Jackson Free Press

What a week. As our last issue went to press, Mayor Frank Melton was in the middle of a tantrum about alleged "Wood Street Gang" associate Vidal Sullivan going free after a witness recanted his story to the district attorney. By the end of the week, Melton was basking in the Bahamas, and Sullivan was back on the streets as a free man, according to law enforcement insiders and friends of Sullivan who say they talked to him within hours of his brief visit with Melton on Wednesday night.

Multiple sources tell the JFP that Sullivan was never in custody, "protective" or otherwise. All week, though, the mayor and chief told the public that Sullivan was ensconced at an "undisclosed location" and in "protective custody," as Police Chief Shirlene Anderson told The Clarion-Ledger for a March 4 story.

In fact, as we go to press, WAPT-TV has just reported that Sullivan's only charge was possession of marijuana. He was given 14 days to pay a $250 fine, and then released the same night.

As last week began, Melton declared, "I may step aside," in order to go "bring in" Sullivan, who he said was too dangerous to be free. Melton's warrant turned out to be a paper warrant for a contempt of court misdemeanor.

Sullivan was on trial this month for the February 2003 beating death of Carey Bias. But after DeShawn CoCroft, 30, told D.A. Faye Peterson that he had lied about Sullivan's role, the court dropped the charges. Other young men also went free when CoCroft recanted: Anthony Staffney and Zedrick Maurice Warner, both 37.

Oddly, Melton's crusade does not extend to all alleged criminals and "gang" members in Jackson. Only the week before the three men were acquitted, Melton had a more lukewarm response when a similar event occurred in the trial of the alleged "Grayhead Gang"—as he called them during his campaign—who were on trial in the kidnapping and shooting of Michael Sanders.

In that trial, sources say, the defense even came close to calling Mr. Melton himself to the stand as a character witness for the young men—who many casually refer to as "Frank's Boys," due to their mentoring relationship with Melton over the years. Since the 1980s, Melton has been awarded custody of young "at-risk" men. He makes no secret that he has known the young men accused of being associated with the "Grayhead Gang" since they were children.

"Bonding takes place at a young age," Melton told the Associated Press in May 2004 about the Grayhead boys. "Many of these young men don't have father figures. I treat them with respect and dignity. They trust me."

Two of the acquitted Grayhead men go to trial for the murder of Fadenso "Maniac" Jackson, the purported leader of the "Inge Street Gang," later this month.
Melton also has known Sullivan since he was a teenager, he says. But in his case, Melton shows little patience for Sullivan's criminal past. "I have to do what I have to do," Melton told The Clarion-Ledger. "I'm not going to let them terrorize the city of Jackson."

By "them," Melton means the young men he associates with the "Wood Street gang." The new mayor even devoted part of his inaugural speech to telling the Wood Street boys to get out of Dodge.

"We are coming, and we are coming strong," he proclaimed in front of City Hall last July 4. "So to Big Al, Mr. Williams, Mr. Donelson, Mr. Moore, Mr. Coleman, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Butler and all of your thug friends—pack up and get out—it is over."

Those names may have befuddled the audience, but in the mayor's world, those names represent the "Wood Street Gang": Albert (Big Al) Donelson, Terrell Donelson, Terry Moore, L.C. Coleman, Roderick Taylor, Richard Earl Butler and their "thug friends" associated with the group.

While director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Melton focused much of his time on "cold cases" involving violence between groups of young men he knows in Jackson, rather than on drug arrests. While at MBN, a number of the young "Grayhead" men turned themselves in to Melton, instead of the JPD, and he apprehended several "Wood Street" suspects, including Sullivan in November 2003 on a probation charge. Sullivan was then charged with the murder of Reginald Versell, but the D.A. had to let him go for lack of evidence. He was re-arrested by JPD in 2005 for the Bias murder.

After Sullivan turned himself in, Melton took him before Melvin Priester, whom he appointed as a municipal court judge last year. In turn, Priester—Melton's long-time friend and husband of the attorney for the TV-3 Foundation, which Melton chairs—issued a gag order. Then JPD Det. Marcus Wright blocked reporters from the courtroom. Wright was the officer armed with the submachine gun during the Maple Street evictions.

After his manhunt ended, Melton left for vacation Friday morning—reportedly with two of his bodyguards. City spokespeople would not confirm his whereabouts, but after he was seen in the Dallas airport connecting to Miami, a city official confirmed to the JFP Friday that he was headed to the Bahamas. Melton did not return calls to his cell phone.

For background on this story, and extensive blog commentary, please see the JFP's Frank Melton Blog.

Editor's Note: A correction has been appended in the above story. In the written transcript of the mayor's inaugural speech, the city spelled "Donelson" as "Donaldson." It is now corrected in the above story.

Previous Comments

ID

65390

Comment

This is so embarrassing! BTW: Did anyone hear on Kim Wade today the pitiful response that Goldia (?) had for why the mayor hasn't done a thing about "Mary's House?" Besides mentioning that the Mayor was out of town! Note: this has been going on for months She said that they are in the process of getting funds to build her home. And that “takes certain procedures that take time.” Note: policies and procedures? Since when?!? Besides the fact Melton declared that he would pay for it out of his pocket; don't you think you should have funding in place before you tear down the old house? No matter the condition, it was paid for. Now she is about to have to pay rent at the apt. where they relocated her. Not to mention she has been separated from her pets all this time. Now back to free killers with traffic violations!

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-03-07T22:14:54-06:00

ID

65391

Comment

why is it bold?

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-03-07T22:15:23-06:00

ID

65392

Comment

How much more will it take before this man (Frank) is stopped . He continues to thumb his nose at us by playing these games. He has no fear or remorse about anything that he says or does. He will look right at you and boldly tell you a lie. His charade of being a concerned mayor and crime fighter is such a crock! The city's on the brink of financial ruin, we have people that are supposed to be more dangerous than Al Capone getting out of jail before you can blink, lies being told to the elderly, and this arrogant #@%$ takes a vacation? I guess that he meant what he said when he told the media that he didn't give a sh%t what the public thinks. It's so sad but this is the type of story that will make national news.

Author

lance

Date

2006-03-07T23:29:54-06:00

ID

65393

Comment

It's so sad but this is the type of story that will make national news. You know, I hate to say it, but these problems may have to make national news before something finally gets done to fix it.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-03-07T23:39:58-06:00

ID

65394

Comment

Mayby you have a good point L.W., he will embarass us all, but if he is not stopped, it won't matter one way or another. If he's trying to impress the rest of the country with his unorthodoxed style, then hopefully they (national news) can send the message to him that he's making an a$$ of himself.

