Jackson Free Press

City Council members moved to distance themselves from Jackson Mayor Frank Melton's eviction of tenants living at the Maple Street Apartments at the City Council meeting on Jan. 3. "The council has not been a part of this process. We should be a part of this process, and we don't condone the process thus far," Council President Marshand Crisler said.

On Monday, Jan. 2, Melton arrived at the apartments on Fortification Street with the JPD Mobile Police Unit and other police cars. Flanked by police bearing automatic weapons, Melton handed property owner Andrew Moore a notification of intent to close the apartments.

"It's closed as of now," Melton told him, according to the Clarion-Ledger, and explained that the apartments could no longer take in tenants.

Melton said residents would be moved out beginning that day, and that city vehicles will transport residents free of charge to new apartments. Melton also said residents will be required to attend a course on how to take care of property, and the city will work to provide job training and employment.

Former apartment manager Laura Gibson pled with council members to delay evictions and make sure Melton would keep his promises to assist tenants.

"We just can't trust this person. He's said so many things before, and it never happened," Gibson told the council. "I have to hug these children and tell them that things are going to be alright, but I don't really know that it will."

"As city officials, we apologize for the actions that have been taken by the mayor thus far," Crisler said to Gibson. "I understand that you've been hurt by these actions and don't trust the government very much right now, but we want you to know that we're going to rectify this situation."

Ward 1 Councilman Ben Allen admitted frustration at the poor communication between the mayor and the council.

"Dad-gummit, we're sitting out here with phone calls from people I don't even know last night asking, 'What is going on?' And I have to tell them that I don't know. It's embarrassing!" Allen said.

Ward 2 Councilman Leslie McLemore called Melton's behavior "a T.V. opportunity."

"As a council member, I'm ashamed that this has become such a public spectacle. This is not about driving up in police vans and police cars with guns on them and delivering a paper. That is absolutely beyond repair. As a council member, I feel that this has absolutely gone too far. We're tired of this grandstanding, and that's what this is all about," McLemore said.

Crisler said that threats made by the mayor to evict or close down anything must always be approved by the council, and added that the council, so far, did not approve of Melton's Jan. 2 decision.

"There needs to be some dialogue between the mayor and the city council to move this project forward. That's the only way this can happen. (Melton) has the autonomy to operate in the manner he's operating in without authorization. He can operate any way he wants to, until he starts spending money to do it. That's where we come in," Crisler said.

Melton walked into the council meeting, saw the reporters and left.

Previous Comments

ID

64897

Comment

So why did the mayor walk out of the Council meeting? Why not, he has walked out on everyone else. Where does he get off telling the apartment residents that they will be required to take classes? Where is the city getting all of this money to fund his projects? I thought that he said that the city was broke! I, for one have not given him good grades for his behavior. I wonder why he has stopped talking to the citizens as he did before he was elected? I agree that everyone is entitled to safe living conditions, but he is doing their thinking for them.

Author

lance

Date

2006-01-03T19:18:12-06:00

ID

64898

Comment

(Sorry about the weird symbols. I'll get the webheads to fix them. But y'all can decipher the story meantime, I think.)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-03T19:26:45-06:00

ID

64899

Comment

WAPT tonight: Residents of an apartment complex, shut down by Jackson Mayor Frank Melton have asked the City Council for help. [...] Residents said for the last six months, Melton promised them he would move them out of the complex. But residents said while the owner shut the complex down, Melton hasn’t gotten them out. [...] Council members claim that the mayor needs their approval for funding to make that happen, and so far, they haven’t received any requests. In fact, they said the mayor hasn’t given them any details about his plans for the complex or its residents. “Frank promised us he was going to come and move us out. Frank hadn’t done nothing. Only thing Frank did was come shut the complex down. You still have people with nowhere to go, still wondering where they children going to sleep at,” said LaTonia Daniels, who lives in the Maple Street Apartments. Residents said they were promised moving packages by the mayor that would help them cover moving expenses. So far those packages have not materialized.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-03T19:31:02-06:00

ID

64900

Comment

WLBT continues to do a decent job on this story, I must say. Tonight: "We are so disgusted that we are asking the city council to make sure that at least one of these things told to the people at maple street apartments can be true," said Laura Gibson on behalf of the tenants at the complex. Gibson used to be the manager but said she now has no connection to the complex's owner, Andrew Moore. The council criticized the way Mayor Melton handled the situation. They say the guns and dozens of police were over the top. Council members say the mayor never consulted with them. "Before there can be any evictions, relocation, or spending of funds, the council has to be a part of it. So whatever is going on right now is of a rogue nature," said Council President Marshand Crisler. When the mayor addressed tenants at Maple St. on Monday he said the city would help financially. "We have money in the city to help you with the moving and the rent and everything," said Mayor Melton. "There is not a penny spent in this city that we do not approve," said Councilman Ben Allen, Ward 1. [...] "Even if we wanted to do something today as a council it is going to take weeks for it to get done. I don't think the mayor understands that," said Allen. "This isn't Dodge City. You can't just go in there and do these things."

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-03T19:35:23-06:00

ID

64901

Comment

Councilman Allen, btw, is coming up with some pretty incredible quotes: "This isn't Dodge City" is a pretty good one.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-03T19:37:30-06:00

ID

64902

Comment

This is gonna get good. Melton hasn't learned that there are policies and procedures in place for this sort of thing. Its almost amusing that he thought being Mayor would mean he was "in charge" of the city...and didn't realize it was going to be his hardest life lesson in "learning to play well with others". What's that book called? "Everything I need to know I learned in kindegarten" ? Because, I'm thinking Frank missed the class where they taught asking for permission and borrowing someone else's toys. Man, you can't just take another man's Tonka Tank Truck and roll up in someone's house and take their ball. YOU GOTTA ASK. I've moved about ten families due to social service reasons in my career of about seven years. And, let me tell you, its not just the "moving". We have to assign case managers to get kids enrolled in school for parents lacking transportation. You have to understand some people live there because they have no car and walk to work. You have to understand a million tiny little details that he doesn't seem to get. Its not that I think that good, affordable, CLEAN housing for people is bad idea. I think its a great idea. Its just that there are REASONS people live where they do. And, picking them up and moving them somewhere else requires more than "a piece of paper". It requires dedication, caring, understanding families and their cultures, and hard work. NONE of which I have seen come out of the Mayor's office.

