to Jacksonians about his plans now that he's mayor and every reason to do it.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2005-06-30T11:19:00-06:00

ID

70184

Comment

Over the past few weeks, weíve had a few people ask us whether weíll become Jacksonís ìanti-Meltonî newsweekly because we endorsed Mayor Harvey Johnson in the primary election. This says alot about the mindset of the people who are asking you that question. For people who actually read your coverage, it's pretty obvious that it's possible to disagree with the Mayor, whoever that may be, on some issues and agree with the Mayor on others. I love the way, for so many people, disagreeing on a policy matter translates automatically into being "anti" that person. Half the fun of following politics is finding all those unlikely, and bizarr-o areas of agreement you have with the "other side" that you never expected to find. Besides, there's no fun, and no real creativity, in being "anti" something. All that anger and contrariness just gets boring after a while.

Author

kate

Date

2005-06-30T14:50:50-06:00

ID

70185

Comment

ladd- I really hope you get to interview Mayor Melton and ask him the tough questions. Don't antigonize him though. You strike me as the type of person that could easily ask an insulting question, thus upsetting the Mayor and forcing him to walk out of the interview(which he will do). Just be cool and you'll get your just due. I'm sure he'll warm up to you if your questions are worth discussing. But that's not for me to figure out, it's up to you. good luck.

Author

chickjuice

Date

2005-07-01T07:13:37-06:00

ID

70186

Comment

Upset Melton? chick, did you happen to watch the Bottom Line? Melton has a tough skin and was an antagonizer in every meaning of the word. He railed politicians, criminals, the media, businesses and individuals... The Bottom Line was his soapbox and was far more volatile and aggressive than ANY statement I've heard made in ANY column of the JFP (regardless of author). chick, based on your posts and discussion styles, it could be said you're an antagonizer as well...

Author

kaust

Date

2005-07-01T08:40:43-06:00

ID

70187

Comment

Knol - Melton strikes me as the kind of guy that can dish it, but can't take it. So if ladd pushes his buttons the wrong way, he'll stop the interview. We don't want that right? so maybe ladd shouldn't interview him and you guy get a more subtle interviewer to quiz the new Mayor. just a thought. And I'm not an antagonizer Knol. I'm the type who prefers to jostle out the topic at hand and discuss it's positives and negatives in one topic instead of drifting into "nowhere land" like the topics I've been involved in recently on this site. It's almost as if I don't "word" or "angle" my comments just right, I'm being antagonistic or volitale. When people discuss issues, they don't all talk the same or word their words the same. This site is not like that. Any contrary thoughts or opinions are attacked and scorned. that's not good discussion in my book. Good discussion is hearing the good and the bad regardless of whose to blame and coping with that. Healthy debate is without spin is what I like.

Author

chickjuice

Date

2005-07-01T09:05:38-06:00

ID

70188

Comment

Well bless your heart to make assumptions about Donna. Not certain if you've met her, but if you'd listened to Radio Fondren yesterday, you might could get a better understanding of the role of the media. You've made assumptions I will not respond too; however, a public official owes his people answers to questions, and the media owes the public questions we want answered. You being personally struck by someone you obviously don't know does not change that.

Author

emilyb

Date

2005-07-01T09:55:12-06:00

ID

70189

Comment

Thanks for the interviewing advice, chickjuice. But just so you know, I don't ask "insulting" questions; I ask straightforward, open-ended questions that people can answer anyway they choose. I happen to be a professional. I don't tiptoe around, chickjuice, especially a public official. I don 't worry about whether I'm "pushing someone's buttons," not do I try to. I ask direct questions; it's up to them to answer them. Or not. And often the not answering says as much as the answering. Any contrary thoughts or opinions are attacked and scorned. This is not true, chickjuice. You are very antagonistic and on probation, as it were. However, you are trying to discuss actual issues, so we're giving you a shot to do that. False statements like this one, however, do not make you sound very intelligent or non-antagonistic. Lies are, by their very nature, "spin," and they're not part of good debate. This statement about this site is a lie, whether or not you intend it to be. I will tell you the last time: Stop making false, stereotypical statements and putting words in other people's mouths. Last call. Really. And Knol is correct about the "Bottom Lines." I have copies of many of them, and they were antagonistic and, often, factually incorrectóeven though they also made good, important points (like the need for private prisons to be closed down). That is not a model for journalism, although I do admire Mr. Melton's past belief that public officials should be constantly questioned and his willingness to do it, whether they liked it or not. I agree with him, and will continue following his lead.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2005-07-01T10:02:20-06:00

ID

70190

Comment

RE: kate on Jun 30, 05 | 3:50 pm Yep, the old asumption that says "support on one thing, support in all. against you on one thing, against you in all. wrong on one thing, wrong on all, etc. etc. etc. ad infinius nauseum" Doesn't that give you a clue as to how much groupthink, lack of critical thinking, conformity, and judgementalism exists among the local electorate? How else do you explain why places like the suburbs have Kerry support barely higher than West Jackson has Bush support?