Author

lance

Date

2006-03-08T06:53:54-06:00

ID

65395

Comment

Jackson Municipal Court Judge Mel Priester unsealed the court file of reputed gang associate Vidal Sullivan on Tuesday after a legal challenge by The Clarion-Ledger. Priester, who presided over Sullivan's hearing last week, said he never closed the proceeding to the public and expressed outrage at whoever communicated to the media that it was. This is from today's edition of the CL (3/8/06). Does anyone besides me smell something here? The CL once again took the high road to this ever developing saga. They made no mention of Melton being reportedly in the Bahamas almost immediately after Sullivan's latest release. They did a sugar-free, low calorie, low carb article on the cowboy that calls himself mayor. Mayby Sullivan should just hold a press conference and give us his side. I really would like to hear what he has to say. Did Frank release any figures to the public as to how much his latest tirade has cost us (SWAT Team special assignment)? Will WLBT do a poll on the mayor's popularity? Are Melton's supporters still "Standing by their Man"? And finally, will Judge Priester spank Melton's hands for his grandstanding and sensationalizing of his courtroom hearings?

Author

lance

Date

2006-03-08T07:11:46-06:00

ID

65396

Comment

"Are Melton's supporters still "Standing by their Man"" - lance I know two types of Melton supporters. The ones that will always and prefer not to discuss these important topics and the ones that can no longer support him...

Author

kaust

Date

2006-03-08T08:22:52-06:00

ID

65397

Comment

melton supporters are probably embrassed that they were taken for a ride by his "talk", as well they should be. this man can lie and does everyday and it's o.k. because he's already said he don't give a s#%&* what the public thinks. If the media gave him half the grief they gave johnson, i would be really surprised. who would have ever thought voters would select a gunslinger, who lies, curses, lies, reports to crime scenes ***********, vacations with bodyguards, did i mention lies, for mayor.

Author

notme

Date

2006-03-08T10:54:26-06:00

ID

65398

Comment

Ok, no more people from Texas will be allowed into Politics outside of Texas! They are some dangerous people! I mean it's like "Why is this happening to me"? Did I mess with Texas at some point partner? :) :) I'm sorry to all the Texans!!! Are Texans purging there filthy politicans on the US: Tom Delay, George Bush, Frank Melton and theres more!!! And who are the People that Frank Claims are Nervous from the so-called information that Sullivan May have reavealed to him? Oh Yeah!! L.I.H.O.P. And the cloud of rumors/suspicion still surrounds Frank.

Author

JAC

Date

2006-03-08T11:08:26-06:00

ID

65399

Comment

L.I.H.O.P. What does that mean? I don't get out much. :-P

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-03-08T11:22:43-06:00

ID

65400

Comment

There's a weird relationship between Melton and his die-hard supporters. He doesn't give a $#!% what they think of him, and they don't give a $#!% about his real agenda and the games he plays. A couple of the letters to the editor in today's C-L supporting FM indicate that clearly. Again, I would love to see a poll by the local media (similar to the election eve polling from last year) that measures how popular FM is RIGHT NOW.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-03-08T11:32:19-06:00

ID

65401

Comment

JAC, As a recovering Texan (not by birth), I can tell you that all politicians in Texas are filthy. There's just something about the lone star state that makes for dirty politics. And keep in mind that the two presidents we've had from Texas (LBJ and George W., even though the latter is really from Conneticut), have each launched disastrous foreign wars. I was visiting a friend in the former Yugoslavia in 2002, and people kept asking me why America was so crazy. I told them that Texas is America's Serbia. Now if we could just get them to break away!

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2006-03-08T11:35:15-06:00

ID

65402

Comment

LIHOP stands for Let It Happen On Purpose

Author

malt

Date

2006-03-08T11:50:34-06:00

ID

65403

Comment

Let It Happen On Purpose. I LOVE oxymorons! Cool!

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-03-08T11:56:33-06:00

ID

65404

Comment

WLBT's noon report teaser "Where is the most dangerous man in Jackson?" Are they talking about Sullivan or Frank?

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-03-08T12:03:30-06:00

ID

65405

Comment

Interesting comments, all. I'm doing to edit a couple of things slightly: the outright name-calling of Mr. Melton, as well as one of the accusations that appeared in this statement that I don't know to be substantiated: who would have ever thought voters would select a gunslinger, who lies, curses, lies, reports to crime scenes *********, vacations with bodyguards, did i mention lies, for mayor. Thanks all, Donna

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-03-08T12:16:26-06:00

ID

65406

Comment

Hey Ledge, the link to your Sullivan story isn't working. What's up? Could y'all fix it please, so inquiring minds can see what y'all got in there today about this.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-03-08T12:48:43-06:00

ID

65407

Comment

As a staunch supporter of Frank Melton, mea culpa...and fifty lashes upon me for my gullibility. Lord help us all.

Author

tomac

Date

2006-03-08T14:09:56-06:00

ID

65408

Comment

OK, the link to the Ledge story works now. It basically rehashes the news we told y'all here yesterday (and on the blog last week) that Sullivan is not, and has not been, in "custody," contrary to statements of the mayor and chief. It took the Ledge a while to figure it out, huh? The parts about Priester and Melton are baffling. Now, he's saying he did not close anything. Is this judge going to be scrutinized closely for his role in all this chicanery?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-03-08T14:10:37-06:00

ID

65409

Comment

tomac, there is no shame in believing in someone who says what people wants to hear. But good for you for being willing to stand up and say you were fooled. To me, there is no time for "told you so's." Let's all get together and get our city back on track.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-03-08T14:15:07-06:00

ID

65410

Comment

Just blatantly kick the press out of the court room and then play dumb about it!!! No one could have anticipated the press was trying to get into the court room! Ain't this nothing Frank has been to Pakistan and the Bahamas and God only knows where else in the past month..... :) and hasn't done squat for the City since he has been office! Baby Bush, Baby Bush, Baby Bush!

