Jackson Free Press

The Jackson Free Press got a phone call today at 10:45 telling us that the mayor was gathering reporters at City Hall at 11 a.m. to address his "state of emergency" and youth curfew pledges from last week.

At that press conference, Melton unveiled his draft for declaring a state of emergency (PDF). Melton has not yet signed the declaration.

Update: For any of you fine folks wondering what the law says about states of emergency, check out Westlaw here. Far be it from us to dispute Sarah O'Reilly Evans' interpretation of the law, but it seems evident that states of emergencies were intended for—well, you know, emergencies. The law allows Melton to stop the "manufacture, transfer, use, possession or transportation of Molotov cocktails," for instance.

Note that the declaration is strangely obsessed with youth crime: WHEREAS, the Mayor has determined that special and extenuating circumstances presently exist within the City that call for special regulation of minors within the City in order to protect them from each other and from other persons on the street during the nocturnal hours, and to aid in crime prevention, to promote parental supervision and authority over minors, and to decrease crime rates.

The declaration ends on the same note: IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the City of Jackson's Curfew Ordinance, which is in full force and effect, shall be fully enforced and said curfew for minors shall be 8:00 P.M. Sunday through Thursday and 10:00 P.M. Friday and Saturday during this emergency.

It is not good to be a youth in Jackson today.

Here he is a partial transcript of Melton's comments to the media today:

Melton: "(There's a new statute coming out) I don't exactly know what the statute is but it deals with shoot to kill and I'm very concerned about that because I don't want to have a bunch of dead people on my hands. I've had the city attorney … prepare an emergency proclamation for me. …

"The biggest thing is I want to encourage our parents to get our kids into structured programs. When I say structured programs I'm talking about the Boys and Girls Clubs, the YMCA, Operation Shoestring, something to make sure the kids have some structure in their life during the summer months. As all of you know, summer is going to start here today or tomorrow, and kids are out of school and they really need to be in some organized activities. …

"I'm going to give this (proclamation) a few more days. It's been relatively quiet here in the city and if we have any incidents we will execute this proclamation. …

"As of today, Commander Tyrone Lewis, as of this hour, is the spokesman for the city of Jackson. … He will be available to you whenever you need to get information from the city. Also, Commander Vance will be the spokesperson for the police department. He will be doing our Crimestopper program and what I'm trying to do is give you all some direct avenues where you can call the people that can give you the information you need. So where the city is concerned and my office, Commander Lewis will handle that. Where the police department, Crimestoppers and the police chief are concered, the commander over here (Vance) will handle that.

"What we are proposing, essentially, is a change in the curfew. If we can't get the kids settled down we're going to hold the parents accountable. … We're going after their fathers first to show why they're not managing their children. …"

Reporter: Frank, what kinds of incidents are you talking about will trigger this thing? What will push you over the edge?

Melton: "I'm already over the edge, and the only thing I'm trying to do today, Andrew, is to be fair. I don't want to drop anything on the people when I don't feel that I've been fair in terms of warning them. It has nothing to do with adults other than parents who are not managing their children. But we're dealing with the young people, but there comes a point when you have to hold the parents accountable. …"

Reporter: What about the National Gua—

Melton: "I don't have any comment on that at this time."

Reporter: What's you're reaction to the home invasion from last evening?

Melton: "The Chief has briefed me on that a little bit. I don't know all the details and I can't discuss that, Greg, because I don't know, but those are the kinds of things that concern me. … I do know that after July 1, the laws change and I have a responsibility to let parents know that people in Mississippi will have a different set of rights after July 1. …"

Reporter: When was the proclamation drafted?

Melton: "The city attorney, I got with her over the weekend. She gave me the final draft today and it will be prepared for execution if we have any other problems in this community.

Reporter: Frank, when we talk about the curfew you've made some proposals. Do you plan to put them before the council?

Melton: "No, I'll do it through emergency order. It does not require city council approval. It'll be done through emergency order.

Reporter: Marshand disagrees with that. He says it'll have to be a situation of crisis …

Melton: "Sir, when someone loses his life in this community, that is a crisis."

Reporter: Frank, would you consider expanding the curfew? … A lot of these crimes are committed by adults.

Melton: "Your information is incorrect. A lot of auto thefts … are caused by youth, but we have reason to believe that there may be some adults behind it. We go after the young people. The police department has done an excellent job but we're getting ready to shift gears now and we're going after the adults behind this. We're doing the intelligence now. Chief Anderson has put together a very good intelligence unit and we're getting the information together. They're interviewing the young people and we're finding out what we need to find out and they're (the adults) are having a very negative influence on the children. ...

"The final thing I'd like to discuss with you is the cruising issue. The police chief and I, on several occasions, have been to Memorial Stadium on Sundays and … I can tell you that I'm very pleased with the respect and the demeanor of the young people out there. ... We have not seen any incident that causes us any concern whatsoever and as of yesterday, some of the people here in City Hall are looking to provide some additional activities for the young men and women while they're at the stadium. They're not hurting anybody. We've not found any weapons. We've not found any narcotics. This seems to be a situation where the young people come together and talk on Sunday. I can't speak for Anderson, but her major concern is making sure that we don't have any traffic congestion when the kids get ready to leave but they are supervised by the Jackson Police Department. … We have no concerns about these young people."

Reporter: Frank, can you tell us what will happen to a father of one of these (problem) kids?

