Jackson Free Press

Sources interviewed by Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood's office have confirmed that he is actively investigating the events of the evening of Saturday, Aug. 26, as well as previous allegations against Mayor Frank Melton. AG investigators have interviewed various residents of Ridgeway Street over the last week, as reported last week by WAPT, about possible felonies and misdemeanors witnesses say that Melton, his bodyguards and an entourage of young men committed that evening.

Watch the JFP Web site for more details. Click here to read Adam Lynch's original Sept. 1 report bringing the Ridgeway incidents to light for the first time, leading to a flurry of press reports and investigations by the attorney general, the district attorney and, possibly, other agencies. Here you can view photos of the damage (also by Adam Lynch).

Previous Comments

ID

123326

Comment

Got the new MS Link in the mail today; and, I wanted to post the Link's most recent article on Melton and Ridgeway. Their paper is really coming along! Something I haven't seen (or overlooked) in other media sources is a better description of "who" was with Melton that night - no names.... Witnesses report all the alleged accomplices were male; two were members of the “Wood Street Players,” one of which was 20 years old; one was approximately 8 years old and of “Russian” descent; another young man looked to be around 18 years old, and of Asian origin; the others appeared to be African American, and around the ages of 16. An 8 year old! You have got to be kidding!

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-09-11T16:48:48-06:00

ID

123327

Comment

That is misleading. The one of Russian descent most certainly is not 8, unless he brought his little brother. And I don't think that is the case. Otherwise, that sounds basically right. I'm not sure the part about members of Wood Street Players is correct, either. It kind of depends on how you define WSP. Anyway, more specifics on all this are on the way, I promise.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-11T16:55:20-06:00

ID

123328

Comment

Reading through that story, there are other points I question as well. Better to wait for our next story, though, rather than addressing them piecemeal here.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-11T16:57:01-06:00

ID

123329

Comment

Lucifer, as part of his agreement with heaven to run hell, was giving a tour of hell to St. Gabriel. He showed the Archangel around. He saw all the poor souls who wound up down below, showed him how well he ran things. After a while they came to a sturdy iron vault that was large enough to hold a person. St. Gabriel asked who it was that was so fearsome he had to be restrained like this. Lucifer replied, "oh, that is Frank Melton. If I turned him loose within 5 minutes he'd be running hell"

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-09-11T16:57:20-06:00

ID

123330

Comment

True Ladd, I did think the writting was confusing; but, I was able to figure out what thye meant with the 8 year old and the Russian. But, it did sound like they meant the Russian was 8! Being just a regualr joe who reads a lot of papers, it is hard to keep all the facts straight between all the stories out there. As long as it ends up here... it's all good! ;-)

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-09-11T17:03:48-06:00

ID

123331

Comment

True Ladd, I did think the writting was confusing; but, I was able to figure out what they meant with the 8 year old and the Russian. But, it did sound like they meant the Russian was 8! Being just a regualr joe who reads a lot of papers, it is hard to keep all the facts straight between all the stories out there. As long as it ends up here... it's all good! ;-)

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-09-11T17:04:12-06:00

ID

123332

Comment

you know all of us white folks look alike. (stolen from Sammy Davis JR)

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-09-11T17:06:18-06:00

ID

123333

Comment

I'm not concerned about 8 year old "Russians." Just tell me, Jackson Free Press, or the Clarion-Ledger, who is riding on the Mayor's Pimpmobile? They are either police officers, or they are illegally on this police Mobile Unit. There must be a "manifest" of riders on this police mobile. If these men/women are not police officers, how can they ride on this police mobile unit? I beg Faye Peterson, or our Attorney General, to investigate how these thugs are able to ride on the "Frankmobile." Who is liable for anything they do? HDMatthias, MD One Roses Bluff Drive Madison, MS 39110 601-856-7074

Author

HDMatthias, MD

Date

2006-09-11T17:53:49-06:00

ID

123334

Comment

Donna, this is great news and I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised. I may owe our attorney general an apology. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-09-11T17:59:39-06:00

