Jackson Free Press

Dear Mr. Melton:

First, allow me to thank you for giving me so much of your time over the last six weeks. Your frankness in our series of interviews seems to have captivated the city and started many conversations about the future of Jackson and how to get there.

Most of all, I appreciate your giving me the chance to see firsthand just how you interact with the people of Jackson, especially young people in poor communities. I was touched by moments of tenderness you displayed with many of them, leading me to believe that your heart can be in the right place. I am convinced that you would like to help some people in Jackson who have not had the wherewithal to do it themselves.

It was also telling to see that your priority is not simply throwing every young criminal in jail and throwing away the key. You often show compassion for the conditions that lead young people into crime-filled realities—even as you have decided that you alone are the judge of who gets that chance. I share your belief that crumbling housing and abandoned buildings are not acceptable in our communities—that these legacies of ghettoes established to keep certain people in and others out are no longer acceptable in a civilized society. Society needs to clean up after itself.

I like that you don't particularly care what people of different political stripes think of you. I truly believe that some of your more annoying supporters—those who believe that your top goal is filling our jails and prisons with young (black) "thugs"—are clueless about what you are really doing, and aspire to do. In some ways, I now believe that you have pulled a rather large piece of wool over the thug-haters' eyes. You do not hate "thugs," most of them anyhow. If anything, you want to put them to work—whether for the city, yourself or someone else. You don't believe their options should be limited by criminal convictions, and you will even bring them into your own home if you feel that their lives are in danger—even if that puts other children's lives in danger. It's worth it, you believe.

You are also funny. I laughed more in your presence than I ever imagined I would. I like funny people.

However.

I saw and learned many things about you that distress me greatly. I now believe very strongly that you are on a path of destruction—and that someone may well get killed, perhaps even you, if you do not change your ways. It is up to you, and you alone, to choose the higher path.

I know you told me that you are not going to change, that people have to accept you the way you are, that you are the mayor the people elected.

Mr. Melton, you are sending the wrong message. People do not have to accept your every action just because they believed your promises. And you may well be squandering the opportunity to have actual lasting effects in this community, rather than going down in history as the vigilante circus act who could not control his actions, or his words.

Mr. Mayor, you are the mayor.

You don't have to act like a boring, bureaucratic mayor. But with your belief that people around you will take care of everything that bores you, you are missing something vital: A good CEO not only surrounds him or herself with good people, but knows and reads enough to monitor and motivate them. A good CEO does not create cliques. A good CEO does not hold silly vendettas against critics. A good CEO sets good examples. A good CEO displays honesty and integrity.

You have not been setting good examples—especially for young Jacksonians. Like President Bush, you display a tragic contempt for the idea of reading and studying—and, thus, understanding. You don't like details, you say? You don't like sitting still. You get antsy and bored. So what? Many of us do, too—but that does not remove the responsibility of adults, or young people, for that matter. As a mayor many young people look up to, you must lead them, show them that every job held by every successful person requires us to do things we don't want to do. Show them that we do not have contempt for knowledge and study. Learning is necessary. By your rationale, young people should be able to tell their teachers that they're bored and run out of the classroom when they don't feel like reading something. And many of the young people filling our jails have done just that.

You are not above the law. If the law says that you cannot carry a weapon or impersonate a police officer, you are breaking the law if you do. Same goes for search-and-seizure laws, for threats of innocent people at their homes and for gun safety. I don't know if the attorney general has the nerve to call you out on these public displays and very probably illegal actions, but someone needs to. I've said it already: Someone is going to get killed on the joyrides in the Mobile Command Center, as much fun as you—and I, when there—can have on them.

Finally, you are accountable. You work for the people. You do not get to tell the media, or the citizens, what public information they are entitled to. I am glad that you decided to give me access recently, and hope you do not rescind it after this letter, but the truth is that I am entitled to every piece of public information I and my staff ask for. And there is a stack of requests that simply go unanswered—either due to contempt for the public's right to know, or a staff in such disarray that you can't figure out how to provide information as required under the law. Either way, it is unacceptable. You are a public servant and need to start acting like one. Access to one or two reporters who are "loyal" is not good enough—if you talk to me and Bert Case, you need to talk to WAPT, and every other media outlet. They have a job to do, and so do you.

Mr. Melton, the public elected you because they believed what you told them. It is now up to you to live up to the faith and confidence that the people have placed in you. And if that requires you to obey laws that annoy you, so be it. No one is ever too old to learn.

Sincerely,
Donna Ladd

Previous Comments

ID

72159

Comment

Ladd, your letter nailed it. You sure know how to write. thank you for doing what you do . You give a person like me hope that something good will happen to this city again and we can see progress being made in spite of FM.