Author

JAC

Date

2006-03-08T14:23:26-06:00

ID

65411

Comment

BTW, all, please don't forget how the "local" media shirked its collective responsibility during Mr. Melton's campaign. They could have told the public so much more, if they would have. They are responsible here -- especially The Clarion-Ledger. The abysmal media coverage has put us exactly where we are. The public cannot make informed decisions if the media refuse to give them the whole truth.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-03-08T14:28:10-06:00

ID

65412

Comment

Speaking of the Clarion-Ledger, (I know this is a bit off the subject) they ran a full page of the Jackson 2000 Friendship Ball that honored Donna and Derrick Johnson today in their Northeast Ledger. But they made no mention of Donna at all. They ran a photo of Derrick and stated that he was "among the honorees." I think it is perhaps the most childish thing I've experienced in in quite some time. The C-L is a joke!

Author

thabian

Date

2006-03-08T15:33:25-06:00

ID

65413

Comment

Yeah, we've been giggling about that around the office today! I guess it's their way of showing this uppity Mississippi native who's boss, eh? ROTFLMAO They are so pathetic ... and threatened. Here's the proof.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-03-08T15:37:26-06:00

ID

65414

Comment

Ladd:"Let's all get together and get our city back on track." Your sense of optimism is laudable, but reality dictates otherwise, laments this pessimist. The media, having invested heavily (their credibility) in Melton, have a strong desire for him to succeed. That's one of the reasons they are not likely to hold him accountable. He need only do something "rational" every once in a while and he's back in favor. Self immolation in the flames of his rhetoric and/or choking on his soundbites is the only relief I see happening before '09........

Author

tomac

Date

2006-03-08T15:47:31-06:00

ID

65415

Comment

We are truly living in the Twilight Zone. Just saw Melton saying on WAPT that Sullivan is going to "now help to clean up crime," as they put it. Somehow, he is going to "expose loopholes" in the system for us, and this means, somehow, that no more witnesses are going to recant their testimony. Huh? Thank goodness for Marshand Crisler who pointed out that last week Melton said Sullivan was a "terrorist," and suddenly after a meeting with Mr. Melton he is now a "hero." Reporter Greg Flynn referred to this whole supernatural plot twist as the "bizarre new fond between the mayor and Vidal Sullivan." The phrase "hiding in plain view" comes to mind, somehow. This is the oddest, and most incredible, attempt at damage control I've ever seen.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-03-08T19:10:09-06:00

ID

65416

Comment

Another in-depth story from WLBT: Melton thinks the Jackson media outlets are not acting responsibly in the way they are reacting to the Sullivan case. Melton says all he is doing is fighting crime. He says, "We have a crime problem in Jackson and I was elected to help resolve that problem and thats exactly what I am doing." [...] Melton will not say what Sullivan is being protected from, but he is part of the Wood Street Drug Gang, many of whom will be in trial later this spring in Hinds County. Melton originally made the Wood Street cases, when he was Director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. Ah, it is the media acting irresponsibly. Glad that's clear now. He clearly thinks we're idiots.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-03-08T19:18:52-06:00

ID

65417

Comment

Donna, do yo know I was watching the news with someone this evening and they STILL defended Melton? "I don't see why folks are picking on him. Everybody's got skeletons in their closet. I think he's doing a great job. They're just mad at him because he's doing a good job." And so on. You know, I realized today that you can't show a person the light if they are determined to keep his/her eyes tightly shut. I'll just let this person figure it out without me.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-03-08T21:33:15-06:00

ID

65418

Comment

That is remarkable, L.W. But the numbers are shrinking—we're hearing Melton supporters either recant, or not say a word. I haven't heard anybody defending him of late. The whole $6 million-in-a-hole thing makes that hard to do even if you don't believe that young black men have constitutional rights.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-03-08T21:37:22-06:00

ID

65419

Comment

I told this person that more people are second-guessing their view of Melton, but I think the person's desire to be right is outweighing good judgment right now. That's why I'm backing off.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-03-08T21:57:51-06:00

ID

65420

Comment

but I think the person's desire to be right is outweighing good judgment right now. That's why I'm backing off. You're right. Just allow time to educate on this one, and it will. It's not as if there has been a single sign of improvement since last July 4. Everything's getting progressively worse, and the budget blow-up is on the horizon.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-03-08T21:59:54-06:00

ID

65421

Comment

so what's the deal? he want to clean the streets of those Wood Street boys so his guys can have an easier time on the streets? So, does he lean harder on you if you aren't one of his boys? is it because they know him from the mentoring program? is there something more to it?

Author

jp!

Date

2006-03-09T00:53:50-06:00

ID

65422

Comment

crap! i missed that about how sullivan's gonna HELP the city now. does that mean he's on the mayor's payroll now? let me get this straight. this is a cold blooded killer, so dangerous that the mayor might have to leave office for a bit to track him down (for his $250 misdomeaner) and 'bring him in'. and after a week of being in pretend protective custody he's turned over a new leaf and gonna help the city? yeah. and what about the mayor's comment about keeping the press out of that hearing because of 'health and safety' issues? incase the situation in there got 'explosive?' WTF!? were they expecting him to wrestle the bailiff's gun away and open fire? does he have the bird flu and a sneeze fit? where's the follow up question? i mean, SERIOUSLY C-L. do we just let him say whatever string of words come to mind and let it go at that?

Author

jp!

Date

2006-03-09T01:04:09-06:00

ID

65423

Comment

Follow-up questions? I think those are against the rules at the local Gannett outpost, jp. ;-) As for your questions ... I will only say that questions are good. One has to know what the questions are first. That's a cardinal rule of good journalism ... and of good citizenship. Keep asking questions. Jackson is becoming a city of questions, and that's good.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-03-09T01:11:05-06:00

ID

65424

Comment

It's another chapter in Frank Melton's diary of "I fooled 'em again". He has narrowed his focus down to the few blind people that still think that he is doing a great job. I believe that there are others that are just simply afraid to speak out against him. They would rather be quiet and hope that Frank does not go on the offensive against them. The mayor will not even address his campaign promise of solving the crime issue in his first 90 days in office. He has solved it alright.....the criminals are now walking through a revolving door at the courthouse. It's a simple plan. Just turn yourself in and you'll be out in a few days. Frank will rant and rave about you, turn yourself in again, get released AGAIN and he will find a new target. Occassionaly he will toss a few strippers in jail or he will raid a motel, just for a change of venue, but the problem is still there. Crime is worst that when he took office. He made a statement a few months ago asking "Do you feel safe in your own home"? My answer is NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I don't feel safe anywhere in Jackson because I know that the only thing that is going on is this charade between Frank and the WSP (Wood Street Playas).