Author

Lori G

Date

2006-01-03T19:42:58-06:00

ID

64903

Comment

Melton walked into the council meeting, saw the reporters and left. Now, that has to be one of the strangest sentences I've read about Melton in a LONG while... Melton turned around and left when there was a press opportunity? ;-)

Author

kaust

Date

2006-01-03T19:54:33-06:00

ID

64904

Comment

And, if no one cares if I continue to go off about the ramifications of this, seeming as how I am now old, alone, and own cats, I will. A list of other things people don't think about that I'm tired of thinking about that I will tell you now so that YOU may worry about it and I may get some rest 1) Schools. Transferring means paperwork. Takes a few weeks. It also means that kids must learn a new bus route, new teachers, and new classmates. For kids already living in poverty and dealing with a underfunded educational system, this is hard. Its hard on NORMAL kids, much harder on those in poverty who are dealing with parents with spotty work records and few parenting skills. Truancy problem? Well, let's just say its not strange for a kid in poverty to miss a week of school when their family moves. 2) Other government Assistance: This means EVERY family in that complex that is getting aid must complete paperwork to change their residence. This means extra work for every city employee that works in these aid offices. It also means that parents, who already are overburdened by being single and sometimes employed by two jobs, have to take time from work and go DO this paperwork 3) The moving itself. Enough said. Don't you hate to move? Imagine if you worked two jobs, had three kids, and it was JUST YOU in charge of having to do this. What if you were this fictional mom's employer? Wouldn't you be tired of her taking off work to CARE for her children...and MOVE? Plus, there are moving expenses. Deposits for utilities and other bills. I will not presume to say that people don't pay their bills. But, for families in poverty their electricity is usually the first to go. This means if they try to connect somewhere else they most often have to pay a few hundred dollars down. Wanna know who pays this? Government agencies and faith based institutions (when they can't pay). 4) Social supports within the system itself. You act like these families don't support other families in this complex. Many apartment complexes hold extended families. In African American families, extended social support often offered by grandmothers, aunts, and cousins factor into their daily child care. You interrupt these services and naturally place a strain on other systems because of it. Give me a few more minutes to get fired up and I'll go on.....(It's been a bad day) :)

Author

Lori G

Date

2006-01-03T19:55:21-06:00

ID

64905

Comment

I just realized. I can't go on. I'm supposed to be writing a column. I'm sorry. You have just been saved from a lonely social worker's ire, and the wonderful fiery explosion of her Good Ship Idealistic.

Author

Lori G

Date

2006-01-03T20:01:41-06:00

ID

64906

Comment

Barring an apology to the Council and the Maple street tenants, and an about-face from Melton, I think he is going to feel the heat on this for a while, couple that with the continuance of an average of one violent crime being committed a week and I’d say Melton will fold and resign.

Author

K RHODES

Date

2006-01-03T20:08:53-06:00

ID

64907

Comment

[Barring an apology to the Council and the Maple street tenants, and an about-face from Melton, I think he is going to feel the heat on this for a while, couple that with the continuance of an average of one violent crime being committed a week and I’d say Melton will fold and resign. ] I'm hoping and wishing that in six months he resigns in frustration.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-01-03T21:15:45-06:00

ID

64908

Comment

Ali, thanks for your expert comments here; they help add needed perspective. I don't get at all how Mr. Melton could insult us with a straight face by saying that showing up with the Danks Tank (like the sound of that?) and an oranged-shirted gunman is going to help the people of Maple Street. Why didn't he present a plan to City Council months ago when he first started obsessing out loud about Maple Street? Why didn't he show up with social workers in tow, instead of gunmen, to meet with the families and explain to them what is happening to them? None of it makes a damn lick of sense, and from what I'm hearing, Jackson knows it. Those images from last night are going to stick around for a while.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-03T22:24:16-06:00

ID

64909

Comment

Would that be the "Flaming bleeding heart" expert perspective? ;) I just reread that post and its typical "me" in a rant about social welfare issues. I guess I won't apologize for being passionate. Although, I will apologize for not cursing more in it. I feel it could have used more curse words. :)

Author

Lori G

Date

2006-01-03T22:57:30-06:00

ID

64910

Comment

Saw Melton's "Bottom Line" on WLBT tonight. He seemed extremely uncomfortable and blamed the media for being, I believe, he "wrongly focused," because they/we are concerned about the dog-and-Danks-tank show they put on for the residents. He indicated that the police's lives were in grave danger, and presumably his, too, in that neighborhood. I'm just glad the boy who threw the rock at the Danks Tank didn't get shot. It wasn't much of an interview, though. Stribling didn't push him to say why it makes any sense to do this without a plan already in place. Melton did offer that they started talking about where to relocate the families "about a week ago," which would have been right after Christmas. We had trrouble raising anybody at the city last week, andd we worked all week. Maybe there were at some retreat somewhere coming up with a stellar plan for how to care for all the people they are throwing on the streets in early January. I love the part where he is going to make them go to school to learn how to take care of their yards and such. We really are living in a Daddy State here.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-03T23:59:27-06:00