ID

123335

Comment

I think it's safe to say that there is no manifest. However, we are working on who was on the MCC that night, but we can't publish the names until we confirm, and that's not the easiest thing we're working on. Some of the possibilities are quite intriguing. And I'm confident that the agencies are investigating this as well. Hang tight.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-11T18:05:19-06:00

ID

123336

Comment

From the MS Link article: Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes said he does not know *why Melton targeted Welch’s home*, but that his ward is a drug invested haven for “prostitution, crackheads and thieves.” Why WAS Welch's home targeted??? The MS Link reports his charges as contempt of court and possession of paraphernalia..no mention of even marijuana this time. Was the pot charge dropped? This sounds soo fishy to me. If Ward 3's so full of raging criminals...why pick on Evans?? There's got to be more to this.

Author

JAR

Date

2006-09-11T18:19:15-06:00

ID

123337

Comment

Well, Stokes is continuing on his quest to be the N-JAM member of the month. Said tonight on WAPT that Melton should have used a bulldozer. He is planning on introducing an order to allow crackhouses to be torn down. Amazing how two groups can join together to just screw a person out of due process when it suits their interests; even though neither would allow that to happen if it hit closer to home. That's pretty nobel Councilman Stokes. I agree the crack houses need to go. But, if you are going to use this as a defense of the Mayor's actions, make sure that the person arrested living in the house Melton destroyed actually HAD SOME CRACK! Can you take us on a tour of Blunston's and Tillman's rental properties around town? Be sure to bring that bulldozer....

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-09-11T18:23:06-06:00

ID

123338

Comment

They're right about that: Court records do not show a pot charge. I think the question of why Mr. Welch was targeted is a vital one. Anyone having information about any sort of history between Mr. Welch and Mr. Melton, please call Adam Lynch or me at 362-6121 ext. 8 or 5.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-11T18:24:04-06:00

ID

123339

Comment

Pike makes a good point. If there was crack in said "crackhouse," why wasn't Mr. Welch arrested on a drug charge? Just sayin'. Or let me guess: If Mr. Stokes or Mr. Melton think it's a crackhouse, it should be bulldozed. What absolute horse malarky.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-11T18:26:14-06:00

ID

123340

Comment

Thanks Ladd, JFP and Adam for your consistent, no nonsense, approach to investigation. You Rock! One of Feedback WAPT callers the other night said, "Arrest the person...don't arrest the house!" But, only arrest the person if they actually have drugs!!

Author

JAR

Date

2006-09-11T18:55:18-06:00

ID

123341

Comment

Stokes' father-in-law is a landlord with several properties. I wonder what Stokes' response would be if they razed one of those homes on the speculation that his tenants were crackheard. It would be a totally different song and dance, for sure!

Author

Kacy

Date

2006-09-11T18:55:27-06:00

ID

123342

Comment

Do you think that earlier reported charges of pot possession and traffic violation were dropped? If so, that's another thing that sounds MIGHTY fishy.

Author

JAR

Date

2006-09-11T19:02:01-06:00

ID

123343

Comment

I'm sensing that they could have been outstanding warrants, if at all, but we'll get back to you on that. Still sorting, sorting, sorting ... and there are many puzzle pieces to join. (And thanks for the thanks. I'm blessed with a staff dedicated to truth and hard-nosed journalism. My motto: Tell the truth, and let the chips fall where they may. I also must give major credit to all you citizen journalists who fill our e-mail boxes with such gems every day. The Clarion-Ledger has the resources, but we have the sources. Cheers.)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-11T19:11:15-06:00

ID

123344

Comment

Looks like my theory about Stokes' motivation is being confirmed. He is clearly tired of the bureacracy involved in cleaning up the hood, and he has embraced a man who he must know by now doesn't give a $hit about the rule of law. He pretty much telegraphed his viewpoint with the "by any means necessary" mantra from last week, and today's press statement clinched it. I don't doubt that his heart is in the right place, but this is an idiotic way to achieve his goals.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-09-11T19:18:40-06:00