Author

lance

Date

2006-03-09T01:15:50-06:00

ID

65425

Comment

Keep asking questions. Jackson is becoming a city of questions, and that's good. -Ladd You're right. When you begin to ask questions it seems that other people are starting to join in and raise a few issues of their own. After all, that's how Frank built up his head of steam throught "The Bottom Line". Now that phrase is a household word. I would love to see Frank hold a town meeting and let people ask him questions. He probably won't give any answers, but at least he would see that he is rapidly losing popularity.

Author

lance

Date

2006-03-09T01:21:12-06:00

ID

65426

Comment

So was Sullivan another of Frank's mentored at-risk kids? Seems like they all grew up to be penny ante street toughs. If you can't create a Barak Obama at least give us a Tony Montana. The "most dangerous man in Mississippi" gets 2 weeks to scrounge $250 and a stripper gets hit for $650 for a nipple. Yep I feel safe.

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-03-09T03:32:56-06:00

ID

65427

Comment

"Sullivan is a guy who has been arrested 51 times and nothing has ever been done. We need to look at that.".......this is taken from an artile in this morning's CL (3/9/06) by columist Eric Stringfellow. I hope that Frank is not getting ready to do something drastic. Whenever he says "we need to look at that", then get ready because it's getting ready to hit the fan. Of the 51 times that he says that Sullivan has been arrested, how many of these can we credit to Frank? Why has it taken 51 times before he has expressed major concerns? Was Sullivan arrested any of these times when Frank was mentoring him over in Texas? So many questions with no answers.

Author

lance

Date

2006-03-09T07:30:35-06:00

ID

65428

Comment

Frank is not only a nut, he's a liar, too. Liars have to keep on lying to save face. It's not that unusual for successful criminal to get hired by police agencies - confidential informants and police officers.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-03-09T09:26:02-06:00

ID

65429

Comment

I would love to see Frank hold a town meeting and let people ask him questions. He probably won't give any answers, but at least he would see that he is rapidly losing popularity. Lance, ive asked frank some questions and trust me you dont wanna do that the "answers" you get only lead to more questions and eventually youll get tired of asking questions to get those "answers"

Author

skipp

Date

2006-03-09T10:37:51-06:00

ID

65430

Comment

I know what you mean Skipp. He reminds me of a snake charmer. He will play whatever song that he feels necessary to get you to believe in him. I have spoken with him once or twice and neither time that we talked would he look me in the eyes. His eyes are always darting around like strobe lights. He was eager to meet with the public before he took office because he had not been shown up to be a liar and promise breaker. I am speaking of the issue with the elderly woman that he promised to rebuild her home. Well, the old house is torn down, she has not received her new home as Frank promised. (I believe that I remember him saying that he would rebuild even if he had to pay for it out of his own pocket) Guess what Frank? IT'S SHOWTIME! Or why not just let her live with him until the new house is finished.

Author

lance

Date

2006-03-09T11:58:16-06:00

ID

65431

Comment

Has it the possibility been discussed that perhaps Sullivan has cut a deal with the Feds? And this is a secret deal, perhaps brokered by Mr. Melton? Just thinking out loud here...

Author

Izzy

Date

2006-03-09T12:17:03-06:00

ID

65432

Comment

I am speaking of the issue with the elderly woman that he promised to rebuild her home. Well, the old house is torn down, she has not received her new home as Frank promised. There is a Web site to help raise money to build the woman's home: http://helpmary.org/

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-03-09T12:21:07-06:00

ID

65433

Comment

I'm not sure I should comment on this but here goes. I was an avid Frank Supporter before he became Mayor. Basically because I felt Johnson had done all he could/would do for the city and we needed some new energy. I thought there should be more focus on crime instead of the appearance of the city. I thought we had focused on that long enough and we just needed a change. I was impressed by Frank's straight forwardness, his "I don't care what you think" additude, his connection to the streets. NOW However, I must say that I think he is acting like a mad person. He is doing things that seem to only agree with his personal agendas. I can't see any rationalization behind what he's doing with this Sullivan case. I think he is doing things in the community that only makes sense to him. I doubt that Sullivan even knows what Frank is doing. But I am willing to bet that there is more to him and his agenda than what we get from the media. I am not personally offended by his tone when he's interviewed (surprise, surprise!). I actually find it refreshing that he doesn't feel it necessary to sugar coat things just to be politically correct. However, as Skipp mentioned earlier, he doesn't answer questions directly and you're left leaving the interview with more doubt than you had when it started. All I can say right now is that I think he needs to gather himself. I am not yet at the point where I regret supporting him....but I am at the point to where I question my decision. Regret is probably not far off. Especially if these tyraids continue. I had hoped that his "cowboy" style would be a start of a new city. But it has actually just added a new level of confusion. No one knows what he's doing, not even him. I have nothing to add about his credibility because I feel like his past has nothing to do with what he can do for us now. As a matter of fact if he uses the mistakes and trials he's gone through in the past to dictate how he'll be in the future -- in a positive way-- that can only be good for the city. However, if he's trying to bring his past to the future, then we are in for a real bumpy ride for the remainder of his term. I'm not giving up on Frank. But I would like for him to be driven by the people and the city instead of being driven by Frank.

Author

Queen601

Date

2006-03-09T13:45:02-06:00

ID

65434

Comment

Queen601, I think you summed up nicely how many of us feel about FM six months later, that you still want to believe in him and hope that he can turn things around for the better, but are getting little indication that he cares about anything other than his personal agenda. I think he does have some good ideas (even a broken clock is right twice a day...) but they are overshadowed by his lack of a clear plan and focus. I agree that a leader doesn't have to be PC to be effective, but as a public servant he is accountable to the people who put him in office and expected him to move the city forward, not dig us into a deeper hole.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-03-09T14:13:42-06:00

ID

65435

Comment

Yes I think you are right. It seems as though his thirst for power is stronger than his desire to better the city. That in itself is a recipe for disaster. All I can hope for is that this time in the Bahamas will mellow the dude out some. Hopefully he'll come back with a new mind. Although I question his vacation timing. But you know, who knows with this guy.