Melton: "A number of things. We'll certainly take them before the youth court judge to show cause as to why his son or daughter is out past curfew. … Here's what I've learned more than anything else: No. 1) their father is not in their life, and No. 2) the drop-out rate is just totally unacceptable to this city. I deal with young people everyday who've dropped out in the 9th, and 10th and 11th grades and … we're going to make sure that when school starts they'll be in school. … When and if I do execute this proclamation we will notify you that it will be executed. Tyrone Lewis and Commander Vance will now be your contacts regarding any information from the city and the police department. …

Reporter: Do you have a response to another possible investigation from Hood regarding you carrying a firearm in a prohibited area?

Melton: "Adam, I'm all over the place and--"

Melton aid: "No comment."

Melton then left the press conference.

Previous Comments

ID

122253

Comment

Next, on As The Stomach Turns! Frank holds a Press Conference! :)

Author

Ironghost

Date

2006-06-20T11:30:12-06:00

ID

122254

Comment

I bet he's going to drop that miracle cure-all he's been holding back so long!

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-06-20T11:40:46-06:00

ID

122255

Comment

I know I am easily confused, but I thought that Batman was causing all the crime in the city. Or wasn't it just that crime was underreported by those crafty devils in the Johnson administration, such that crime hasn't really gone up at all? But now we're in a state of emergency, apparently because youth are on a rampage. So we need to bring in military intelligence and National Guard helicopters to control youth crime?! Melton just declared war on Jackson's kids.

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2006-06-20T12:31:07-06:00

ID

122256

Comment

After reading the .pdf.... On one hand, you just wish people would understand there are reactions to every action. Shoot someone and the cops will come for you. Speed on Clinton Bvld, and JPD will put up speed traps every morning. (Like this one, but they haven't fooled me!) Melton is unstable. He thinks this is a viable response, but in fact it'll cause more grief as you've now expanded the pool of potiental offenders from the hardcore to the mildly rebellous. And what of kids who work nights? Hm? What of parents who are out of time in the day to do things that need to be done, and have yet more stuff piled on? You have a city in Crisis, Melton. Not a war zone.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2006-06-20T12:32:04-06:00

ID

122257

Comment

He did, indeed. He dismantles crime-fighting efforts in place, hires an ineffective chief, micro-manages the police department, crime goes up on his watch -- and then he declares a "state of emergency" and blames young people? Friggin' amazing.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-06-20T12:33:20-06:00

ID

122258

Comment

We are in a leadership crisis. Period. It is only getting worse. Sorry to be fatalistic, but it's the damn truth.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-06-20T12:34:04-06:00

ID

122259

Comment

It's sad, really. I hope this ends soon.

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2006-06-20T12:39:45-06:00

ID

122260

Comment

We're stranded! I'm going to get me an old truck with very loud speakers and travel throughout Jackson playing the sung. I'll be sure to stop at City Hall and let it play over and over a few times before arrested for telling the truth.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-06-20T12:41:00-06:00

ID

122261

Comment

A couple of comments. First, whatever the mayor may think, the vast majority of crime, both in Jackson and elsewhere, is committed by adults, not kids. In fact, kids are FAR likelier to be the victim of a crime perpetrated by an adult than the other way around. Second, Melton is once again determined to thwart oversight by the City Council, this time through emergency proclamation. He thinks that this gives him the right to unilaterally toughen the youth curfew to the point that kids can't be out after 8 p.m. He also thinks that if just one person is killed in the city, this constitutes a "crisis" justifying a state of emergency. Prediction: If Melton enforces this "law," and enforces it indiscriminately, as the city did in the Leslie Berryhill case ("Driving While Young", the law suits are going to fly like seed corn in a tornado. And let me tell you, that can sting.

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2006-06-20T14:21:44-06:00

ID

122262

Comment

It's been proven repeatedly that youth curfews tend to be little more than public relations -- on the backs of young people. The only way this would come close to making logical sense is for Melton to show that young people under 18 are committing heinous crimes between the hours of, say, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. I don't think he can do it. In fact, the City Council has *never* proved that the existing youth curfew is anythign more than public relations. Meantime, adults demonize kids for their own political purposes, and make them feel like they are destined to be criminals just because they live in certain neighborhoods, are of a certain skin color, etc. They fall into cycles of hopelessness, and what do they become? Just what the youth-bashers expect them to be. It's disgusting, and won't help a damn thing. It's unbelievable to me that Melton is tryign to use young people as cover for his own efforts to dismantle crime-fighting methods that were working. Is he anything but a walking sound bite?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-06-20T14:37:48-06:00

ID

122263

Comment

What about young people who are working during the evenings? Will they have to change their hours or quit their jobs?

Author

Izzy

Date

2006-06-20T15:04:29-06:00

ID

122264

Comment

Personally, I can't imagine a well-behaved 16-year-old Jacksonian having anyone other than his or her parents to tell him or her to be inside at 8 p.m. This. Isn't. Melton's. Job. He is not our daddy. And I wouldn't want him to be.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-06-20T15:10:31-06:00

ID

122265

Comment

It's been proven repeatedly that youth curfews tend to be little more than public relations -- on the backs of young people. The only way this would come close to making logical sense is for Melton to show that young people under 18 are committing heinous crimes between the hours of, say, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. I don't think he can do it. In fact, the City Council has *never* proved that the existing youth curfew is anythign more than public relations. I'm glad you brought that up. Aren't most youth crimes committed during the day? And how is that a teenager can't vote, drink, gamble or do other adult things, but are somehow old enough to be treated as an adult when they commit a crime? What's the logic behind that?

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2006-06-20T15:21:59-06:00

ID

122266

Comment

Here is one to ponder... These criminals (at leaste the ones in this discussion) dont really obey the...... Well, I'm not a lawyer so we'll just list them as; The dont hold a gun to a persons head and steal their car law. The dont search for very old people and beat the crap out of them and take all their money law. The dont smoke or sell crack law. The dont break into a persons house to steal stuff law. The dont pull out a gat and kill someone over shoes or beer law. and The dont drive by someone's house and spray it with lead law. What in the H-E-double hocky sticks makes you think that these criminals, come 8:00 pm are gonna sit in their rooms and not carry out the same "I dont give a damn about the law" actions?

