Jackson Free Press

Jackson Mayor Frank Melton declared an official state of emergency for the city of Jackson June 22, outlining a stricter curfew for city minors. He then announced an update to the state of emergency to council members at the June 27 council meeting.

Melton told the council, and the JFP in an earlier interview, that he will amend his "state of emergency" order to include restrictions on loitering outside stores and businesses, a new focus on battling illegal drugs and weapons with "police searching all cars at roadblocks," and by encouraging parents to get their kids involved in daytime programs.

Hinds County District Attorney Faye Peterson warned that the emergency order brings no new laws into existence regarding vehicle searches, and said that if probable-cause rules are not respected, whatever illegal items the city pulls from a search will be "worthless" in a prosecution.

A more controversial amendment to Melton's emergency order calls for the city to dedicate money to Hinds County to fund the county penal farm more adequately.

"Through this executive order … I'm going to have moneys shifted from the city to Hinds County for the full purpose of fully funding the county farm," Melton told the Jackson Free Press.

Some council members were thrown by the idea of dedicating city money to the county, especially with budget shortfalls plaguing the bank books.

"He can't do that until he comes to the City Council," said Ward 2 Councilman Leslie McLemore. "Unless he's going to make a donation out of his pocket … but if he's going to encumber city money, there is no way in hell he can do that. He can say anything. This man has a reputation of saying a lot of things and doing very little, but he cannot use the taxpayers' money without coming through the City Council. Is that clear?"

The mayor made a rare appearance at City Council Tuesday. Melton has attended only a handful of council sessions since becoming mayor last year, so council members took the opportunity to voice concerns over the mayor's emergency proclamation, which some council members see as counterproductive to attracting new business to the city.

"We are inviting people to come to our community. We have an open city, and I really think this emergency order sends the wrong signal," McLemore told Melton. "I read in the paper that you're going to renew it for another five days. As I recall, there was no briefing (of the council) by you or your office on this emergency. So could you share with us what is the plan?"

Melton became standoffish at the idea of sharing the information.

"No sir, I will not share with you (the plan). It makes no sense whatsoever to tell the bad guys how you're going to deal with them, and that's a mistake that we've made."

McLemore then took issue with what he considered to be Melton's interference with city government. "I really think that it is important for the executive branch to work with the legislative branch, and in this situation, you are using the emergency orders to usurp the power of the council. … We need a job summit. We need to ask the people who benefit from our city and work in our city to employ some of these young people. That is the emergency that I would endorse. We need to fix these streets. … I mean, your high-profile crime-fighting, Mr. Mayor, has not reduced crime. Crime has gone up. So clearly we need to be working together."

Melton was instantly eager to leave the council chambers.

"Let me respond to this, then I'm about done with this," he said. "Crime was already up when I took office, Dr. McLemore, and I think everybody already knows that they say it's up 16 percent: I say it's up 22 percent. If you can't deal with the problem, I will continue the emergency order today, and I don't know if you're talking to me or you're talking to the TV cameras—"

"I'm talking to you, Mr. Mayor," McLemore interjected pointedly.

"Well, I'm going to continue (the emergency order), and I'm adding four more areas to it. … I have nothing further to say about it. You obviously have your agenda. We're going to take care of the people of the city of Jackson, and we're not going to back up until the people tell this council and this administration that they feel more safe and secure."

Ward 7 Councilwoman Margaret Barrett Simon urged Melton to retake his seat as he got up to leave, begging him to warn the council before signing an emergency order.

"When we declare a state of emergency, I get my phone ringing off the hook with people calling asking, 'What does that mean?'" Barrett Simon said. "None of us were even talked to about this state of emergency. I certainly didn't know about it. … I was walking yesterday, and the press had six different questions to me on six different issues, and I had to answer honestly that 'I don't know. We haven't been briefed.'"

Melton defended his silence. "This is not an agenda item, and this is clearly kind of a little lecture to Frank, but I'm not changing anything. We are in a state of emergency, and that's where we will be until I lift the declaration," Melton said, adding that telling the council would be giving hints to the bad guys.

"That's just like telling people in here that we're going to have a roadblock on Lakeland Drive this afternoon," he said.

"Well, certainly you don't think that's the kind of information we're asking for, do you?" Barrett Simon demanded.

"No, let me finish," Melton replied, unfazed. "The key to this is the element of surprise. It's certainly within my authority to do this. I'm exercising that authority, and I'm continuing that authority as of today.

Ward 1 Councilman Ben Allen asked Melton to keep the council informed: "Information in a public forum can be interpreted correctly or misinterpreted, all kind of things, but Mrs. Barrett is speaking from the heart. … We do need to know sometimes. We are the first people to call, and you don't have to give us everything."