Author

Queen601

Date

2006-03-09T14:20:27-06:00

ID

65436

Comment

Laurel, FM has all but said that Mr. Sullivan is going to testify against someone -- my guess is the Wood Street leaders (thus the "protection" he's being offered -- although he is not in custody, remember). However, it is important to remember that plenty of guys have promised FM before they were going to testify, got him publicity over "bringing them in," and then backed out later on -- or the evidence wasn't worth a damn in the first place. So I would expect some sort of announcement like that ... that should be taken with a grain of salt, or a whole shaker full. There is no evidence, yet, that Mr. Melton has helped a single guy be convicted, is there? And I'm still not seeing how any of this makes Jackson safer from "the most dangerous man" and the "terrorist" -- and one wonders what is compelling Mr. Sullivan to testify against his friends if that is true. It boggles my mind that the "terrorist" is now suddenly working for Mr. Melton.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-03-09T15:56:37-06:00

ID

65437

Comment

Don't forget people something called "Double Jeopardy" that precludes the same people from being tried again for the same charges. Sometimes under Federal law different charges arising from the same facts can be brought. This is often screwy and unanticipated until done. The feds have gotten involved many times where there was a large scale criminal enterprise involving criminal activity that goes across state lines. I don't think Mr. Sullivan is going to help Frank on anything. I'll have to see it before I believe it. After all, what would be the incentive to turn on all your boys when you have nothing penal or otherwise to gain? Furthermore, I can't see the feds letting Frank participate in an of their prosecutions, but I'm open to being proven wrong.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-03-09T16:12:07-06:00

ID

65438

Comment

It is amazing that so many people still hold out hope that Melton is "going to change" and, as queen601 puts it, find it "refreshing" that he does not "sugar coat" anything. Lies, obfuscation, nonesense and b***s*** are odiferous enough that sugar coating wouldn't help much anyway. I too supported Melton and was very active in his campaign. I not only question my support, but now highly regret having done so. He WILL NOT change his behavior or attitude, because he believes he knows more that anyone about everything. My hope at this point is that WHEN he does implode no one else will be harmed. The only thing I find fascinating about this entire sorry saga is that the Media continue to kid glove it....go figure.

Author

tomac

Date

2006-03-09T16:22:50-06:00

ID

65439

Comment

Queen601, I too had hoped that a change of scenery might give the mayor achance to sort things out and come back and at least slow down on his antics. Instead, last night he was on WLBT talking with Bert Case and he seemed just as derailed as ever. We all want things to turn around. We all are searching for a way to make that happen. It will happen, we are just trying to hold on until it does. I am sure that the mayor reads these on-line comments about him, or at least has someone who does. If it were me, I would use this paper (JFP) as a gauge of where I really am with the public. Here you get the truth. Some might not like it, but it's still the truth. If Frank has any hope of some sort of redemption, mayby he will take heed to what the public is saying.

Author

lance

Date

2006-03-09T16:24:03-06:00

ID

65440

Comment

so is the mayor's zeal for the wood st. gang anywhere near his zeal for the boys, now men, he mentored and somehow still became gangbangers? why is it the adult book store and strip joints he targets are owned by the same person, but others don't seem to have to sweat the mayor in the same way? So what gives? if you're one of frank's boys you're in the clear. if you aren't, then you get raided? you're public enemy number 1? Melton seems highly selective. Maybe i've got my facts screwed up here but i really want to know what going on here.

Author

jp!

Date

2006-03-09T16:27:15-06:00

ID

65441

Comment

Speaking of WLBT. Watch this video of the Sullivan story Sullivan is lead out of the court house appearing to be handcuffed. However, if you watch closely, you will see he is plainly just holding his hands behind him in an attempt to appear handcuffed! This is just crazy!

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-03-09T16:34:46-06:00

ID

65442

Comment

Lance: "I am sure that the mayor reads these on-line comments about him, or at least has someone who does." Trust me, Melton does not read this blog or anything else for that matter that might be critical of his actions. Staffers used to bring some of these things to his attention, but gave up doing that a long time ago. Do you really think a good professional police chief would tolerate his bizarre behavior, illegal antics and usurpation of their authority? Absolutely not. But if you fear losing your job, you just "go along". Don't look for help on the inside of the administration, it ain't coming.

Author

tomac

Date

2006-03-09T16:49:02-06:00

ID

65443

Comment

Since Frank might be reading or having somebody to read what is being said about him here, I'm going to say this and shut up immediately. Again I ask, has anyone noticed that Frank grins seemingly at inappropriate times? He often shows feigned anger, consternation, and then grins. I promise you, he's saying to himself "I'm _______ up grossly, and in hindsight even I can't believe some of the things I've said and done." Unfortunately, unlike our Presidents, he doesn't have anyone who can snatch his behind away from the microphones before he screws up again. He's a slow learner, and his legacy will surely be that fools hired do foolish jobs. Soon he will get really mad and tell all of us to kiss his tail. I've seen the type too many times. Just remember I told y'all it would happen. I'm going to start praying that he wakes up soon.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-03-09T17:04:41-06:00

ID

65444

Comment

I don't think Mr. Sullivan is going to help Frank on anything. I'll have to see it before I believe it. After all, what would be the incentive to turn on all your boys when you have nothing penal or otherwise to gain? I don't think he will help him, either. However, I am expecting a big press conference in which Mr. Melton tells us how Mr. Sullivan is going to help us. He was saying that yesterday, already. Then we're all supposed to forget about all this and go back to worrying about pasties. Soon he will get really mad and tell all of us to kiss his tail. He kind of did that with Andrea Malloy of WAPT last week when he made the public "I don't give a shit" comments, right? I think all of the stations aired them.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-03-09T17:41:35-06:00

ID

65445

Comment

I think someone who doesn't follow the news closely were to read the passage "Sullivan has agreed to help prosecutors with information about other criminals and expose loopholes in the criminal court system", they might conclude that Melton has taken a smart approach to crimefighting, using the criminals to catch other criminals...

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-03-09T17:58:42-06:00

ID

65446

Comment

The media is clearly not pleased with Frank right now. I have been checking them out. On the low, they have been leading us into believing Frank is loco. Not that Frank isn't contributing to that idea.