ID

64911

Comment

I don't know if he'll resign, K, but perhaps he should try some humility and figure out to be a mayor and stop making a fool of himself and the city. He's going to turn himself into a laughing stock if he's not careful, and that's not a legacy one wants. How hard can it be to understand that you have to plan and follow the law. As Councilman Allen said on another thread, Jackson is not a kingdom. And Mr. Melton is not a king or a monarch.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-04T00:02:02-06:00

ID

64912

Comment

Ali you are so right in listing some of the ramifications of moving tenants around from one place to another. Who knows what the arrangements were for some of the people that lived at the Maple street apartments to live by day to day? What about those who may not have had transportation? What if some the people that had jobs now may lose them because of their means of getting back and forth to work? Frank has made references to his fortunate lifestyle in the past. He made a comment during his campaign to a lady that he paid out more in taxes than she makes from working. How did he know what she made? Everyone dosen't have the luxury of bragging what they pay back to the governmnet. I don't think that the mayor has a pulse on the working people of this city. Even when you take time and plan to move, it is very expensive and time consuming. Has he found soltice for the Katrina victims that he made promises to also?

Author

lance

Date

2006-01-04T00:09:15-06:00

ID

64913

Comment

He seems to show contempt for poor people, as if they embarrass him or something, not that I'm the therapist in the room. It's as if he thinks he can threaten people out of being poor, which is absurd, of course. It's a very odd dynamic. BTW, anyone seen "A Soldier's Story" recently?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-04T00:15:06-06:00

ID

64914

Comment

And, sadly, he seems to waste so much time and energy on sweeps that could be put into, yes, planning. Mayor Johnson might have been lambasted for too much "planning," but he might just get the last laugh on that one.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-04T00:16:00-06:00

ID

64915

Comment

One more thing: Someone made the point after the M.A.P. Coalition campaign stop where Melton repeatedly promised the members " a studio on Farish Street!" that he should use his money to start a business that would put a lot of people to work and teach them self-sufficiency. Or build a studio himself with private investment instead of promising that the city is going to get into the music business (which it doesn't seem to be doing after all, to our shock and awe). I've heard all the talk about him being a "good businessman," but I actually have not seen the evidence that he knows how to work with actual business people to create wealth. To Mr. Melton, it seems to be about giving his own personal wealth to some kids as charity (which is admirable, when done correctly) or "getting grants" from the government. For instance, he just seems clueless about the impact that a downtown renaissance can have on this city, its economy and its residents. I'm just not seeing the business acumen at play here. He seems to be running off the devlopers willing to invest in the city, for goodness sake! What is that about????? Run it like a business, my a$$.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-04T00:21:40-06:00

ID

64916

Comment

Frank did not pass up an opportunity to lambaste Mayor Johnson. He even went around the neighborhood picking up criminals for the police. He complained about Johnson not getting anything done. Now he has really made me see him (Frank) for his true colors. He used the media to get a free sounding board to launch his vision of Dodge City. He is not Matt Dillion. He is not Wyatt Earp. He is not a Texas Ranger. He is not even Barney Fife. He is a poster child for a person with dreams as a child that they never got to live out.

Author

lance

Date

2006-01-04T00:23:36-06:00

ID

64917

Comment

Well, you know what they say: Sound bites can't run a city. Well, maybe into the ground. But the idiot media are getting what they asked for; they should not act the least bit shocked at the cartoon "Dodge City" we've found ourselves in. After all, Ronnie Agnew admitted it right up front last weekend: they love his antics. Be sure to read Todd's column tomorrow on on Mr. Agnew's little admission. I cannot say it better than he does. And you know what David Hampton says: He'd endorse him (and Bush, apparently) again. Say that three times, and click your heels.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-04T00:30:47-06:00

ID

64918

Comment

I wonder if the rest of the country is watching us? You know Frank had dignitaries from all over the U S in here to hear him blow smoke at his inaguration. I hope that they have not been keeping up with Jackson. If so, when I travel from now on until things are better, I will have to wear a paper bag over my head. We have a seldom seen police chief. We have a fire chief that walks around with a wad of tobacco in his jaw. We have several department head vacancies while we pay insane salaries to contract workers. The city is begining to look like a ghost town because our industry is moving out by the droves. Thanks Franks, you have REALLY put us on the map now!!!

Author

lance

Date

2006-01-04T00:38:56-06:00

ID

64919

Comment

I have friends all over the country. I have sent most of the link to the JFP website. You are our saving grace that we will survive and make a comeback.

Author

lance

Date

2006-01-04T00:42:15-06:00

ID

64920

Comment

I know, I'm concerned that our reputation is going backward as well—and how that is going to affect our renaiisance and economic development. Most people do not want to live in a police state; folks in Brandon who dislike the city may cheer it on in the Ledge ugly letters column, but that doesn't mean it's good for the city or the state. And remember the Business Week article. The truth is, we have national media swarming all over the state right now, and this story is going to get out. Of course, we're already given such shortshrift by the national media that they well just roll their eyes at any additional idiocy here. Or, they may jump on the chance to make us look like hicks again. And wanting a cowboy mayor to ignore the Constitution and sweep up all the thugs is certain evidence of hickdom, of a fashion. It caught on a little bit in NYC with Rudy, but most New Yorkers ending up regretting that as well because he went too far and cost the city so much money in lawsuits, not to mention innocent lives lost because of the culture that told the police to go crazy. And he had much better advisers than Melton. I don't ever remember seeing him in two bulletproof vests with a backward cap and a fake badge. New Yorkers would have laughed him out of town.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-04T00:46:25-06:00

ID

64921

Comment

Thank you, lance, for your last remark. We are happy to be a beacon that smart progressives live, and blog, here in Jackson and in Mississippi. No one's giving up here; we just have a tougher row to hoe these days in the city. A step forward, three backward may be the rule for the next three-and-a-half-years, but, hey, how many times was Jackson burned in the Civil War? The old girl's a survivor.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-04T00:48:25-06:00