Author

colby

Date

2006-06-20T15:25:12-06:00

ID

122267

Comment

Someone has got to do something about this. Where is the city council? Where are all the people that run the city day to day besides this lunatic? Where is the AG? The Governor? Somebody? ANYBODY? Hello? McBarbour? We need some help down here.... There HAS to be a statute that deals with the mayor "losing his sh1t". HAS TO BE. Somebody find it.

Author

Lori G

Date

2006-06-20T15:25:13-06:00

ID

122268

Comment

There is no logic there. It's a double standard. Also, a police COMMANDER is now the press officer for the city!?! (Not just the PD, but the city!?!) Talk about a police state. This is absurd.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-06-20T15:26:36-06:00

ID

122269

Comment

Or, Ali, PASS ONE. Talk about a state of emergency.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-06-20T15:28:37-06:00

ID

122270

Comment

Colby's point is good, by the way. An 8 p.m. curfew is not targeting the criminals, even the ones who are minors. It's PR, pure and simple. He's treating us like idiots. Again.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-06-20T15:29:52-06:00

ID

122271

Comment

Yes, we'll call it "What The City Council Should Get Off THeir Bums And Do If the Mayor Loses His Sh1t" statute. Somebody grow a pair and get this sh1t in line. There is no rational explanation for his behavior and the lack of an outright challenge to his reasoning by anyone else in city government is an effing TRAGEDY. If no one stands up and says something about this they should all be out on their a$$es by the end of the week. Somebody. Do. Something.

Author

Lori G

Date

2006-06-20T15:31:39-06:00

ID

122272

Comment

(You'll have to excuse my anger. I got stung by a wasp this morning and was rushed to the doctor. I almost DIED. This has a tendency to affect my normally sunshiney-like disposition.) ;)

Author

Lori G

Date

2006-06-20T15:33:51-06:00

ID

122273

Comment

Ali's right. There are a bunch of people in elected and appointed offices whose legacies are at stake here. And I'm talking about the ones we like. There is only so much y'all can allow, lady and gentlemen. Really. It is a good time to see who actually gives a damn about the city more than they do about their own politicking.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-06-20T15:35:36-06:00

ID

122274

Comment

Unbelievable statement of the day: Melton: “Sir, when someone loses his life in this community, that is a crisis.” Thank you, Einstein.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-06-20T15:36:43-06:00

ID

122275

Comment

i just read the proposed executive order. notably, the statutory power that the mayor invokes is section 45-17-1 , entitled "civil emergencies",passed into law on july2,1968 less than a month after bobby kennedy was gunned down and 2 months from MLK's assassination. the law was passed to suppress the rage of black people in the city of jackson. and is specifically written to afford emergency powers to the mayor--not thegovernor or boardof county supervisors.would anybody care to recall who the mayor of jackson was when this law passed??. hint:there is a "tank" named after him.also, in the event of a civil emergency the statute gives the mayor the power to impose a curfew, to shut down the liquor stores andto prohibit the sale of firearms. it also authorizes the mayor to prohibit the making of molotov cocktails. someone with a long instituitional memory of the city had to have advised the mayor on this one.also, the chief"s new advisor(a former chief serving under a former mayor) may have some hands on experience in quelling disorder. i will send the statute to donna and maybe she can post it.

Author

chimneyville

Date

2006-06-20T15:38:31-06:00

ID

122276

Comment

"Unbelievable statement of the day: Melton: “Sir, when someone loses his life in this community, that is a crisis.” Thank you, Einstein." By that logic, if I choke on a cheeseburger and die, will he shut down all places that sell cheeseburgers?

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2006-06-20T15:41:00-06:00

ID

122277

Comment

Sorry to hear that Ali, about the wasp. I think we need to bring the National Guard here to the Capitol city to take care of this dang wasp problem. Its just gonna keep gettin worse and worse. We do not need to have someone die before we bring attention to this problem.

Author

colby

Date

2006-06-20T15:42:55-06:00

ID

122278

Comment

Someone needs to put a leash on this terrier. I need further clarification on the "Shoot to kill" statement he said during the press conference. Did he say anything further about it?

Author

Lori G

Date

2006-06-20T15:48:25-06:00

ID

122279

Comment

Will do, chimney. Thanks.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-06-20T15:59:47-06:00

ID

122280

Comment

Chimney-if the Mayor shuts down the liquor stores, me and him are going to have a little chat. Ali don't play like that.

Author

Lori G

Date

2006-06-20T16:01:56-06:00

ID

122281

Comment

He shuts down the liquor stores, he'd kill most of Jackson's business. :D That and pawn shops.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2006-06-20T16:03:23-06:00

ID

122282

Comment

I feel pretty confident that Mr. Melton is not going to shut down the liquor stores.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-06-20T16:11:40-06:00

ID

122283

Comment

ali,i sent donna the self defense law(which i think melton referenced) to post. it bears reading. also,this may sound twisted but the "civil emergency" statute relied upon by melton,if lawfully invoked, could conceivably empower the mayor to shut down the gun shows.--although there is another statute more recently enacted that expressly prohibits such exercise of local police powers.

Author

chimneyville

Date

2006-06-20T16:12:18-06:00

ID

122284

Comment

Dont forget about those SuperChex Check cashing places. Those are wonderful for any community. "We'll help you get in debt and stay there!"