Author

jada

Date

2006-05-03T23:35:51-06:00

ID

72160

Comment

I made a mistake. I stated in a previous article that Ms Peterson was the only woman to stand up to the mayor. Donna, I offer my heartfelt apology. YOU are the first woman to tell it like it is. Ms Peterson has followed suit. The DA is hitting Melton on the legal front. You have covered the full spectrum. Once again I say..................another job well done. One could sit here all day and write about Melton and his actions/inactions as mayor, but when the sun sits at the end of the day you would read this article and say " now that's what I was trying to say".

Author

lance

Date

2006-05-04T05:56:23-06:00

ID

72161

Comment

YEAH Donna, kick Frank's a$$ with the truth. You too Faye Peterson. He will need both hands to fight just one of you while the other can give him the beatdown that he has been needing for a long time.

Author

rufus

Date

2006-05-04T06:01:23-06:00

ID

72162

Comment

Too bad he doesn't pay attention to the media. Maybe you should hand deliver it. ;-)

Author

kaust

Date

2006-05-04T07:21:52-06:00

ID

72163

Comment

This article is exactly what FM needs to hear. Ladd, you pretty much summed up what many Jacksonians want to say to Melton but can't/won't. I hope he does get a chance to read this letter, maybe it'll change his attitude about not changing at all.

Author

jan2006

Date

2006-05-04T09:58:54-06:00

ID

72164

Comment

Too bad he doesn't pay attention to the media. Maybe you should hand deliver it. ;-) Actually, I have all his Best of Jackson awards here and need to take them to him, so maybe I will. ;-) I have a feeling he will display his Best Scandal award prominently in his home. I wonder if he even knows he won these. It's hard to tell. Anyway, I had a long conversation with him yesterday -- some very interesting things were said, but I think I need to hold them all for the next issue. So keep an eye out.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-05-04T12:56:01-06:00

ID

72165

Comment

Oh, and thanks for the feedback, all, as always.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-05-04T12:57:07-06:00

ID

72166

Comment

Be sure to give him a hug before leaving. He needs a hug real bad. It must feel awful to have money in your pockets and still can't hardly get any love.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-05-04T13:23:32-06:00

ID

72167

Comment

I am in no way attempting to insult the mayor or his wife.....but I wonder...... if he and his wife were actually living together, would he still feel somewhat love deprived? It just seems that if they lived in the same home she would be able to give him all the 'hugs' he needs.

Author

jan2006

Date

2006-05-04T13:53:43-06:00

ID

72168

Comment

I had to read this letter again with a clear mind to fully understand and appreciate it. Donna has just told Frank what any sage would tell him. She complimented him for his talents (he does have some although his screw-ups are possibly outweighing them), encouraged him, and pointed out his glaring faults. She has shown him a true person capable of being a true friend to him. We will see if he wants any friends or counsel.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-05-05T10:20:31-06:00

ID

72169

Comment

You needed to remind him that he does not need to lie, otherwise you pretty much covered it....

Author

tomac

Date

2006-05-08T17:47:44-06:00

ID

72170

Comment

Yeah the lying thing is a BIG deal. It seems FM has had a change of heart and says he will "tone" down, but I still have reservations about this man. He's lies with the blink of an eye and that is something that cannot be forgotten, forgiven maybe but not forgotten. He is a liar and until he admits that he is a liar he will most likely continue to lie. I don't want to seem like I am coming down on him, because we all lie: whether it is at one point in our lives or if we lie two hours from now But when you face up to it and admit it to yourself: you grow and you learn from your mistakes, but when you don't acknowledge all of your wrongdoings your holding on and holding yourself back because you won't allow yourself to see the truth because essentailly you are running from it.

Author

jan2006

Date

2006-05-08T18:18:21-06:00

ID

72171

Comment

FIrstly, I must say when I came in here to read this letter I didn't expect to be moved the way I was. Donna, I have really got to give you your props on that. I feel like it gave me a little bit more insight on you as an individual. I am almost in tears behind the idea that you were so candid and honest without degrading the man. I mean you can't really be candid and honest without causing a stir in todays world esp. with Mr. Melton, however, I still think you got your point across well. I agree with your analysis of Mr. Melton, however, to those people who made comments about Faye Petterson, I wouldn't necessarily jump on her band wagon yet. I mean you never know what's going on in Jackson these days. I don't know who to believe. I am not sure who I need to offer my support to. I'm not sure I even care to remain concerned about what Frank or Faye does anymore. It seems like a bunch of mess going on all the time. Every time the news comes on all this childish bickering and back and forth action is just embarassing for me as a Jacksonian. I think someone needs to realize that this is not a battle for Frank and Faye. This is a battle for the people of the Jackson area. It is a fight that we all need to stand up for. Thanks to Donna for being strong willed enough to start this battle. But we the people need to stop saying "oh, that's just Frank". I feel like we are just as important as citizens as he or she is as public figures. Thanks Donna.