ID

64922

Comment

And she's got some great believers. ;-D

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-04T00:49:17-06:00

ID

64923

Comment

I see a crowd on the site, but the midnight hour is upon us, and I'm trying to give up nightowl-dom. See y'all on the other side. Let's all say a little prayer for the Maple Street residents tonight. 'Night John Boy. 'Night Mary Ellen.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-04T00:58:04-06:00

ID

64924

Comment

Every time I see Melton in a cap and bulletproof vest these days, I have to ask myself a very important question: "Where are the other three Village People?" Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-01-04T04:01:03-06:00

ID

64925

Comment

"Where are the other three Village People?" ~ Tom Village People or village idiots? ;-) Watched the Bottom Line last night and got into a heated debate afterwards. Seems a lot of people can't understand that being critical of METHODS does not mean disgust for intent. Just because we know Melton's going about this the wrong way does not necessarily mean we disagree with his overall intent. Honestly, I can't help but feel the man's intent is good and he's motivated for the right reasons... It's just the methods and follow-through (or lack thereof) that will lead this city into an imploded mess along with the KEH. I keep seeing similarities between BushCo and Melton, LLC. First of all, they both go about things without initial regard or investigation for the law... They speak in half-truths (not necessarily lying but not providing or having the full story)... They have good intents but go about it the wrong way (read: illegal, uninformed or misinformed)... Oh, and if they have issues, avoid the press or blame the press! There's also the few supporters that will always applaud intent over action and the methods of action for both.... Puke! Think Melton, LLC has Rove's cell#? ;-) I allowed myself to have general hopes for Melton... No point in being overly pessimistic if Melton could accomplish 1/2 of his promises. But, after his double-bulletproof-vested methodology becomes clear to me, I can't help but feel let down and a little worried about the fate of the city if he doesn't shift his position back to a desk in City Hall, out of the bulletproof vests, and out of the Frank Tank...

Author

kaust

Date

2006-01-04T09:41:23-06:00

ID

64926

Comment

Seems a lot of people can't understand that being critical of METHODS does not mean disgust for intent. Just because we know Melton's going about this the wrong way does not necessarily mean we disagree with his overall intent. It's weird that people can't understand that. You can come up with so many good parallel examples. But the basic, bottom line question is: How are you helping people to throw them out without a plan of where to put them? Or, more likely, to say you're going to throw them out until lawyers stop you? That makes a mockery out of the goal to help people living in bad conditions. Listening to him talk about sending people to classes to learn to clean up, I can't help but think of his description to the M.A.P. Coalition about his own living conditions and how "dirty" his house is because it's filled with young men he's helping. Is he going to send his own household to these classes, too? Or, are we dealing with sound bites yet again? What is true? Who knows what is true? Also, Knol, "Frank Tank" is better than Danks Tank, I admit.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-04T10:03:26-06:00

ID

64927

Comment

I should also pause here and say that I feel some compassion for Mr. Melton here. My impression is that he may be doing all this show stuff because he's in so far over his head in this job, and wants to draw attention away from that fact. And I do believe he wants to help people on some level, even if his methods show more contempt than actual compassion for people. It may well be that he just doesn't know how foolish he looks with all these false starts and public spectacles, but it is squarely his responsibility to figure that out and learn how to be a public servant. And, sadly, such tomfoolery got him elected, so it's not like the public has sent a message that we value the rule of law, honesty and experience over showmanship.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-04T10:07:15-06:00

ID

64928

Comment

I don't take credit for "Frank Tank".... Ol' Ramsey's at it again... Check out his newest!

Author

kaust

Date

2006-01-04T10:11:05-06:00

ID

64929

Comment

I find it fascinating that Mr Danks hasn't had a sit down chat with Mayor Frank yet about how to be Mayor. Danks knew how to follow procedure, at least. Frank hasn't worked that out yet in his head. Johnson and Melton are kind of similar, really. Johnson would plan, plan, and plan and never be seen moving or anything. Melton jumps first then checks to see what he jumped into.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2006-01-04T10:22:59-06:00

ID

64930

Comment

Iron, from my perspective, Johnson and Melton are polar opposites. They both have good intent but one (Johnson) became slowed down with planning and procedure and the other (Melton) doesn't seem to care about planning and procedure. Both have their own set of faults and I guess we'll eventually see the fruits of the actions/inactions. I'm still hopeful but I'd certainly like to see Melton be a little more considerate of the Council, the public, and the people (families, individuals, and children) being broadcast on live television during a grandstand.

Author

kaust

Date

2006-01-04T10:33:00-06:00

ID

64931

Comment

one (Johnson) became slowed down with planning and procedure and the other (Melton) doesn't seem to care about planning and procedure. I'd like to air out this statement for a moment. I know it was a Ledge et al. mantra that Johnson was too "slow" in making changes, but are we sure it's true? Have we compared the progress rate of projects in this city with others, not to mention factoring in how poor this city and beat-up on by white flight and prejudice, and stereotyped by our past horrible race violence (meaning it's hard to get investment, etc.)? I really hate sound bites, and think we should stop and think before we put them out there. And, Knol, Melton needs to be *much* more than "a little more considerate"—he's treating Council, the poor, Jacksonians and business people/developers with contempt and disrespect, and like we're idiots. He's got a ways to travel here.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-04T11:13:41-06:00

ID

64932

Comment

and never be seen moving or anything. And be SURE to examine the media's role and motivations in perpetuating that notion.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-04T11:14:46-06:00