Author

colby

Date

2006-06-20T16:13:48-06:00

ID

122285

Comment

Hmmm. What if this is all a ploy to shut down the gun shows?!? Our friend Cliff would go into cardiac arrest.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-06-20T16:14:20-06:00

ID

122286

Comment

Thank God for Madison Cellars...

Author

Rico

Date

2006-06-20T16:17:11-06:00

ID

122287

Comment

Ali don't you worry. If he shuts down liquor stores it gives us an excuse to go hit Martins Wine Cellar on Vets in Metarie.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-06-20T16:18:14-06:00

ID

122288

Comment

one thing about the curfews, true, 8 PM is way too strict. I can just see Keifers et al raising hell about it. But those teenagers killed in New Orleans had no business being out at 4 AM either.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-06-20T16:54:08-06:00

ID

122289

Comment

There are two points to the civil emergency statute that seems to be missed; the first is 45-17-1 (b) which says that a curfew is defined as a prohibition against any person (by this you could not impose a curfew against just a certain group of people [minors]), and 45-17-5 states that the curfew can not exceed five (5) days (Melton's proclamation states that the state of emergency shall be review every five (5) days.)

Author

malt

Date

2006-06-20T18:02:13-06:00

ID

122290

Comment

malt, you have sharp eyes. Agreed on both counts. This is something the attorney general really needs to weigh in on. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-06-20T18:19:51-06:00

ID

122291

Comment

I hope that Frank is not trying to mimick the mayor of New Orleans. The situation here in Jackson is totally different. New Orleans lost a significant number of officers after Katrina. They also found some the police that remained were corrupt, having meltdowns, lost their own homes, and etc. I think that's it's a shame and travesty that this little Napoleon clone wants to punish the good kids by ordering them inside by eight pm. Has the city instituted any programs to give these kids something to do? What is Frank going to do if the criminals start committing their crimes BEFORE eight o'clock in the evening? Has Frank even considered that the youths are not solely responsible for the crime surge? This man has not done anything right since he took office. He seems to think that he can tell us anything and we will swallow it. Where will this madness end?

Author

rufus

Date

2006-06-20T18:37:30-06:00

ID

122292

Comment

Hopefully, it will die out in 5 days for good.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-06-20T18:43:27-06:00

ID

122293

Comment

I'm curious what the IBC attendees must be thinking! Talk about BAD PR for the city and state. I honestly feel Melton's hype is worse for Jackson's image than any murder (not to belittle the lives lost)... Can you imagine the tourists going home talking about a city where the National Guard needed to be called in and young people on lock-down? Not exactly a beacon of positivity for a host-city of the IBC!

Author

kaust

Date

2006-06-20T18:46:59-06:00

ID

122294

Comment

I agree that the crime problem must change or we will be in a situation that might not be reversable. However the way that Melton is going about it is only making things worse. He has failed on almost all of his promises (he was right when he said that he would be unconventional). I am not going to subject my kids to this insane rule. I will not change the way that my family lives because this mayor is trying to put a bandage on a gunshot wound. He wants to punish the children for crimes that are being committed by adults as well. Rather than file lawsuits against the city, of which he will not pay for, I would like to see him be forced to step down. The ball is in the AG's court. He has new violations that Melton has committed. Now we will see who is a man and who is a mouse.

Author

lance

Date

2006-06-20T18:47:09-06:00

ID

122295

Comment

Mr. Melton may simply look at the IBC attendees as a captive audience, Knol. He really likes an audience, as we know.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-06-20T19:13:00-06:00

ID

122296

Comment

Agreed, Lance, on the AG. I understood what he did before, even as others didn't—but the ball is in his court now to help stop the madness and protect the citizens of Jackson.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-06-20T19:13:58-06:00

ID

122297

Comment

This may be an outdated article, but the C-L is reporting that Melton blinked. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-06-20T19:37:52-06:00

ID

122298

Comment

Well, he blinks since last week. However, today he held the press conference calling it a "state of emergency" that he is considering if another incident happens. He's probably trying to save face. Too late.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-06-20T19:41:56-06:00

ID

122299

Comment

So who is going to lead the forces while the Commanders are giving a presser? So, if Jackson actually does end up in a "real" state of emergency who will be available to the press so the public is informed as to how to proceed? I would hope my commanding forces are on the streets taking care of business.

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-06-20T21:24:39-06:00

ID

122300

Comment

Why is a police officer going to serve as the PR guy for all of the "civilian" departments? Is Jackson becoming a police state?

Author

James Hester

Date

2006-06-20T21:31:57-06:00

ID

122301

Comment

Regarding new orleans, the cops are only down 300-400 or so while the population of city is in half, If anything, there are more cops per capita than before Katrina. The gangs are moving back into New Orleans and re-establishing territory, networks etc. This deal involving the dead teenagers was not some little high schoolers who were innocent victims. TP reported this morning it was in retaliation for a drive by shooting recently. Not to mention all those teens were out at four in the morning and involved in drugs. The NOPD was ineffective before Katrina and still is and it may be the only way Nagin can get a handle on it.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-06-20T22:39:51-06:00

ID

122302

Comment

Let the fun begin! Elderly Women Attacked While Entering Restaurant Don't shoot the messenger. Oh yeah, we had a home invasion too!

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-06-20T23:23:55-06:00

ID

122303

Comment

It is pretty sick we have a person preying on the elderly. It is not National Guard sick; but, I hope they set an example with whoever is committing these crimes.