Author

Philip

Date

2005-07-01T12:52:16-06:00

ID

70191

Comment

You're right, Philip: That is "thinking" at its most ridiculous and absurd and least intelligent. And such groupthink has gotten people in a whole shitload of trouble over the years, including right here in Mississippi when, for instance, the majority of (voting) Mississippians voted to close the public schools rather than integrate. Uh, that was a "mandate," tooóbut it didn't make it right or intelligent. One, of course, can find even more serious examples of what groupthink gets people intoówith perhaps the most extreme being Hitler's Germany. One of the most absurd things I have ever witnessed, and I have witnessed some absurd things, are the people around town contorting logic into all sorts of venomous pretzels to say publicly that no one should question Mr. Melton's decisions and plans because he has some sort of "mandate"; therefore, we should all just blindly climb on without question. WTF? Only a blatant, and pathetic, fool would argue such a thing (and I'm not arguing that chick is doing that, although she is sounding a bit that way in some of her posts). Fortunately, everyone knows who the more vocal Melton-without-question advocates are and laughs at them behind their backs because they continually make such asses out of themselves. So I think we'll survive their particular idiocy just fine. ;-) It's always good when the real idiots in our midst float to the surface so that people know who they really are behind their fake back-slapping. And, for the record, I haven't heard Mr. Melton say such a thing or that he shouldn't be questioned. In fact, to my face, he has said that he really wants to sit down with the JFP for a real interview; he just hasn't allowed it to happen, yet. So don't misconstrue my comments as about him. I truly believe that Mr. Melton is a much better person than *some* of his most vocal supporters.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2005-07-01T13:20:30-06:00

ID

70192

Comment

People shouldn't be so bitter about Melton as the new Mayor. God knows the last one wasn't up to snuff or he would've won the people over again. I hate when people blame a hanging chad or some ficticious ghosts for their own shortcomings. In my opinion, Voting is the strongest voice we have to make change or keep the status quo and if a person is too damn lazy to get out and vote on their own futures, tough turd. It's the town criers and agenda seekers that are the most frustrated. to them I say, eat your crow slowly then wash it down with reality.

Author

chickjuice

Date

2005-07-05T11:23:31-06:00

ID

70193

Comment

chickjuice, I don't know too many people who are "bitter" about Mr. Melton winning, and your "crow" talk is just silly. I do know a good number of people who are "bitter" because Jackson citizens are daring to ask Mr. Melton's administration about specifics and be concerned about whether the crime-righting is going to pass constitutional muster (being that his hasn't always in the past). Some folks' responses are starting to remind me of the days when no one could question Bush or the war -- although just about everyone is criticizing the war and Bush now, or at least keeping their mouths shut about it. Democracy is about rigorous discussion and accountability of our elected officials. Mr. Melton is a prime example of someone who has long done that in Jackson. I can't imagine that he expects other people not to do the same of him. He has rigorously exercised his First Amendment right to question our public officials over the years, as he should have, and as others must him and his administration today. We are not being responsible citizens if we do not hold our elected officials accountable. It's not good enough to say later, "oh, we should have thought of that earlier." The city of Jackson is not rich enough to just pay off lawsuits later. We've got to run this thing like a business NOW, and that means watching out for and anticipating potential problems before they become overwhelming. If you do not wish to participate in that, fine, but do not, I repeat DO NOT, come on here and excoriate other people for trying to be smart citizens.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2005-07-05T11:32:49-06:00