ID

123345

Comment

This is from one of the early Ledge articles. I can't find the one story I am looking for. But, this addresses the charges that evening for Welch. Welch, 45, was charged with violating traffic ordinances, having an open container, possessing paraphernalia and possessing marijuana, according to police records. He was in still in the Hinds County Detention Center on Saturday night. This is why I'm not so sure about the "cocaine" stuff Melton first stated? Can anyone be sure crack wasn't used or brought into the house? No. But, unfortunately, Melton has to deal with the facts as they fit that particular incident. What I had forgotten; but, is a very relevant part of the story is this from Lynch's breaking story: A felony conviction could cost Melton his job as mayor of the city. Sutton said she might press charges against him. “Well, yeah, I’m considering pressing charges. He came back that Monday and sat on my porch and told the neighbors he was going to come back and finish the job (of tearing it down), saying he didn’t care who the owner was,” Sutton said. “I might have to do something.” The mayor came back a day later to threaten the neighbors! OMG! Can someone with Safe-City tell us how this thwarts crime?

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-09-11T19:21:34-06:00

ID

123346

Comment

Yep, he's unraveling. I hate to see it; as outrageous as he used to be before Mr. Melton muzzled him, I believed he was a man of conviction. He now seems to be a man afraid to speak up for what is right and is making remarkable leaps in logic and basic decency to make these arguments. It's very sad to watch this unfold. It's safe to say that neither he nor Mr. Allen are looking rosy in this. No one expected Bluntson or Tillman to do a single thing to challenge Mr. Melton, but Allen and Stokes should step up. What a wonderful chance to show a certain mending of rifts in Jackson to have both of them, together, speak up for the rights of some of our weakest citizens. But, no.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-11T19:22:15-06:00

ID

123347

Comment

Wow, good retrieve, Pike. You're the Citizen Journalist o' the Week. Re my last post, it is infinitely ironic here that Allen and Stokes have ended up on the same side.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-11T19:24:23-06:00

ID

123348

Comment

IMHO all of the Meltoneers on the council should roast in the same political oven for their support of Melton both in the campaign "behind the curtain", up to their lack of conviction in voting for a council-led investigation. I believe both Allen and Stokes thought they were working for the good of their communities in supporting Melton, and may have been seduced by the prospect of having a Mayor who appeared to share their desire to use more aggressive tactics in fighting crime. But like the saying goes, "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions."

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-09-11T19:46:14-06:00

ID

123349

Comment

Maybe I'm naive, but I do think that white faces showing up at tomorrow's Council meeting could make a difference. It's obvious that the media will be there. If nothing else, a statement would be made.