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-06-20T23:29:53-06:00

ID

122304

Comment

Person - person(s)

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-06-20T23:30:28-06:00

ID

122305

Comment

It's funny how Melton always walks the streets during checkpoints and sweeps, but will turn around and say that he needs a gun because his life has been threatened. I am no rocket scientist but isn't he making himself more prone to be a victim of a violent crime by being at these locations? His so called body guards walk around like they are in line for a Hollywood audition for a supporting role in a movie. How do they plan to protect him if something really happened? Well, they couldn't. Also I have yet to see him show up at a home invasion, or an attack on an elderly person, or show up at one of these businesses that are being robbed frequently. IMO this man is nothing but a showoff and a liar. He dosen't want to stop crime, he just wants to see how many people he can continue to fool with his tough talk and threats. If he really wanted to help he would pack up and go back to the Lone Star state. I heard that they are looking for a few good border patrol rangers.

Author

lance

Date

2006-06-21T06:07:54-06:00

ID

122306

Comment

I have seen him at an eatery in the black neighborhood by himself. Ain't no one trying to kill him. He knows as full of sh1it as he is, somebody likely wants to whip his a@@ for poor job performance.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-06-21T08:56:52-06:00

ID

122307

Comment

My goodness, I go out of town for a day and look what happens. Melton's ready to start curfews! I guess when I go out of town next week, I'll see black helicopters flying over when I get back.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-06-21T09:14:59-06:00

ID

122308

Comment

What will be the impact of a curfew on such businesses as ChuckEcheese, bowling lanes, movie theatres?? Not only these kind of businesses but, libraries, church activities, malls. Will these markets end for our youth and business people at 8pm? Melton said that he does not know anything about politics and, "I don't want to know anything about politics." This is a loaded statement and really tells a sad story about the fact that he has a sore spot in his formal educational training. Is the word "IMPOSTURE" mean anything? The CL and JFP asked for a resume on Anderson and someone provided one. We were shocked! Where is Melton's resume and background check? This folks will really tell the story of this stranger among us who is bent on destroying Jackson for his own personal needs.

Author

justjess

Date

2006-06-21T10:47:01-06:00

ID

122309

Comment

Here's the thing. He's not going to really do a curfew. He didn't really do one during Katrina if you recall. He just pretended he did, and some folks believed it. But they confirmed themselves that it wasn't real. That didn't stop police from harassing select bars andd restaurants, however. This is no way to run a city.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-06-21T10:56:39-06:00

ID

122310

Comment

Here's my question, and his declaration didn't make it clear. Can kids be out past the curfew if they're with their parents? That's the way most curfews worked in the past.

Author

James Hester

Date

2006-06-21T11:00:49-06:00

ID

122311

Comment

Corrections: Does the word 'IMPOSTURE" mean anythinhg? I have been so caught up in this madness with FM that my thoughts move faster than my fingers can type. If someone (FM) is willing to wear police stuff, and he is not a police; if he (FM) is willing to carry guns and claimed to be ltrained, licensed and certified and he was not; if (FM) can report professional training as a "Social Worker" and he is not; if (FM) can boast of being a broke businessman, with a wife who had just finished medical school and pregnant, came into Jackson, without a penny in his pocket and on his own, purchased a multi-million dollar TV station, then it is not too far fetched to believe that this man's whole life's story IS NOT THE TRUTH.

Author

justjess

Date

2006-06-21T11:01:57-06:00

ID

122312

Comment

The curfew, if imposed by Melton, would open the city to a civil rights violation lawsuit (maybe even a class action suit), as it will only be imposed on a certain class of the population (the minors) you can not do that by the statute. This is just more hot air coming out of his mouth. Now if he imposes a curfew on the whole population then it would be okay, but only for a period of 5 days.

Author

malt

Date

2006-06-21T11:12:24-06:00

ID

122313

Comment

A curfew on the entire populace during a non-emergency is just going way too far. There hasn't been another natural disaster or a terrorist attack in the city. I also am thinking of the business angle of it. Regarding the civil rights violation of a curfew, a number of cities across the U.S. over the years have imposed curfews on minors, but I've yet to hear one that had been struck down. I do remember hearing of a curfew being proposed in an area near downtown Orlando some years ago, but I don't think it went through.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2006-06-21T11:33:37-06:00

ID

122314

Comment

Well Malt, you can pass laws that only restrict the rights of youth. After all, the city already has a youth curfew. I do agree that the city is likely to have its ass sued off if Melton enacts and enforces this declaration, however. For one thing, the youth curfew we have now is a real law, in that it has been passed and repeatedly renewed by the City Council. (Shame on them.) Melton's curfew, by contrast, would be passed by fiat. It is considerably more restrictive and it is only legal in the most hollow technical sense because it is built atop a bogus state of emergency. I'm not a lawyer, but I think even I could argue this one in court. All it will take is for the police messing with the wrong kid, i.e. a kid whose parents have money, and the law suits will start springing up like mushrooms in a moldy closet. Maybe it is a good thing that Dale Danks works for the city. As Pieter Teewussen argued to The Clarion-Ledger when Danks was "hired": At least this will keep him from suing the city. He would be ALL over this otherwise.

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2006-06-21T11:34:31-06:00

ID

122315

Comment

You know they could be learning in "real-time" that these actions only open up more questions and problems, if they would just pay attention to our neighbors South on I-55. Small local problems that tend to reach national news. And, it usually isn't cast in a favorable light! Now the news stories about New Orleans are asking "Are the leaders of NO, losing control of the city?"

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-06-21T11:49:56-06:00

ID

122316

Comment

I wonder if Melton would agree to random drug tests.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-06-21T11:51:48-06:00

ID

122317

Comment

You are not getting it, the statute say any person or persons, that is were the problem is, it does not say a certain person or persons.