ID

70194

Comment

chickjuice, I don't know too many people who are "bitter" about Mr. Melton winning, and your "crow" talk is just silly. I do know a good number of people who are "bitter" because Jackson citizens are daring to ask Mr. Melton's administration about specifics and be concerned about whether the crime-righting is going to pass constitutional muster (being that his hasn't always in the past). Some folks' responses are starting to remind me of the days when no one could question Bush or the war -- although just about everyone is criticizing the war and Bush now, or at least keeping their mouths shut about it. I didn't vote for Bush and I'm still upset about this "war on Islam for oil" aka "war on Terror". But Melton is what the majority voted for in Jackson. If not him, who is worthy? Change was needed badly and whether or not Frank will fulfill his duties is water under the bridge at this point. All we can do is be optimistic about his agenda and hope he leads Jackson in the right direction. And if not, you know where the voting booth is next time. Democracy is about rigorous discussion and accountability of our elected officials. Mr. Melton is a prime example of someone who has long done that in Jackson. I can't imagine that he expects other people not to do the same of him. He has rigorously exercised his First Amendment right to question our public officials over the years, as he should have, and as others must him and his administration today. We are not being responsible citizens if we do not hold our elected officials accountable. It's not good enough to say later, "oh, we should have thought of that earlier." The city of Jackson is not rich enough to just pay off lawsuits later. We've got to run this thing like a business NOW, and that means watching out for and anticipating potential problems before they become overwhelming. I agree. People need to realize,though, that Melton is in charge now and there's nothing we can do about his tenure as Mayor until 2008. Grilling him with questions is a good thing, I agree, but I've met Melton and I, not being a reporter at all, even had to learn quickly how to quiz this guy. His a sharp wit from Texas. Not that Texans come equipped with inherent intelligence, but he's definitely "faster and sharper" mentally than most of the Jacksonians he's come in contact with and he will have no issue in shunning the media outlets who get under his skin. Same with Bush. Bush won't go on BET or MTV to be grilled by young vibrant reporters because he knows what will happen there. That's why he stays hidden behind his radio addresses because he's not comfortable talking to anybody. You have to accomplish that with Melton ladd. If not, he'll clam up and cease the interview. It's all in your approach to questioning him that's crucial. good luck.

Author

chickjuice

Date

2005-07-05T12:03:42-06:00

ID

70195

Comment

All we can do is be optimistic about his agenda and hope he leads Jackson in the right direction. Wow. No, that's not all we can do. We can pay attention, ask questions, speak up, be good citizens. Otherwise, thanks again for the reporting advice. ;-) You are a bit confused, though, in what the problem actually is, which is fine. It's not about approach.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2005-07-05T12:07:02-06:00

ID

70196

Comment

cj: "but he's definitely "faster and sharper" mentally than most of the Jacksonians he's come in contact with..." ROTFLMAO!!!! You got to be kidding me?! Please, tell me you are not that shortsighted to see how dumb this statement looks. If he and his administration, and the "see no wrong" supporters believe or perpetuate this myth for a second, y'all may as well all go on over to TX - ASAP! Call Ben and Larry if you want to blow smoke about Melton, the rest of us will concentrate on Jackson and how it fairs inthe next few months. May be an interview question in this statement? ;-)

Author

tortoise

Date

2005-07-05T12:29:03-06:00

ID

70197

Comment

tortoise - did you vote? It's not shortsighted to think such. Jackson and surrounding areas' thought process is that of a closed society. Most of us don't follow politics like we should and Melton knows this. He has open views and I'm sure wouldn't mind at all if ladd interviewed him with the toughest questions she can muster. But Melton, I think, is under the same gun as Harvey was. If he happens to say something that we (citizens) don't like, he can be easily black balled in Jackson. I for one believe Harvey, although a heavy slacker, was black balled in the public's eye. He did a smadh job in getting the Farish Street and King Ed renovation but that was a little too late after he was considered a bust as Mayor. That's not smart of the citizenry if you ask me. I'm only one voter, but the lack of voter turnout showed me that voting is the most important tool we can use to create change. Sadly, people didn't take full advantage of that right and therefore they got a candidate that they didn't want due to poor voter turnout. Not Franks' fault...his crowd voted. It's harder to cry foul after the fact than it is before the fact.

Author

chickjuice

Date

2005-07-05T15:28:44-06:00

ID

70198

Comment

Vote all the time, chick! Your right Melton is sharper then some Jacksonians - I can think of one right now! Anyone who doesn't see the insult in your statement that Melton is sharper then "MOST" Jacksonians is not to sharp themselves. Any good leader (and I will bet Mayor Melton agrees) would not ever give the impression they are better then someone whether they are or not. Especially a public figure! Melton has not hinted he is a "better" person than any one of us. That is not his style. He has his ways, he may think they are better and some may be. But, your vast insult on Jacksonians is not being "Pro-Jackson." We all put our pants on one leg at a time. And the last I checked running the city takes more than one man or woman. I sure hope he hires some of these sharp individuals that you say Jackson lacks. So far he's done pretty good in town and out! Where is your resume cj? Well, I was looking for a place to post this about roadblock gone bad that has happened in the wake of the new spat of road blocks around town. Till I read chickj's post. I hate it she is so bitter with Jackson. Anti Jackson ever being any good, hates D. Danks (but wonít expound), thinks most of us are dumb, wants to leave, etc. Sorry to rant; but, this info on the road blocks is interesting. I think they had a bunch today?

Author

tortoise

Date

2005-07-25T16:56:00-06:00