Author

JAR

Date

2006-09-11T20:15:12-06:00

ID

123350

Comment

I'm disgusted......... Stokes has used the City Council to 'grand-stand' for years now, depicting a council member who is actually working for the people in his ward.....it is obvious that this was simply another 'circus act' that he performed! The AG......hell, who is that?! In my non political opinion, the only reason that he has FINALLY moved himself off of his OWN platform is that someone called him and TOLD him what he had better do. It is painfully obvious that our AG does not consider Melton a threat to anything other than his further political ambition and now that the tide has moved against Melton and larger agencies are stepping up to the plate, Hood has finally decided he can make that first step......sickening! Melton has continually drawn public scrutiny over the city of Jackson and had done more to pull this city down than ANY other poltical figure who has come before him, and surely will come after him! He is the complete epitome of a 'joke' unfortunantly, one that is not in any aspect of humorous. He should continue to do what he is doing currently, NOTHING! If he had done that for the past 14 months he would probably not have such a strong support system........against him! It continues to amaze me how we could not get him to SHUT UP and SIT DOWN for the past 14 months and now he is unable to be found! Reality has apparently hit him square in the face as his weekend of destruction and absolute lawlessness is coming back to bite him in the ass! Ben Allen is proving to be what has been said many times over about him....spineless. The only thing I have seen that he has done to date since taking the presidential position of the city council is when he took a stand for the JFD 5 (Jackson Fire Firefighter /suspended) Otherwise, he essentially has done nothing! He is showing the citizens of his ward and of this city that essentially is just sitting in the back pocket of Melton which is what he has been continually accussed of for over a year. And speaking of the Fire Dept.........was anything ever done? To date, Crazy Chandler is still sitting in his position of Fire Chief (temporary or not) and last I hear the firefighters returned to work........okay, so what has happened? Did anything change? Why is Chandler still sitting there? I know one of the most noted complaints regarding the fire chief position/police chief position by many bloggers has been......why do we not require the people in these positions to reside in the City of Jackson? The City of Jackson IS the one paying them...and reality is....if there is a situation of nominal proportions if these dept. leaders DO NOT live in the city it is going to take them additional time to respond rather than ones who reside within the City. I will never understand nor agree with the philosophy that Hinds County residental status is just as good - it's not! When we were hit by Katrina - how quickly did these dept. leaders respond to the city of Jackson's resident.........or did they even bother since obviously their concern is going to be where they reside! The Police Dept., much like the Fire Dept. is close to irrepairable levels....it is a JOKE! Melton brings in Anderson, then HE runs the dept. Then he pi$$es off Anderson because he is going behind her back and trying to bring back a prior Police Chief to 'assist Anderson'.......damn, did Melton ever consider that if he had actually let Anderson run the dept. that they wouldn't be in the position they are currently......please remember the current situation...........OUR CRIME HAS RISEN!!!! Forgive me for my 'venting'.......I see the city of Jackson as a joke in the current position we are in and find it simply amazing that this man has systematically destroyed what was once a great city!

Author

Katie D

Date

2006-09-11T20:17:24-06:00

ID

123351

Comment

A point about Stokes' new ordinance--there already is a state law, posted by Ladd, that allows city authorities to tear down crack houses. The thing is: you have to follow a process to do it in order to be sure that tearing down the house is just. The process does not seem particularly onerous to me, though I admit I don't know how it works in practice. My point is that even if a new ordinance would pass, it would have to based on a process that protects the rights of citizens while also answering the government's legitimate interest in demolishing crack houses. Even if a new ordinance was passed, there is no way come hell or Mel Gibson--my pet phrase of the week--that Melton and his "associates" followed any process in demolishing Sutton/Rhodes' house and Welch's residence. Keep your eyes peeled, folks. The JFP is going to drop more bombshells on you very shortly.

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2006-09-11T20:30:51-06:00

ID

123352

Comment

I heard the AG was looking around quietly and now I am glad the rumors were true. Speaking of rumors, to lift a story out of another publication, ... the mayor is planning a "shift or transition?" Is Frankie taking his toys and going home? If only it is true.. Enjoy

Author

AGamm627

Date

2006-09-11T20:56:39-06:00

ID

123353

Comment

Brian......I for one appreciate your follow-up explanation regarding the ordinance, and am sincerely looking forward to the new 'bombshells'! While your at it, would you please do a follow-up and let us know what is going on with the JFD-5 as well as the Fire / Police Dept. I am so proud of these 5 firemen for standing up for what was right and what they believed in and although I am no fan of Anderson, I do realistically see that Melton never has given her a chance to run JPD - prior to Melton even becoming an issue, Anderson must had had some experience and worked-her-way through the ranks, so it obviouse that she was to some degree qualified for the position she holds, and unfortunantly for her, falling in with Melton has ruined her within the LE arena, at least within this state, I would think. However redundent that might be - I don't think it was fair of Melton to go behind her back to bring in a former police chief. Apparently Melton has systematically destroyed not only our City government, but also our Fire Department and Police Dept.........Woo Hoo - Melton you've done what no other mayor in the nation has accomplished in 14 months - you've ruined EVERYTHING!

Author

Katie D

Date

2006-09-11T20:58:59-06:00

ID

123354

Comment

what time is the city council meeting tomorrow?