Author

Queen601

Date

2006-03-09T18:01:10-06:00

ID

65447

Comment

Ejeff, if those prosecutors haven't figured out where the loopholes are by now then they're dumber than Frank is acting. Faye Peterson is neither dumb nor stupid. She went to Georgia Tech initially and majored in Physics. She has to consider the facts and the law. She's no dummy or phony. Frank doesn't give a crap about the law, the constitution, or us, apparently. The Frank Melton Show seems to be his biggest priority. But he doesn't know his show is a comedy rather than a drama. That phrase he used is just another trick to fool the unknowing and unsophisticated. It does sound pretty good, however. Sullivan could probably be used as an informant for future crimes or as some kind of undercover agent. I doubt the pay would be sufficient if he was really Big Pimping or Balling as some claim he was. Believe me, Ejeff, if Frank was trying to get help with finding loopholes in the criminal justice system he would hire defense lawyers, law professors and legal scholars.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-03-09T18:17:06-06:00

ID

65448

Comment

they might conclude that Melton has taken a smart approach to crimefighting, using the criminals to catch other criminals... Clearly, that's what he wants them to believe. But his track record isn't proving to be impressive on this front, however. Otherwise, what Ray said. He knows much more about this stuff than I ever will. And, as I asked someone today, if Mr. Melton just wanted to get Mr. Sullivan to turn evidence against other Wood Street nemeses, why didn't he try to do that when he was still in custody? Why didn't they try to make a deal with him then? Maybe Ray has some guidance on that point.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-03-09T19:32:41-06:00

ID

65449

Comment

i think it goes beyond him being a buffoon. its something crooked's going on.

Author

jp!

Date

2006-03-09T20:06:59-06:00

ID

65450

Comment

they might conclude that Melton has taken a smart approach to crimefighting, using the criminals to catch other criminals... Or he's setting the guy up to get whacked

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-03-10T02:55:07-06:00

ID

65451

Comment

Hi everybody. I got to run to workshop. Will comment around lunch if I geat a chance. You're correct Donna. The best time to get a defendant to turns state or testify against others is when his freedom is hanging in the balance too. This is the way it's usually done. Melton is trying to make people think he's smarter and more astute about the legal process than he is. We lawyers laugh at him even more than you do. He should be given some credit for choosing his own City Judges. He couldn't have pulled off his latest bull with Sullivan without Priester or somebody like him. Sullivan doesn't know jack about where any loopholes in the system are. All he knows is that he got acquitted for lack of evidence. The boy might be really innocent. It is possible that Sullivan told Melton he wants to change his life and get a respectable job. If this is the case and Melton has accomodated then this is a good thing, I suppose.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-03-10T09:05:46-06:00

ID

65452

Comment

It is possible that Sullivan told Melton he wants to change his life and get a respectable job. If this is the case and Melton has accomodated then this is a good thing, I suppose. It still doesn't excuse this dog and pony show that Melton has been putting on for the last 2 weeks. All of this could have been done behind the scenes w/o the big media show. And Sullivan would have been a more effective informant if everyone and their momma wasn't aware of the fact that he is a informant. After all, if everybody knew Huggy Bear was a snitch for Starsky and Hutch, his @$$ would be taking a permanent dirt nap in some back alley!

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-03-10T09:19:45-06:00

ID

65453

Comment

"Sullivan doesn't know jack about where any loopholes in the system are" That thought process is what keeps them a step ahead. We/you underestimate the savvy of these guys. That's why alot of people make jokes about lawyers...foir the same reasons you guys laugh at that nutbag. ...They're not out on the streets for nothing, Ray. He got acquitted because a witness refused to testify, thus making a lack of evidence. It's just like the joke Dave Chappelle used to use. if its anybosy that knows about the legal system its black folks. C'mon now you dont think after being arrested in upwards of 51 times that Mr. sullivan isnt familiar witht the law?

Author

trusip

Date

2006-03-10T10:38:06-06:00

ID

65454

Comment

C'mon now you dont think after being arrested in upwards of 51 times that Mr. sullivan isnt familiar witht the law? That is a very good point in that a lot of these career criminals are as hip to the legal system as the lawyers. Hell, some of them learned the law from within the confines of their prison cells from library books! But I still don't buy the idea that this makes Sullivan a valuable tool for justice. The system in Hinds County is broken and needs reform, and I think everyone knows what and where the problems are, but there is no political will to fix it...yet.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-03-10T10:50:31-06:00

ID

65455

Comment

Sullivan is probably in treatment for addiction and when he comes out clean and sober, then Melton will say he was protecting Vidal's anonymity and did not want to endanger his getting clean. Then, particularly if Melton pays for this treatment, he can finally tell the truth about Sullivan's whereabouts and look like a benevolent hero.

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2006-03-10T10:55:18-06:00

ID

65456

Comment

wuts up people i get to interject, frank is a liar, and for queen601 to say harvey didn't do anything, take a drive in west jackson by jackson state, the metro parkway is taking shape connecting the ever prospering jsu to downtown. the telecom biulding is finished they are working on the Mill street Viaduct on mill street connected to the renovated union station the Viaduct will have an open market selling fruit, art like the french Market in new orleans. The convention center will go up soon, Farish street will soon be done. harvey did his job yall just didn't let him finish as i said before his job was to be a mayor not a crimefighter who goes to people homes right before they kill somebody and say stop, hes not superman cant stop passion crimes. so to all yall who was gun ho about frank yall help get rid of a progressive thinker for a dude with so called passion but know compassion i say we need harvey back now today, he didn't lie, no corruption in his admistration, but yall forgive frank who said he dont give a shit about what the people think, yall stop being so naive.

Author

WILLman

Date

2006-03-10T11:27:11-06:00

ID

65457

Comment

I disagree with weneedharveyback. We need a Mayor who understands that the job is to serve the city of Jackson. Not to beautify it only. Not to take tax dollars to pay for swat teams to interrupt community peace just to strike fear in the criminals that reside there. I mean I like Franks approach for the most part on crime...except for the fact that it seems as though he's too connected to the criminals to be free and clear of judgement and personal agendas...but if he had that same enthusiam in all areas of being a mayor, he'd be good (with me). I just think that he should be Police Chief instead of Mayor. And Harvey just needs to contribute his experience to the city in some other capacity. I think his lack lusterish approach is outdated and it will surely not work after Frank leaves office. He should have just hired Frank to begin with as Police Chief and all would be happy in the city.