ID

64933

Comment

The Ledge edit board takes on the cowboy's "atrocious conduct": Melton's military-style foray by police with semi-automatic weapons drawn to the Jackson Apartments on Maple Street is wrong and hurts the credibility of his efforts. Done obviously for the TV cameras, Melton presented the property owner with legal papers to close the apartments, leaving residents perplexed. Some threw rocks. Melton may enjoy dressing up in SWAT-like attire and having officers waving guns at citizens, but it's atrocious conduct unbecoming of civilian authority except in times of crisis, or to quell violence. There was no emergency that required such a display of force.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-04T11:22:28-06:00

ID

64934

Comment

And this letter provides the word I've been looking for here: "exploits." No doubt, Mr. Melton is exploiting children, old people, the poor and more to make himself look like tough and busy. And exploitation has no place in city government.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-04T11:24:35-06:00

ID

64935

Comment

Mr. Melton seems to have a child-like approach to these kinds of things; he thinks they're easy, until he learns otherwise; this is all he thinks he needs to do to relocate all these families, according to the Ledge today: Melton plans to connect willing real estate owners with the families in the same way he did with a former Jackson Apartments family of nine that was moved with much publicity into a Kolb Avenue rental home just before Christmas. Carolyn Redd, the city's marketing, public relations and special events coordinator, said eight to 12 real estate sales representatives and property owners called the city Tuesday offering homes. Melton said that won't cost taxpayers anything more than the use and gas in city vehicles to move the families and their furniture. His staff will help find jobs for those who can work, and he plans to hire a coordinator to teach each family to properly care for their hew homes. "I resent that people say I'll only be spreading the problem. I've been in some of those apartments and they're well kept. For others, we'll need to make sure they keep their grass cut, take out the garbage and don't park on the lawn," he said. "The standard that I'm using is that the new homes be better than where they were living and that what (residents) pay has to be comparable." Now, the question still is: Who is paying for the cleaning "coordinator"? Which apartment complex and buildings are next; government can't just give all this to one group of people? Who's going to monitor their garbage cans daily to make sure they take their trash out? Who's going to pay for the apartments they can't afford? Who's going to do all the things Ali talks about to help the families relocate, get into different schools, etc.? Who's going to ask them where they want to live?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-04T11:31:30-06:00

ID

64936

Comment

That Ledge link.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-04T11:31:59-06:00

ID

64937

Comment

Oh, and one more question: What do all of Melton's conservative supporters think of all these government "hand-outs"? Throughout his campaign, he promised to pay for all his pie-in-the-sky ideas with "federal" and "state" grants; we reported his words, but too many people were so romanced by the idea of him pointing guns at young black boys that they didn't take notice of the small print, it seems.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-04T11:34:29-06:00

ID

64938

Comment

During a conversation last night, someone suggested Melton was setting an example for other slumlords in the area and doing so forcefully. They agreed with the tactic saying it would lead other slumlords to fix problems or get out of the business. What I find interesting is this person had no idea how this was being paid for, the legality of it, why the notice couldn't be posted by the proper authority, where the people were going, etc. He was so misinformed or uninformed, those questions never seemed to matter and really didn't seem to matter once posed. Response: "I'm sure he knows what he's doing and has that all planned out." My response: "Well, I haven't heard his plan... The media hasn't heard his plan... The Council hasn't heard his plan... Oh! AND THE RESIDENTS HAVEN'T HEARD HIS PLAN." Silence hit the room until this response: "Well, I still support what he's doing." What? What? What? And this is a LIBERAL, anti-Bush, anti-Iraq person sounding just like a Rovebot... Blindly following because the idea sounds good even though there's no substance when you dissolve it to look at its parts. I was fuming mad at the lack of interest in details... So, I had a nightcap and had to end the social. ;-) Still, the original theory is still a little interesting to me... Does anyone think Melton's tactics will actually set a kind of precendent and maybe a little anti-slum fear in other apartment complexes and neighborhoods or do you think it will lead to contempt and disrespect? Or, a little of both? As I said, I'm all about his intent but wish he'd utilize the proper methods and tactics (read: do research on legality, proper depts to handle, etc) and do so with a law-abiding respect for all involved (including the troubled landlords/managers that might be dealing with financial stress for reasons detailed in SO MANY posts, editorials, etc). I, for one, can see how this would put a fire under other slum owners but also see how many citizens may become angst-ridden as it appears their neighborhoods and livelihoods are under attack by local government. Hope that made sense... Trying to type between tasks.

Author

kaust

Date

2006-01-04T11:48:23-06:00

ID

64939

Comment

They agreed with the tactic saying it would lead other slumlords to fix problems or get out of the business. Really? What happens when the "slumlord" wins a big lawsuit against the city? Does anyone think Melton's tactics will actually set a kind of precendent and maybe a little anti-slum fear in other apartment complexes and neighborhoods or do you think it will lead to contempt and disrespect? Or, a little of both? No, I think he will defeat his own stated purpose by setting off a series of lawsuits against the city because he is violating various people's rights.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-04T11:53:19-06:00

ID

64940

Comment

It's important to remember than vigilantism, which this is, never solves problems.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-04T11:53:47-06:00

ID

64941

Comment

Melton is proof that the cliche "careful what you wish for" is a very accurate statement. Harvey ("I need a study") Johnson appeared to move at a glacial pace in part because his staff spent much time developing comprehensive plans and studies to address the City's concerns, but IMO didn't do as good of a job communicating their plans and achievements to the average citizen, and their relationship with the media became so contentious that the C-L and local TV stations basically became platforms for ad hominem attacks on the mayor when they should have been trumpeting his accomplishments. Johnson did himself no favors by taking so long to appoint a police chief following Bracey's resignation. While I respected his desire to form a nationwide search for the "right" chief, I think he took far too long and left an impression of being indecisive and too cerebral to be in a leadership position. Juxtapose that with Action Man Melton, who acts without planning, makes speeches and promises w/o thinking about consequences, and seemingly develops his mayoral agenda on a daily basis, all while demanding us to judge him not on his style but on his good intentions. While his passion regarding crime and dilapadated housing is appreciated, I wish for once he would publicly address the City's infrastructure needs. Driven down West Street lately? Have a creek in your back yard that needs cleaning and maintenance? Our city streets and utilities are continuing to deteriorate and I'm just waiting for City Hall to announce a plan to address this issue in the next few months with the same passion. Perhaps it's best that Frank not get too involved in that arena, since it really does require careful planning to get these issues addressed. So many of us Jacksonians are frustrated that this City in spite of having so much potential is mired in the stigma of its sorted history, constant negativity and failed leadership. So much of it's energy is being siphoned off by the suburbs, and the drumbeat of anti-Jackson sentiment grows louder each year. I think we wanted so badly in the last election for someone to turn things around quickly that we failed to take a harder look at the man promising solutions.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-01-04T12:00:20-06:00