"OK, I've got to go," Melton said.

"But that's all we're asking," Allen urged.

"Well, I guarantee you that if it happens, then certain things will have to change, because I call you guys up, and it's made public before I'm ready to announce, so there are certain housekeeping things that we need to do here first. And I'm not going to call one of you without calling all of you," Melton said.

McLemore was exasperated after the meeting. "There's no state of emergency," he said. "There's little point to having a mayor/council government if there's no dialogue between the council and the mayor."

Previous Comments

ID

66558

Comment

Mr. Melton's remarks to City Council are just amazing to me.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-06-28T16:41:40-06:00

ID

66559

Comment

Melton's brain has apparently overloaded. He FINALLY has the absolute authority to do something and shove it down the council's throat. He cannot admit that he is failing as a mayor and a crimefighter. I wonder what's next? I wonder just how long will he continue with this foolishness at the expense of the taxpayers? When all of the dust settles and Melton is long gone, we the taxpayers will be left to deal with the fallout.

Author

lance

Date

2006-06-28T17:16:54-06:00

ID

66560

Comment

Here's the new WAPT Poll question: What part of city government needs the most change? Mayor City Council President Police Chief www.wapt.com

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2006-06-28T17:32:56-06:00

ID

66561

Comment

Can we pick more than one?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-06-28T17:35:36-06:00

ID

66562

Comment

You can kill two birds with one stone it seems.

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2006-06-28T17:38:09-06:00

ID

66563

Comment

Several years ago actress Kim Bassinger made national news when she bought an entire town. She did it to help the people of that city. What she did was phenomenal. It was a great day for that city. I have an idea. Why dosen't Melton buy himself a place and fill it up with all of his friends. That way he can do whatever he wants to and I am sure that his friends will go right along with him. Let's see how many residents Meltontown will have: Kenneth Stokes Frank Bluntson Charles Tillman Dale Danks Stephanie Parker-Weaver Shirlene Anderson Todd Chandler Can you think of anyone else?

Author

lance

Date

2006-06-29T06:20:09-06:00

ID

66564

Comment

Hey Lance I know a few more that can go and live at Meltontown also: Chris Walker (he will probably still need protective custody) Vidal Sullivan (he can be the interchangable good/bad guy ea. month) Staff of Madison County Journal (so they can make Melton 'feel' good) 'Batman' (so Melton always has someone to blame all crime on) Micheal Black (so Melton can keep his exercise level up chasing him) **If I think of anyone else I'll let you know.............. :o)

Author

Katie D

Date

2006-06-29T06:27:44-06:00

ID

66565

Comment

Now that's a goooooooood idea Lance. I have a few names to add. Batman Sarah O'Reilly the city of Madison the billionaire friend from Texas a couple of the dope fiends from highway 80 (just for something different)

Author

rufus

Date

2006-06-29T06:28:55-06:00

ID

66566

Comment

Hiedel Allen and the three Meltonairs Lange Nesbitt S. Anderson Ward Fordice G. Anderson J. Johnson Metro Chamber of Commerce Leadership Various redneck letter writters from around the tri-county area The Wood St. Lawn and Garden Club All hanging at the YMCA with water stolen from the city next door in their pool! "Hey, everyone! Here comes a schoolbus of children!" "Break out the Hug Monkey!"

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-06-29T10:34:53-06:00

ID

66567

Comment

I think he's got at least one loyal editor left over at the Ledge who could do the media coverage.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-06-29T10:39:57-06:00

ID

66568

Comment

from the ledge: McMillin said Melton was riding in his sport-utility vehicle with his two Jackson Police Department security officers and Brunson when deputies attempted to serve the warrant for Brunson's arrest. "He said, 'We know about that. We'll handle it,' and drove away," McMillin said. After a telephone conversation with the sheriff, Melton turned Brunson and Taylor in. "When presented with a warrant, one should surrender them on demand," McMillin said. "After it was explained to him, he certainly complied." Wasn't McMillin a supporter of Melton during the election. In recent weeks it seems like he has even seen the light. I wish the deputies would have arrested Melton

Author

jd

Date

2006-06-29T11:25:46-06:00

ID

66569

Comment

I don't know if I'd be comfortable going to Meltontown at night. You got a bunch of rich folks and a bunch of gang bangers. I admit it would make for one hell of a party, but the mess the next morning. Oh the mess.

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2006-06-29T11:28:06-06:00

ID

66570

Comment

"When presented with a warrant, one should surrender them on demand," McMillin said. "After it was explained to him, he certainly complied." I'd wager that McMillin informed FM he would be arrested !

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-06-29T11:32:03-06:00

ID

66571

Comment

I appreciate that the Sheriff is upholding the law while Melton skirts it.