Author

Queen601

Date

2006-03-10T11:46:39-06:00

ID

65458

Comment

come on define mayor and get back to me i bet harvey was closer to the defintion than frank i know frank i used to go to his house and eat before my football games in high school wasn't impressed then still is not. just like u want frank to act like a mayor thats exactly what harvey was doing being a mayor. hes the best we had a person looking out for the city. an anology a boat turns slow when its in the water people on the boat know its turning but the people thats on the shore say its in the same place the boat is turning. get on the boat. frank lied about voting yall give him a free pass to act like a ass. jackson dont have a crime problem. crime is apart of life jackson aint as dangerous as L A that city is prospering. o k once we stop all crime than we will fire all police, tell me what we have police for anyway because stuff happens. in 1991 kane ditto was mayor we had 91 killings were was the outrage then but harvey was blamed for 49 deaths one year like he went out and did it hisself ive lived in jackson since i was born its not dangerous to me to go anywhere. to outsiders there just scared of blacks to begin with thats where the fear starts they dont take time to understand. jackson will prosper with them or not and by the way it was three shootings yesterday and a murder wheres ur outrage, frank supposed to be taking the boys of jackson to pearl for some training. i guess u like being lied to. i need to be ur man, i'll get away with anything.

Author

WILLman

Date

2006-03-10T12:11:12-06:00

ID

65459

Comment

To add my $0.02 ... Harvey was a good mayor, by definition of the term. He carried himself with dignity and class and was a good representative for this city, and was a good example of black leadership. He had a vision for this city, and he was very methodical and determined to see his vision put into action. He tried probably more than any other Jackson mayor to address the needs in the underserved areas of the black community thru public works projects and economic empowerment. And he supported projects like Metro Parkway and Union Station that actually were actually started by Kane Ditto but were built on Johnson's watch to his credit. And he managed not to raise taxes for 6 years and still keep the budget balanced. Where Johnson really failed was in managing his own administration and making people realize how much good had been done since he took office. He took way too damn long to find a police chief, and in doing so made himself look indecisive and uncaring about crime. He had an inept legal department that cost this city hundreds of thousand of dollars in mistakes and judgements against the city. His staff was becoming slower to respond to the concerns of the community in his second term. His relationship with the county deteriorated to the point where he couldn't get any funding from the supervisors for road improvements or cooperation in reforming the 911 system. His relationship with the business community was also strained, and he was quite honestly becoming more indifferent to the desires of developers to bring new businesses to Jackson in other places besides downtown. And he did not seem to have a clear plan about to help the folks in south Jackson who now have few places to eat or shop with businesses closing or leaving every month. His focus was on downtown redevelopment, and that cost him votes in other wards. And my friends say that Harvey never showed up in the hood until he needed votes. But he was a better mayor by far than the one we've got now, for sure. Melton doesn't have a plan other than get on TV to make soundbites and promises that he can't keep.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-03-10T12:39:12-06:00

ID

65460

Comment

the idea that this guy is gonna flip and use his skillz to help bust criminals is make believe. It was a TV show then a movie called "the Mod Squad" Of course, is this surprising when the mayor wants to be 'The Fall Guy' and go track down the bad guys to bring them to justice! all i know is that this man was dangerous as hell according to the mayor. so dangerous that he had to be tracked down and brought in. all of the mayor's dealing with him are in secret. he comes to court and leaves court w/ the mayor. the mayor fakes taking him off in 'cuffs', in his own SUV no less. Vidal goes to Melton's secret location and comes back ready to help the mayor bust criminals. oh, and the mayor doesn't understand why the press is being so irresponsible to ask about all this. something is up here and there's been a deal made before this dog and pony show started.

Author

jp!

Date

2006-03-10T12:44:43-06:00

ID

65461

Comment

"I think his lack lusterish approach is outdated and it will surely not work after Frank leaves office. He should have just hired Frank to begin with as Police Chief and all would be happy in the city." Queen Ha! This statement pretty much sums up how a majority of people can be fooled by the press and the people they listen too. Please, someone who is a Melton supporter (I am not singling out Queen, I am just using her statement to make my point) tell us what "progressive" leadership is to you. Is Shirley Franklin in Atlanta any different then Harvey was? How about the mayors of Birmingham, Memphis, or Shreveport? How many of them go out on crime raids? How many of them say they don't give a crap what the people think? How many of them don't have homestead in their cities? I have to say I am sick of hearing about how Harvey’s "style" wasn't good enough or needed more "oomph." It goes to show how people don't understand how government works. They just rely on the sound bites their friends and TV tell them. On a related note: Less anyone forget, we raised garbage pick-up by a $1 just to keep our twice a week collection about 2 years ago. After Frank got into office, he eliminated the "senior" waiver for garbage pick-up. So, not only are the older folks, who haven't got much money, now paying for garbage pick-up, we are all going to have to pay $3 more for the same crappy service! There is so much more to being mayor then crime! Melton supporters please tell us how to make being a mayor “sexy” while making sure garbage is picked up, pot holes are filled, permits stamped, businesses opening, giving keys to city, discussing bond issues, etc…? Progressive to Melton is to actually Fire before he Readies or Aims! Progressive leaders pay their property taxes!

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-03-10T13:02:38-06:00

ID

65462

Comment

urgency jackson is going to fall apart all biuseness gone all the tax base what a deserted land, i was driving home yesterday jackson was calm, on my drive home people everywhere stores, carwashes outside before the weather got bad to me the real people of jackson can give a fuck what madison, rankin and people from jackson whos about to jump overboard, go ahead!

Author

WILLman

Date

2006-03-10T13:04:53-06:00

ID

65463

Comment

I wouldn't want Mr. Melton to be police chief, either. He would not be a good one. We don't need someone in that job who has no regard -- or seemingly understand of -- the U.S. Constitution. That's a recipe for disaster -- in the form of lawsuits and police brutality. And he shows utter contempt for the public's right to know -- more than anyone I have ever seen. Personally, I do not believe that Mr. Melton belongs in the public sphere. He does not believe he is accountable to anyone. Look at his quote to Eric Stringfellow this week: He also bristled when asked about his secret for capturing fugitives. "I've being doing this for 20 years," he said. "They know that I am not going to beat them or disrespect them. They know that I am not going to call them racial names, but they know that I am going to turn them in to police. This is what I do. These guys come to me because they trust me." Shouldn't you modify your approach now that you are the mayor? "Why? Why am I supposed to go out and put on a new suit?" Melton asked. "Sullivan is a guy who has been arrested 51 times and nothing has ever been done. We need to look at that." A new suit? Well, yeah -- one that is accountable to the friggin' public. And he doesn't even seem to understand that his interference in law enforcement is very likely a major reason many of these young men are going free.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-03-10T13:43:16-06:00