ID

64942

Comment

Ejeff, Knol and I are sharing the same sentiment, to a degree. Johnson was never seen doing anything constructive. Melton is quickly turning destructive in his methods. He can turn it around, he has time and he can't be this blindly stupid.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2006-01-04T13:28:22-06:00

ID

64943

Comment

ejeff wrote" IMO didn't do as good of a job communicating their plans and achievements to the average citizen, and their relationship with the media became so contentious that the C-L and local TV stations basically became platforms for ad hominem attacks on the mayor when they should have been trumpeting his accomplishments. This is so true. At the point that I started covering the last mayor, the relationship with the media was so bad that I didn't know if it could be recovered. They *hated* him, openly and illogically. And I think vice versa. There was likely fault on both sides. However, the administration was trying to work with the media more, and I like to think we had something to do with that because we represented media that was willing to look at the whole situation with fresh eyes and without preconceived notions (the same way we approached Melton).

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-04T13:58:15-06:00

ID

64944

Comment

Quite impressive observations, Ejeff. Good writing as usual. I hope you're a young person.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-01-04T14:45:42-06:00

ID

64945

Comment

Thank you for the compliment Ray. Just trying to maintain the level of intelligent political discussion that first drew me to this site. After reading my earlier post on Johnson v. Melton, I have to take back what I said about Johnson's communication skills. I recall his efforts to answer questions on the local TV news (WAPT especially) and the City talk show on Sundays (All About Jackson), as well attending the monthly ward meetings and his much-criticized "pride rides", so I think he did make a concerted effort to get his message out, but for some reason it failed to resonate with the average voter, in part because the media seemed to go out of their way to counter his messages with alarms about high crime and urban blight. I go back to a post I made on another topic, where I mentioned that his focus seemed to be on downtown, while other areas (particularly south Jackson) seemed to be outside of his attention and rarely did he appear to have a plan to address needs in those areas. Having just read the latest news about the latest shenanigans at City Hall, it appears that we have a real problem downtown that appears to be growing more ominous by the week. How much longer can 'Da Mayor pull these strong arm tactics before a legal backlash is felt? He clearly has no regard for the limitations of his office or city government, and he has basically pointed a middle finger at the City Council for trying to educate him. Again, while I applaud his noble intentions, his methods leave much to be desired. Clearly Melton keeps these bodyguards around him because on some level he knows his actions have and will create enemies, some of whom might be willing to go above and beyond in retaliation. I frankly fear FOR him more than I am in fear of him.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-01-04T15:54:58-06:00

ID

64946

Comment

This story is due a correction. Melton did not walk "into the council meeting" see reporters and leave. Melton walked into City Hall at the time of the meeting, saw reporters, and ducked quickly into an elevator, refusing all comment. The mistake is due to a communication problem during the editorial process.

Author

Adam Lynch

Date

2006-01-05T11:23:29-06:00

ID

64947

Comment

On one hand, the place did need to be closed. If he'd just follow the procedures, however....

Author

Ironghost

Date

2006-01-05T11:43:47-06:00

ID

64948

Comment

Clearly Melton keeps these bodyguards around him because on some level he knows his actions have and will create enemies, some of whom might be willing to go above and beyond in retaliation. I believe this is true. In my JPS days, I remember when Melton would speak in an assembly from time to time, and he would mention the fact that he had bodyguards then because he would squeal on drug dealers. Remember the billboards? It's things like that that he has one in the past that make many Jacksonians stand behind him no matter how much he may goof up. However, once they realize that this is not "Lean On Me", they may begin to require more of him. (Seriously, I really believe people think there's going to be some sort of TV movie about this one day that will paint Melton as a hero. Not saying that there's no possibility of that, but um...hmm...well...what kind of movie of Jackson would you like to see? Something similar to "Ghosts of Mississippi" or "Jim Jones and the Guyana Tragedy"?)

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-01-05T11:52:57-06:00

ID

64949

Comment

“Clearly Melton keeps these bodyguards around him because on some level he knows his actions have and will create enemies, some of whom might be willing to go above and beyond in retaliation” I’d go as far as to say that Melton isn’t endeared as much by the inner city communities as he and others portray. As soon as Melton declared he was running for Mayor I began to hear sentiments of great disdain for him throughout these communities of which he views himself a savior..

Author

K RHODES

Date

2006-01-05T14:09:18-06:00

ID

64950

Comment

Well, we *should* all remember that, despite all the talk about an "overwhelming" victory, Mr. Melton beat Johnson with only 27,982 votes out of 44,556 total votes cast. The second election was only perfunctory, so its numbers are pretty irrelevant. That is, there are a whole lot of people in all Jackson communities who did not vote for Mr. Melton or Mr. Johnson. So saying that the "inner cities" love him would be a bit of a stretch when you consider actual numbers instead of the Ledge's attempts to make it sound like nearly every person in Jackson voted for him. Cut through the subjectivity to get a better picture.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-05T14:28:07-06:00

ID

64951

Comment

Even since this whole fiasco happened, I can't get this thought out of my head about what may be causing all the ruckus. Take a deep breath and click here.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-01-06T21:26:23-06:00

ID

64952

Comment

I'm not being rude here, L.W., but NO KIDDING!?! At least in spirit. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-06T21:27:36-06:00

ID

64953

Comment

Donna, I knew it wouldn't take long for you to catch on. Waiting for Tom to weigh in soon...