Author

malt

Date

2006-06-21T11:59:34-06:00

ID

122318

Comment

The CL states he's done it. http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060621/NEWS/60621016

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2006-06-21T21:18:39-06:00

ID

122319

Comment

Lord have mercy! There's no telling where this will all lead. Absolutely incredible.

Author

Kacy

Date

2006-06-21T22:43:52-06:00

ID

122320

Comment

Now the news stations are saying he'll sign it at 10am. If the kids are with their parents, are they going to be harassed by the police? Or is it just unattended minors?

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2006-06-22T08:56:09-06:00

ID

122321

Comment

'Well Malt, you can pass laws that only restrict the rights of youth.' Brian C. Johnson I believe what MALT was trying to say is that there is a difference in a curfew being applied under State Law and under a city's curfew Law. Yes, cities can restrict and curfew minors. But, it is my understanding that the State of Mississippi's emergency law cannot be applied to any one class of persons and this would apply to minors. The State's law can be applied to geographical areas which could mean that Melton would not have to restrict the entire City. Perhaps I am not understanding this correctly, but it makes sense to me.

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2006-06-22T09:18:46-06:00

ID

122322

Comment

Can this curfew be enforced realistically?

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-06-22T10:38:20-06:00

ID

122323

Comment

Well folks, it seems that Jackson is "officially" under a "STATE OF EMERGENCY." The real emergency is for our AG to "do the right thing" and carry through with his promise to prosecute if anymore laws were broken. Has anyone heard where the AG is in this investigation? The facts, evidence and witnesses are all present, I'm told. Maybe FM can now see the need of community policing, the Crime Prevention Unit, the need for the officers he terminated, the need to follow the directives given in the Maple-Lindy Study, the nned for security cameras and the need for a Chief who knows what the hell to do and how the hell to do it. The 15sec. sound bites have all come home to ruse. This emergency deal is nothing but a smoke-screen. FM is depending on the weak, the mean and the ignorant to step out in total support and screaming his paraises!

Author

justjess

Date

2006-06-22T11:02:56-06:00

ID

122324

Comment

Yes, we are truly living in the theater of the absurd, where he has taken the power of the sound bit to new depths, seemingly to cover his inability to run the city, lower crime, be a good mayor. I predict it will backfire on him.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-06-22T11:04:42-06:00

ID

122325

Comment

I personally see a distinct replica of my chihuahua in Melton! (don't laugh) My chihuahua has Napolean complex.......so does Melton! My chihuahau believes he is equal to or bigger than all the other dogs in the neighborhood.........so does Melton! My chihuahua snarls, barks and generally raises a lot of hell, then runs away to hide.............hhmmm.......so does Melton! My vet said the best thing for my chihuahua was to be neutered and it would help calm him down....... .....................hhuummm............like Melton?!?!!

Author

Katie D

Date

2006-06-22T11:06:54-06:00

ID

122326

Comment

Oh, and no curfew can be enforced realistically. That's one of the inherent problems with the concept, which is typically done purely for public-relations purposes. They don't work. Why? Mainly because would-be criminals, er, are breaking laws anyway -- what's a silly curfew law? And there are so many inherent discrimination issues involved. You can't just pick on kids in the inncer city; you've got to apply it equally to white kids, too; thus the Leslie Berryhill issue. This will bring lawsuits, mark my words. It's all just damn silly. Everything Melton does has to be a dramatic attempt to get attention. Of course, that's exactly who the voters elected. There was nothing in his record to indicate that he would be a good mayor. He's a walking sound bite who shows no willingness to learn anything new, obey laws that inconvenience him, etc. It's a disaster waiting to happen. Always has been. Now he has the power of the police behind him. Look out.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-06-22T11:08:58-06:00

ID

122327

Comment

Katie D............I'll bring the ahcohol pads!

Author

rufus

Date

2006-06-22T11:09:41-06:00

ID

122328

Comment

Soooooooooo sad that Melton has to hide behind worthless proclamations and the National Guard because he cannot get the job done. The criminals are probably laughing too. They are going to continue to keep on going just as they have been before this worthless document was signed. It takes a real leader to admit that they may not be the best for the job. Melton is not even a mediocre leader. This crap about bringing Jim Black back to the city should be taken as a slap in Shirlene Anderson's face. We all know who is going to be the police chief now. Funny how Danks would not run as mayor himself, but all of his old administration are working their way back into the city.

Author

lance

Date

2006-06-22T11:16:56-06:00

ID

122329

Comment

Plus, haven't a lot of crimes lately been committed in broad daylight? My neighbor was broken into around 2 or 3 in the afternoon. What good is a friggin 7 p.m. curfew going to do for that, assuming as the Mayor does that "kids" were the culprits?

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-06-22T11:27:40-06:00

ID

122330

Comment

Frank needs to concentrate on all these displaced hurricane people who have taken over the city. Maybe they are the reason for the influx in crime. Maybe the focus has been on Frank for too long. I mean really....either the dude has bitten off more than he can chew or he is fighting a loosing battle. However, I have no desire to live like a prisoner in my city because of a couple of kids who have no respect for human life. Curfew, sure, I'm way over 17 so it doesn't matter to me. But I am not willing to go through road blocks on my lunch break everyday...nor am I willing to be pulled over each and every time a cop feels like it. This whole is getting deeper and deeper for the city. Just send these folk back to where they came from Frank so that we can get back to the Jackson we all once felt safe in.