ID

65464

Comment

I also found this part of Mr. Stringfellow's column interesting: The mayor would not elaborate on how Sullivan went from being what he called a threat to Jackson to needing police protection. Melton has not concealed his disappointment over the outcomes of two recent trials involving so-called street gangs. A jury on Feb. 16 found five reputed members of the "Grayhead" gang not guilty. They were accused of shooting and kidnapping a reputed member of a rival gang. The alleged victim refused to testify. Sullivan, 33, Anthony Staffney, 37, and Zedrick Maurice Warner, 37, were acquitted on Feb. 24 in the slaying of Carey Bias, 25. They had been linked to the so-called Wood Street Players gang in Jackson. OK, bloggers, please help me find the quotes from Mr. Melton expressing disappointment over the outcome of the Grayhead trial. I truly may have missed them, so please post them here with links.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-03-10T13:44:30-06:00

ID

65465

Comment

i guess we gone talk about melton for the remainder of his term it makes me sad to see that we could have prevented all this by not being so amazed by a sound bite from a liar. oh not me i voted for harvey

Author

WILLman

Date

2006-03-10T13:49:40-06:00

ID

65466

Comment

weneedharveyback, there's no bringing Johnson back. Not to sound harsh but get over it and start talking about the problems with Melton. It does absolutely no good to beat the Harvey drum when that fire is out. My suggestion: if you want Johnson (or anyone else for that matter) back in office or a change in office, you have to deal with the current administration. It's fruitless to consistently reflect without recognizing the current problems and ways to solve them. In this case, the only "fixing" of the problem must be done by dealing with the problem. Talking about Johnson does nothing to deal with the problem unless comparing and contrasting with the current administration. So, I don't think there's anything wrong with discussing the current administration and its woes. It's current and relevant and important. BTW, I voted for Harvey so I'm not trying to say he's unimportant or a simple blip in history. He did good things for the city in my opinion and I loathe seeing what's going on now... Because it's all smoke and mirrors!

Author

kaust

Date

2006-03-10T14:46:04-06:00

ID

65467

Comment

Knol has a point. We have to play the cards we're dealt, as painful as that can be. It is useful to compare the current administration with the past one (say, on crime and the budget) as a way to get benchmarks, and it is ethical to allow the past one to respond to accusations, but the truth is hand-wringing and saying "we told you so" doesn't solve today's problems, and just turns off people who need to be at the table now. Today and going forward, people who care about Jackson, regardless of other political beliefs, need to stand together and demand good governance, honesty, integrity and accountability. Nothing less is good enough for all of us.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-03-10T15:25:08-06:00

ID

65468

Comment

yall right iam just was dissapointed we have to deal with this mess for three more years we cant impeach.

Author

WILLman

Date

2006-03-10T15:55:01-06:00

ID

65469

Comment

Yes, Trusip, allegedly there were some intimidation going on. Missing witnesses too, I hear. I don't know if these really qualify as legal loopholes. I'll bet my last dollar that Mr. Sullivan and his boys were arrested several times without probable cause or any real evidence. This isn't any loopholes. These were police screw ups, and he shouldn't have been arrested in the first place. You don't hear about this kind of crap happening often in federal court. Those guys are well-trained, knows what probable cause and evidence really are. I used to get off lots of guys just like Sullivan for lack of evidence. The police and sheriff departments used to tell me they couldn't wait until I got burglarized or robbed. I finally got burglarized twice, 2 weeks apart, right before Christmas. Strangely, it took the police a long time to come to my aid. No crimial was ever found. Smile. Probably not even sought. I agree Trusip that a good criminal knows how to hide his criminal involvent or evidence of it. Maybe Sullivan can help Melton, the city or the prosecution understand the machinations and talents of a good criminal. In my opinion this is different than finding the loopholes in the criminal justice system. I'm all for waiting to see if Sullivan does anything to help Frank or the City of Jackson. I thought people laughed at lawyers because we are dishonest, ambulance chasers, in it only for the money, drunks, drug addicts, liars, cheats, lose too many cases, arrogant, and aren't worth a crap. You learn something new everyday. ha, ha.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-03-10T16:46:47-06:00

ID

65470

Comment

Donna, do yo know I was watching the news with someone this evening and they STILL defended Melton? "I don't see why folks are picking on him. Everybody's got skeletons in their closet. I think he's doing a great job. They're just mad at him because he's doing a good job." And so on. You know, I realized today that you can't show a person the light if they are determined to keep his/her eyes tightly shut. I'll just let this person figure it out without me. Y'know, I just had a breakthru yesterday with a Meltonite. I abandoned the "he's not a real crimefighter" argument and started focusing on the municipal budget. I mentioned the reported shortfall and put it in the context that if the deficits are as bad as I'm hearing about, the administration may be forced to raise taxes this fall to compensate. That seemed to at least put a raised eyebrow on their forehead, because they were surprised to hear that after only less than a year in office. I'm not happy to have to resort to scaring people with what "could" happen, but people need to realize that the way this administration is running thru money, unless they are held accountable and make drastic changes, either a tax/fee increase or reduced city services is inevitable.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-03-10T17:54:18-06:00

ID

65471

Comment

I heard Melton say Saturday night after 2 people in Court Service plead guilty in federal court for corruption that other charges will follow. If Sullivan and his boys were paying people in Court Services to erase file and charges then I stand to be corrected. Perhaps this is a loophole in the system. It's not the kind of loophole I was speaking of such as poorly wriitten statutes, et al.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-03-12T17:37:43-06:00

ID

65472

Comment

"I was an avid Frank Supporter before he became Mayor. Basically because I felt Johnson had done all he could/would do for the city and we needed some new energy." Me too "Queens601" but I have come to realize that Melton doesn't want to take the time to learn how a City is really run behind the scenes. He just wants everyone to allow him "do his thing" and to hell with the consequences. To be effective in local government you must be able to network with other governmental entities, determine what public projects are needed and how they can be funded, and be willing to listen to competent advisors who are knowledgeable about such things. Since he has been in office he has eliminated quite a few staff positions that were set up to deal with really important issues in Jackson--housing, crime prevention, grants, etc. I am not sure he has a very good idea of who does what in City goverment or what type of people he needs to accomplish these really important fuctions. I just don't get the feeling he has a grasp of the big picture.

Author

realtime

Date

2006-03-25T14:29:11-06:00