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-01-06T21:34:37-06:00

ID

64954

Comment

You know, Tom, reading that list of symptoms tells me the "N" in N-JAM might not stand for "North" after all.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-06T21:42:51-06:00

ID

64955

Comment

Mr. Melton got my vote because I felt we need more emphasis on rebuilding inner city neighborhoods and I know we need more effective crime control. I was tired of the "crime perception" rhetoric and felt it was an insult to the citizens to not identity and address the long term problems that are undermining economic development and are continuing to drive people out of the City. People in the inner city are counting on Frank to do what he promised and you had better believe they will know if he is not successful without having to read about it in the paper (any paper). After all, they live where in the areas that are most affected. I am extremely disappointed in Melton's disjoined, unorganized efforts to do anything. Apparently he is having trouble identifying the criminals, since he seems to be trying to shift blame tfrom himselt to city staff (now his staff) and is adding felons back to City payroll while firing people he has never attempted to lead in the direction he wants them to go. He is either extremely self-serving, incompetent or worse.

Author

realtime

Date

2006-01-06T22:22:59-06:00

ID

64956

Comment

realtime, allow me to ask: What was the "crime perception" rhetoric? Don't forget that that was a media-generated scandal; Moore didn't say what the media said he said. That said, I respect your reasons for supporting Mr. Melton and the points you are making now. Thanks for posting them.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-06T22:25:57-06:00

ID

64957

Comment

Moore didn't say what the media said he said. If you read this out loud, you would have to wipe the spittle off your computer screen with a squeegee. Anyway, I remember reading what Moore said, but I don't remember where. Can you help me out?

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-01-06T22:39:57-06:00

ID

64958

Comment

We've written about how he was misquoted many times by a media that didn't under that "perception" is a phrase in criminal justice. He was talking *to* the media about the sensationalistic way they cover crime here and how they inhibits crimefighting -- which is a known fact in CJ circles. Here's my first column I wrote about what The Ledger had done, which kicked off the whole mess. They never corrected this problem. We have talked about this over and over again, trying to educate people to no avail about what the chief actually said and meant. The way the media treated him over this was unconscionable, unethical and embarrasing for a member of the Fourth Estate, and a Mississippian. This whole scandal was when I first lost respect for The Clarion-Ledger. No, I lied. That was after Jerry Mitchell's big "tort reform" series in which he ignored vital information from other states to make his "jackpot justice" pitch. And, of course, I've lost respect over and over again for the paper since then, really culminating in my disdain for how they did not tell the public about them (and their metro editor) being named in a lawsuit in Melton's MBN scandal during the mayoral campaign -- including in their glowing endorsement of Melton. I could go on, but I won't. I have very good reasons for believing that The Clarion-Ledger is the worst (metropolitan) daily in the country. You can do a Google for our other talk about perception-gate using jacksonfreepress.com. Bottom line: They fried Chief Moore based on bad reporting, quotes out of context ... and plain old mistruths about what he said. The result: a bunch of idiots running around saying "chief moore said crime is just a perception." A downright lie. Never said it.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-06T22:50:31-06:00

ID

64959

Comment

Sorry about the typos, all. Now I've been here 13+ hours, and don't have the energy to go fix them. Muddle through, peeps. Back to work now. Ciao.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-06T22:52:32-06:00

ID

64960

Comment

Can I add one more thing for emphasis: I truly believe that the rape and pillage of Chief Robert Moore's reputation was one of the worst examples of unethical, horrible journalism I've ever seen. I truly, truly believe it was unconscionable—and that every editor and columnist and reporter who perpetrated that mess is responsible for what we're facing now. Which, if all y'all hadn't noticed, is an unmitigated disaster. I got to know Chief Moore while he was here, as a journalist who talked and listened to him, and I respected him. People like to say he was arrogant; maybe he was; so are most of us in the public eye in one way or another. But he. knew. what. he. was. doing. He was working with the community to fight crime, as well as some ingrained corruption and ineptness. He was (or became) accessible to media, even the ones who were muddying him based on bad information. I don't think I've ever seen anyone be more a victim of politics and a smear campaign, at least in a local situation, than that. And now look what we have: an administration with absolute contempt for anyone who questions them, or asks for single crime stat. Now, having read a lot of archives this last year on past chiefs, this isn't really something new here -- although this was probably the best chief who has ever been defamed in Jackson for political purposes. The Clarion-Ledger has long played this game here, and as best I can tell, it's because they're sticking their finger in their wind, as Todd puts it, and pandering to the interests they think will buy the most advertising. It's shocking to see the archived stories with some of the same names attached to them or floating above -- stories that have just gone down the memory hole, just like Mr. Bluntson's controversial past. People, if Jackson wants to grow up and be a real city and be respected (and invested in) like a real city, we have got to stop allowing really stupid people to play these tricks on us. "Perception"-gate is a perfect example of a corporate media and the people they think are good for their profit margin duping the people of Jackson. It's only one example, but it's a damn fine one. They played the citizens for fools, and (too many of) the citizens responded.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-06T23:12:24-06:00