Author

Queen601

Date

2006-06-22T13:30:11-06:00

ID

122331

Comment

Sho' you right, Queen. Oprah has fear of a black planet, young folks, saggy britches, gold and silver grilles, new ideas, novel opinions, a dapper walk, new english, et al. But she has worse kinds of people on the show all the time. As Little John of the East Sides Boys would say "Yeeeaaahhh." Sho' nuff. Can you feel me? Hear me now.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-06-22T13:57:07-06:00

ID

122332

Comment

Queen, what makes you think they're from NOLA or the Gulf Coast? I haven't heard any reference to these people being outsiders. Even if they were from NOLA or the GC, you don't see Houston calling in the Guard and they've got far more evacuees and crime caused by evacuees than we can imagine.

Author

kaust

Date

2006-06-22T13:57:53-06:00

ID

122333

Comment

Can somebody put my Kamikaze comment under the right article?

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-06-22T13:59:01-06:00

ID

122334

Comment

A quote lifted from the C-L forums by Angry Democrat: "I agree that the City of Jackson is in crisis and a state of emergency needs to be declared. The crisis is that 75% of the voters were gullible enough to elect a lunatic as mayor, and now he won't go away." Personally, I think the "State of Emergency" in Jackson went in to effect on July 5, 2005.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-06-22T14:06:17-06:00

ID

122335

Comment

I agree, Ejeff. That has been my thinking for a long time.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-06-22T14:09:29-06:00

ID

122336

Comment

Good point Knol Aust! We need to keep the problem where it belongs and that is with FM. Why wouldn't the kids, crooks, robbers etc. go around acting crazy and out of control-----the mayor is doing it! The only person that needs to go back to where they came from is FRANK! Please get out of town (Dodge City) and let us try to get Jackson back on track. Oh, is it Dodge City or the O K Coral? Sounds to me like he's waiting or wanting to have a shoot out---it's sad!

Author

maad

Date

2006-06-22T14:17:52-06:00

ID

122337

Comment

I don't know that they are from anywhere other than Jackson, you got me....I guess my sattire comment didn't go over well. However, I can tell you this much....NEW ORLEANS IS IN A STATE OF EMERGENCY and has been before now....might be a coinsidence and it might not be....who's to say. I'm merely pointing out that it could stand to be investigated. Hell, he's "tried" everything else. Why not try that?

Author

Queen601

Date

2006-06-22T14:41:11-06:00

ID

122338

Comment

Well Ray, , I hate to tell you and Opera this but, she is ancestored from a Black Planet - Africa. The Queen601's comment about the NO folks was off the chain. I have had the opportunity to work with many of these citizens of America and their hopes and dreams mimic those we so often blog about, i.e, wanting a place that is safe, a decent community to raise our children. Frank is blaming the youth; however, we know that most of the crime is coming from adults. Let's be careful not to do to the folks from NO what Frank has done to our youth; punish the wrong group. My hat goes off to madd. He/She is on target with: "The only person that needs to go back to where they came from is FRANK!" I also agree that he wants to have a shoot-out and if things continue - WE WILL.

Author

justjess

Date

2006-06-22T15:26:28-06:00

ID

122339

Comment

Justjess, my comment here was placed into the wong article accidently. Don't tell anyone but I'm mostly b.s.ing anyway.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-06-22T15:40:44-06:00

ID

122340

Comment

It is time for Frank to go back home to Texas.

Author

JAC

Date

2006-06-22T15:42:54-06:00

ID

122341

Comment

Justjess, I feel ya. That statement now, in reflection did come across a bit categorical and unfair. So I apologize for that. But I am just fed up this entire situation and I guess I fell victim to laying the blame someplace if there is no place easily visible. And you are right, it's not all youth. However, it is an overwelming number of teens that are left with nothing to do but commit crimes. What happened to all the stuff Frank was suppose to do to occupy these kids anyway. This is the worst crime spree (if you will) that I've seen in all my years here and I find it oustandingly ironic that it's happening during this particular Mayor's term not even a year into it. This, a man who is suppose to be targeting crime. Suppose to be doing this and that for the underpriviledged. The one who said he wasn't going to have it in his city. Now it seems like the criminals (be it young or old) is telling him, "try and stop us". I don't feel safe with the city, the crime, or the mayor.

Author

Queen601

Date

2006-06-22T15:43:55-06:00

ID

122342

Comment

From reading the posts so far I am glad to see that there are others out there that do not agree with this act by Melton. It is a topsy-turvy world we live in and we need to stand up for what is right and voice our thoughts when something is wrong, especially in this case. By declaring Jackson to be in a state of "emergency", instills fear and widespread suspicion in people. I just have to say that I am not willing to trade my personal freedoms for the illusion of being safer.

Author

Asunta

Date

2006-06-22T16:27:28-06:00

ID

122343

Comment

This man's elevator does not go all the way to top. Nor does he have both oars in the water. And he is not packing a full load. Not to mention he is CRAZY!!

Author

realtime

Date

2006-06-22T16:45:50-06:00

ID

122344

Comment

Reading the C-L article Tom posted, it's remarkable how often Goliath gets things wrong. They say that the youth curfew would begin at 7 p.m. rather than 8 p.m. Melton may have changed his mind on this, but I assume Goliath just screwed it up. Then, they write that Gov. Barbour would have to approve any state of emergency, which isn't true. He must approve use of the Guard, though Melton seems to think that any forces at Hawkins Field are under his direct command. (Where does he get these ideas from?) But Melton may declare a state of emergency on his own authority. Sloppy.

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2006-06-22T16:59:40-06:00

ID

122345

Comment

By the way, I now see what Malt was arguing and it is an important point. Thanks for helping me understand it, Chris.