Author

Queen601

Date

2006-05-09T13:17:50-06:00

ID

72172

Comment

Queen, I just saw your lovely comments. Thank you very much.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-05-10T11:23:15-06:00

ID

72173

Comment

No thanks necessary. I was very impressed with you this time. I know that it is hard to present fact and remain unopinionated. But you managed to offer helpful tips with pure honestly in hopes of offering Mr. Melton a look inside himself. I saw in the Clarion (I think) where Mr. Melton is now reforming into himself in hopes of not coming across as a complete a-hole. I can only express that since your interview was the first of it's kind with Mr. Melton, you have to be the sole reason for him re-evaluating his actions. That's really all he needs to do. I applaud his conviction and his passion for the city. I just think he has been a bit clueless to the idea that he has to please the people who voted for him. He seems to think that now that he's mayor, we don't matter anymore. I think your interview along with this letter has made it more clear to him that he does have to be held accoutable for everything he says, how he says it and everything he does, and how it's done. So, no mam, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

Author

Queen601

Date

2006-05-11T10:47:15-06:00

ID

72174

Comment

ladd wrote -"By your rationale, young people should be able to tell their teachers that they’re bored and run out of the classroom when they don’t feel like reading something. And many of the young people filling our jails have done just that." HAHAHHAHA...OMG... good letter to the old fart, ladd. "Maybe you should hand deliver it. ;-)" No way. Getting a letter like this along with the monthly bills has more sting..LOL

Author

JSU

Date

2006-05-11T11:52:06-06:00

ID

72175

Comment

Guess I spoke to soon. In a follow up story today, Melton says he plans to work on his "language" and not his "behavior". Hmmm!

Author

Queen601

Date

2006-05-11T11:57:53-06:00

ID

72176

Comment

Ms. Ladd: I cannot add anything to your epistle to Mayor Melton other than Bravo! and that it is psychologically brilliant. My best wishes for your extraordinary efforts. HDMatthias, MD

Author

HDMatthias, MD

Date

2006-05-14T16:30:18-06:00

ID

72177

Comment

Donna, I have to echo others...great letter all around! I especially liked your CEO analogy - a real statement on leadership. Of course you are an example of leadership as it is - it took uh....ovaries....to put that letter out.

Author

Philip

Date

2006-05-14T22:01:52-06:00

ID

72178

Comment

Ladd composed the most spell-binding and brilliant capsule of FM's behaviors and how the negative ones have and continue to impact this city. It was written in such a way that it could be understood by a two year old as she made emphatic statements about what could and should be done: What can't and won't. Guess what, FM missed the entire message. Just this past Tuesday, he joked at the City Council Meeting stating, "I am on lock down" and "Sherline Anderson has me on house-arrest." What was even more disappointing was the laughter that ensued by members of the counsel to include Chrisler. This was a big joke! Come on, the City is up to its a$@ in alligators and these fools continue to pour in toxic water laced with arrogance and ignorance. This man continues to dig this hole. A smart man would stop digging. Again I write that we are asking for the impossible and FM makes it known evidenced by his famous statement: "I'm not changing." I attended my Alma mater (Mississippi College) this weekend. FM was the commencement speaker. He joked about buying 7 suits from JC Penny Co. Apparently he does not know that this store has upgraded their men's department and that they now carry many of the popular/expensive brands. But what a negative message to give any group of people who may be dressed in apparel from JC Pennys and who feel good about having clothes on their back.

Author

justjess

Date

2006-05-15T14:41:41-06:00

ID

72179

Comment

Donna, did you ever give the mayor the letter? Do you know if he ever read it? Is this something you can tell us?

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-05-15T14:54:50-06:00

ID

72180

Comment

To be honest, I don't know if he read it. He kind of acts like he might. He calls often, and seems to be working in some ways to change his ways—his one-on-one demeanor is quite different from his public persona. That doesn't mean it's the real one, necessary. I dunno. The jury is out. He seems to be on a roller coaster. I don't really want to ask him if he's read it; it seems like crossing the line in some weird way, and is presumptuous of me. I don't know if that makes sense. As for the JCPenny suit reference, that is one of his sound bites. He has apparently been saying that for years. I personally do not believe all his suits come from JCPenney.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-05-15T14:58:40-06:00

ID

72181

Comment

Thanks. I'm hopeful he has been listening to comments about him and has read your letter. He could be wrestling with changing but is worried about how he would look to the public if he didn't deliver on his bold promises or made drastic changes. I'm not sure what the public image is about. Is he trying to live up to promises, or does he fear being changed or won over by a side he considers the opposite of him? I hope he gets beyond whatever it is that is keeping him from being effective, and is causing all of this division. It seems that a new approach combinig his goals with the meritorious criticism would be the answer. I also hope he figures out some day that critics do more than criticize you. They help you see your faults, too.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-05-15T15:16:10-06:00