ID

64961

Comment

We can stop this madness, though. We can talk back to the bad media, we can set higher standards, we can remind public servants who the hell they work for. We are not morons here, and it is high time that media owned in other states and power-seeking men who moved from other states (like Melton and Whitlow) are scrutinized very carefully for their real agendas. I am not afraid, or hesitant to say this. This is my state and my capital city by damn—my mama, my daddy and my other wonderful daddy are buried in the red clay, as I will be. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired of people playing us for fools and idiots who don't know enough to read up on things like "crime perception." That, my friends, is what is keeping us on the bottom of the frickin' Morgan-Quitno and every other ranking in the damn country. Political fools play us for fools and push our ingrained prejudice buttons about thugs and welfare queens, so they can keep their little fiefdoms, and then we let them. We have the power not to, though. We have to stand up and say that we Deserve. Better. Damn it. Stop playing off our emotions and fears like we're little plastic chess pawns in your game. And if I haven't mentioned already, THE GANNETT CORP SUCKS — an amoral corporation, as Todd puts it. I lay much of the blame for our current mess squarely at their feet. They should know better, especially the Mississippians who work over there. They are being played for fools, too. And I don't respect them for allowing it to happen. Growl. Talk about righteous anger. Maybe I just drafted my editor's note. Really out now. Sweet dreams.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-06T23:12:47-06:00

ID

64962

Comment

Donna, are the veins in your forehead stil intact? LOL

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-01-06T23:23:11-06:00

ID

64963

Comment

"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." — Alice Walker

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-06T23:23:26-06:00

ID

64964

Comment

Actually, L.W., I'm ommmminnngggg now. There's something relaxing about just letting it all out; I'm going to sniff some lavender and dream sweet thoughts now. ;-D

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-06T23:25:27-06:00

ID

64965

Comment

L.W., I love it! Is that the criteria for narcissistic personality disorder, or a certain country club aficionado's contribution to the New Year's resolutions thread? Great find. I'm laughing my fool head off over here! Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-01-07T00:02:45-06:00

ID

64966

Comment

Well, Tom, I hope your head's still attached, or else you'll be known as Tom ____.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-01-07T12:35:51-06:00

ID

64967

Comment

Or even worse - Tom Headless!

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-01-07T12:37:38-06:00

ID

64968

Comment

Oh, my. :P I used to make a "Note to Self: If you marry a woman with this last name, don't hyphenate" list. For the frontend hyphenation, there's the obvious Doody; for the backend hyphenation, Tripp. Then there are the bawdier jokes, like if I became a substitute college professor. "Smith is out, so we'll have to give you..." Ahem. How about them Saints? Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-01-07T18:57:41-06:00

ID

64969

Comment

ROTFL! Ahem indeed!

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-01-07T19:33:21-06:00

ID

64970

Comment

The Clarion-Ledger has what might be a decent package of stories about the Maple Street mess today. I haven't gotten deep enough in to know what's missing, but it looks they managed to gather more facts than they usually do. That's good to see: Calling the Jackson Apartments one of the most severe cases of blight, Melton on Jan. 2 closed the Maple Street complex to new tenants. He plans to shut it for good through an emergency order, citing environmental, health and safety violations, then have it demolished. If successful, he wants a developer to build single-family homes, but that would require seizing the land. Melton initially said families living at the Jackson Apartments would have to move immediately but changed his mind, acknowledging the relocation of the tenants must be done methodically. The city so far has relocated about 11 of the 35-45 families, mostly to apartments and single-family houses in the west Jackson area. Past city leaders have made attempts to address Jackson's decaying housing stock by trying to identify the problem's magnitude. Following a 1999 housing study under Harvey Johnson Jr.'s administration, the city razed 1,918 buildings. It exceeded its 10-year goal of 746 demolitions. Melton has scrapped the $115,000 housing study's goals. He said he wants to concentrate city, private developer and nonprofit efforts on rebuilding one neighborhood at time. But to combat blight, politicians will have to shift their philosophies, said Leland Speed, a real estate guru and head of the Mississippi Development Authority. "Jackson has what I'd describe as a deteriorating housing stock," he said. Suburban sprawl neglects cities' cores and is economically inefficient, said Speed, who promotes new urbanism. Rather than continuously building outward, he said downtown and existing communities should be restored and linked by sidewalks. Critical to such a change is a mix of commercial and residential developments, he said. Speed said city and county leaders should realize that in addition to providing municipal services, they also must prepare and promote land for redevelopment. So, Mr. Melton has "scrapped" the housing study goals? Now, is this because he knows everything without the benefit of experts advising what he should do?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-01-15T13:06:26-06:00

ID

64971

Comment

They report the news and then shape it the way they want: ""I was glad to see that he was well protected. Being that the owner could have incited a riot, I'm sure Mr. Melton was being safe," he said. Melton said he'd promised to hand-deliver to Moore a notice that closed the complex to new tenants. After his administration received tips about possible trouble if he showed up, Melton decided to armor up. "If I had it to do again, I would do it just the same," Melton said." You have to love the tough talk from the Mayor. He is sooo bad! Come on, this is why you have people working for the city to do this kind of work; and a Mayor shouldn't go around "promising" to do something so petty. That is what you have a Codes Enforcement Officer for! Please can we have a mayor that actually has a sense of decorum about him/her. How about some quotes from the women and children who had machineguns in their faces - a weapon way to powerful for the officer carrying it and for the situation.

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-01-15T13:41:44-06:00

ID

64972

Comment

Following a 1999 housing study under Harvey Johnson Jr.'s administration, the city razed 1,918 buildings. It exceeded its 10-year goal of 746 demolitions. Did the C-L mention this during the election? I don't read their paper much. Suburban sprawl neglects cities' cores and is economically inefficient, said Speed, who promotes new urbanism. Rather than continuously building outward, he said downtown and existing communities should be restored and linked by sidewalks. Critical to such a change is a mix of commercial and residential developments, he said. Speed said city and county leaders should realize that in addition to providing municipal services, they also must prepare and promote land for redevelopment. I give them credit for including the quote, but I ask again, was this brought up during the election?

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-01-16T12:27:37-06:00