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2006-06-22T17:02:19-06:00

ID

122346

Comment

queen601, you are on target with asking about the promises made by FM for the youth of Jackson. If you are not from Wood St. this Summer, you don't stand a chance. Just the fact that he has taken 15 youngsters from Wood St. who are, "Still at my house," made the 20yr old, CEO and sold them a truck for one dollar to start their "Business" speaks to the kind of behavior that leads to gang activity. What are the kids who don't live on Wood St. who need employment suppose to think or do. Is the City of Jackson paying for these kids to play "business." Will there be envy and jealousy from others? This is just too screwed up. Your point is very well taken. The message here is "try to stop us." I have said this in several of my blogs: MELTON IS A MAGNET FOR CRIME

Author

justjess

Date

2006-06-22T17:09:43-06:00

ID

122347

Comment

I am glad that you see what I was trying to say. I have spoken to several attorneys; one said maybe he wanted to read up on it, so I sent your pdf westlaw and one said that it was a violation of all minors’ rights. I guess the court will have to decide. I hope that this is not the final straw for the city I love.

Author

malt

Date

2006-06-22T17:19:03-06:00

ID

122348

Comment

I just ran some kids off who were hanging out in the street in my neighborhood. Ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha...HA! Just kidding! But, I coulda! ;-)

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-06-22T22:18:03-06:00

ID

122349

Comment

Interesting enough, the news reported tonight that the incident that pushed Melton to declare a state of emergency and teen curfew was last night's police chase in south Jackson. If I heard correctly, wasn't the perp a 48-year old man? Seems to me that the curfew on teens wouldn't have prevented that guy from roaming the streets. I'm just having a hard time understanding the logic behind this move. Based on a talk I had with a couple of people this afternoon, there is a sentiment among average Jacksonians that juvenile crime is a huge issue and Melton is right to try and address it, even while acknowledging that a curfew is not going to fix the problem and may hurt innocent kids trying to make a living.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-06-22T22:45:57-06:00

ID

122350

Comment

FM's even thinking of having a daytime curfew for minors. What? In the summer? I can see having one from August to May, when schools are in session. So are the kids supposed to stay indoors all day and wreck the house? Also, if the police wants to search my car, can I request that they have a search warrant?

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2006-06-22T22:52:23-06:00

ID

122351

Comment

The Gov. Barbour interview was only run on Ch.3 at 5. It was sort of difficult figuring out exactly what he meant and his position post meeting with FM. This is my personal translation and I stand corrected if anyone heard a different message: MY NAME IS WEST AND I AIN'T IN FRANK'S MESS

Author

justjess

Date

2006-06-23T10:27:39-06:00

ID

122352

Comment

Good thing that curfew was in effect. Now, we'll only have adult criminals to contend with.... Right? One killed, two injured in shooting Police are investigating a triple shooting that left one man dead and two others injured. Jackson resident Terry Thomas, 39, was shot several times and died. The shooting happened around midnight on Shady Oaks Street near Medgar Evers Boulevard

Author

kaust

Date

2006-06-23T10:31:28-06:00

ID

122353

Comment

Since Barbour appears to have turned Frank down, perhaps he can go down I-55 to New Orleans and Baton Rouge and convince Nagin and Blanco to send LA guard troops and planes here as well.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-06-23T12:03:10-06:00

ID

122354

Comment

Has Melton responded to the lastest acts of violence since he imposed the "state of emergency" yesterday? I guess that since the adults are going to continue their violent ways the mayor will just have to punish the kids a little more. How ridiculous to think that by locking down the kids would remedy the crime problem. The first step would be pretty obvious............lock Melton out of office. I do not remember when crime took such a marked turn UPWARDS! Well, Melton and Anderson have had their chance. Let's see what J Black can do.

Author

lance

Date

2006-06-23T14:56:40-06:00

ID

122355

Comment

Lance, Melton said if the night time curfew doesn't work with the children he would then implement a day time curfew. Adult's curfew is next. Before long we will all need to show him work and church permits to leave our houses.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-06-23T15:08:25-06:00

ID

122356

Comment

Ray, Ray, Ray....Don't you understand that Frank is going to protect us all...just as soon as he gets through protecting *them*-two-bodyguards-who-oughta-have-their-a$$es-on-the-streets-protecting-citizens-instead-of-that-durn-idiot!

Author

Kacy

Date

2006-06-23T16:10:52-06:00

ID

122357

Comment

Crisler might be too young to know anything about J. Black and his history with the City of Jakckson but, Bluntson, Allen, Tillman, Stokes and Simone are old enough to remember. This is an insult to this City and all of its people. Why is FM bringing all of these failures back? Black didn't do anything for Jackson but cause problems and several bloggers have been talking about racism - I think that Black put the r in the word and for sure, acted out its meaning. This Mayor and Councilpersons are insulting fair minde progressive people and they are committing egregious socio-political injury upon the weary worriors who have fought so valiantly for social justice.

Author

justjess

Date

2006-06-23T16:14:17-06:00

ID

122358

Comment

It appears from reading this site, the mayor is taking a beating. However, I have a few questions that I hope someone can answer for me. Where are the parents of these minors that are committing these crimes? Maybe, the parents need to be arrested and or fined for their child(ren)s' actions. Why are there so few cases handled in the court system? Where is the police chief and what is her plans to handle this matter? Where are the churches and the organizations that work with youth? Maybe, the mayor needs to have meetings with those that are interested in working together to eradicate the problems with crime in Jackson and create workable positive long-term solutions. I do not live in the state of Mississippi and this situation has not been good publicity for the city of Jackson. What effect has this matter had on college recruitment? Also, where is Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton? I can imagine parents and students are having second thoughts about choosing Jackson Mississippi as a place for their higher education. This is the kind of information that Dr. Bill Cosby has been speaking about across this country. It will take a "whole village" to handle this. I look forward to some comments. This is a great site...

Author

pm

Date

2006-06-29T02:53:49-06:00