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-06-29T11:39:36-06:00

ID

66572

Comment

Brian wrote, "I don't know if I'd be comfortable going to Meltontown at night. You got a bunch of rich folks and a bunch of gang bangers. " Brian you hit the nail on the head, so to speak. Does anyone find it quetionable that the 'main' Meltontown residents would not be 'normal, everyday citizens'? The majority of Jackson is made up of normal, everyday citizens - the majority IS NOT thugs, gang bangers,drug dealers, or the 'white powers that be'. But Hey - think how much nicer Jackson would be without those to whom Melton either considers as friends, OR those to whom he 'owes' something too! Did anyone find out when they would be breaking ground on this new Meltontown? I'm all for assisting in the set-up post haste!

Author

Katie D

Date

2006-06-29T13:29:22-06:00

ID

66573

Comment

A few points I would like to make are, where is the committment to what is best in the interest of the public. Some of the councilmen that are in favor with Melton, have committment to him and him only. What about the people who elected them to office. This is government malpractice. Another point is why are people still supporting Melton? What does he have to do before they consider him insane? Where will they draw the line? I refuse to agree with or follow a man who constantly lies. The lies are on video, audio, in writing, etc... Where are our values as a city? Where will we draw the line? I am totally confused...

Author

NotthrilledwithMelton

Date

2006-06-29T22:19:08-06:00

ID

66574

Comment

I appreciate that the Sheriff is upholding the law while Melton skirts it. -Pikersam Ditto on that, Pikersam.

Author

Izzy

Date

2006-06-30T12:12:00-06:00

ID

66575

Comment

BTW, this is what Melton told me June 26 about giving money to county for the penal farm: (Melton) Through this executive order we’re going to help the county fund the county farm and I’m going to have moneys shifted from the city to Hinds County for the full purpose of fully funding the county farm. (Donna) Do you have any idea how much money? (Melton) I’ve already talked to the sheriff about an hours and a half ago and asked him to come up with a number for me so we can put an end to this … and tell us what we need to do because 85 percent of the inmates are from Jackson, and as soon as he gives me that number, I’ll include that in the emergency order and transfer that over to the county. But it’ll be for the sole purpose of keeping the county farm going.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-06-30T15:50:57-06:00

ID

66576

Comment

Melton has landed Jackson on the front page of the Drudge Report! Way to go Melton! The head line reads: "UNREST IN MISSISSIPPI: CITY OF JACKSON DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY..." All you Meltonites and mouse-like politicians give yourselves a pat on the back for a job well done! Yes, I know Drudge is not a fan favorite here; but, this is the biggest national exposure we gotten so far. Gee, I wish is for cracking the top 10 of livable cities....

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-07-04T02:43:30-06:00

ID

66577

Comment

Why did we elect this man? One year down, three to go, and he is not getting better over time as I had predicted. He is, if anything, getting worse. Here's hoping he has a spiritual transformation of some kind. Soon. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-07-04T05:50:54-06:00

ID

66578

Comment

Why would any one want to live in the city of Jackson?

Author

burton

Date

2006-07-04T07:56:45-06:00

ID

66579

Comment

Why would any one want to live in the city of Jackson? Because it beats the hell out of each and every one of its suburbs. I don't live in the Jackson area (although I have), and if I were going to move back to the area, I would without question want to live in the city of Jackson. Best, Tim

Author

Tim Kynerd

Date

2006-07-04T08:17:52-06:00

ID

66580

Comment

pikersam... Don't forget about the MSNBC crew that was aboard the blue light party barge covering "The I-220 Schoolbus HUG-FEST 2006".

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2006-07-04T09:32:06-06:00

ID

66581

Comment

Why would any one want to live in the city of Jackson? Dude, it's the home of the Jackson Free Press. What could be finer? Besides, what's that big building downtown? The Capitol? And, of course, it's where I grew up, and where I have family, and where there's Fondren Art Mix and Rainbow Coop and Butterfly Yoga and the MS Farmer's Market and one or two other cool happenings.

Author

kate

Date

2006-07-04T10:24:38-06:00

ID

66582

Comment

The JPD chased suspects through a park in patrol cars dodging citizens trying to celebrate the 4th. of July and all we had in Madison was a few bands, childrens games and a firework show.

Author

burton

Date

2006-07-05T08:56:28-06:00

ID

66583

Comment

In order to keep this discussion on topic, I moved a long thread of back-and-forth with burton to the TrollBlog. Click here to view. View]Blog Rules here.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-07-05T12:40:54-06:00

ID

66584

Comment

Heard that JPD has a policy that if over 115 mph the chase stops.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-07-05T13:00:28-06:00