Author

Belhaver

Date

2006-09-11T21:29:32-06:00

ID

123355

Comment

10 a.m. Council meeting. We'll get back to JFP-5 Katie, probably next week. I hear there are developments on the fire front as well. Hang tight.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-11T21:32:26-06:00

ID

123356

Comment

I watched the controversial '9-11' ABC mini-series last night and tonight. A lot of what I came away with was, 'political correctness' was in big part responsible for the 9-11 attacks. City Council...take a lesson. I'm not a conservative or a liberal. Like, I think most people are, it depends on the issue. What's important is to do what's right...regardless of PC or personal agendas.

Author

JAR

Date

2006-09-11T21:52:58-06:00

ID

123357

Comment

City Council metting tomorrow at 10 A.M, City Hall.

Author

JAR

Date

2006-09-11T22:00:41-06:00

ID

123358

Comment

Quote from: Clarion Ledger letter to the Editor: ADVERTISEMENT September 10, 2006 ADVERTISEMENT "Melton doing 'great job' of cleaning up city I think Mayor Frank Melton is doing a great job as a mayor and is only trying to clean up the downtown area of Jackson. Melton knows the rules and would never tear down a home that someone lives in without having permission to do so ("DA says Melton charges possible," Sept. 6). The drinkers and the druggies who live in these shotgun houses can do better for themselves if they really want to. They need to put forth a little effort and try. I think Melton is a great mayor and I would vote for him any day. Misty Walker Brandon" Oh mercy, me!! I think that a lot of uninformed... people that are not paying attention... white folk... are taking this at Melton's 'face value'.

Author

JAR

Date

2006-09-11T23:05:57-06:00

ID

123359

Comment

Misty of Brandon, You can't vote for Jackson's Mayor sense you live in Brandon. Reckon anyone in your family's ever had any illegal drugs in their home?? I don't know, just wondering? I was born in 1957. My father has a P.H.D. Two of my 1st cousins are medical doctors. I've had pot in my home...many years ago. Should it be OK to take a sledgehammer to my residence?? Or any rental units that I might be buying?

Author

JAR

Date

2006-09-11T23:25:34-06:00

ID

123360

Comment

'sense' should be spelled 'since'. I kow. I'm ignorant about this civic awareness, and blogging, in so many ways. I've been an apathic bystander. I'm trying to do better. OK, the big 'dumb question'..,who are the 'N Jammers'?

Author

JAR

Date

2006-09-11T23:39:03-06:00

ID

123361

Comment

At 9:00 tomorrow morning the Magnolia Bar Association along with NAACP and other people are having a press conference regarding FM antics, the bulldozing of the home and the misuse of power at the Upper Level. Everyone is invited to come and protest this madman we have not running our city----FM.

Author

maad

Date

2006-09-11T23:50:39-06:00

ID

123362

Comment

I'll be there. PLEASE be there, too! This will be the 2nd City Council meeting that I've ever attended...the 1st one was last Tues.

Author

JAR

Date

2006-09-12T00:00:51-06:00

ID

123363

Comment

JAR, N-JAM = Northeast Jackson Angry Men's club. Pike, you get my vote for citizen blogger of the month. Everytime I'm just astounded by something I read or hear about Melton, you've already read it, posted it, and articulated the horror on my behalf. So, thanks. JAR - I'm also lovin' all these letters from Brandon about how great Melton is.

Author

kate

Date

2006-09-12T09:02:02-06:00

ID

123364

Comment

Kate - isn't it amazing how Ms. Walker of BRANDON can support our dictator Melton so wonderfully? Of course, we do have to take into account that 1.) SHE CAN'T VOTE FOR OR AGAINST THE IDIOT, 2.) If Melton had come to Brandon and done all the things he has done here SHE would probably be one of the ring-leaders for getting him out of town! I have an idea!!!!!.........Let's convince Melton that Brandon would really like to have him come and be the mayor of THEIR city so he should just resign here and run there! I would venture to believe that within 6 months Ms. Unknowing and obviously crazy Walker would be one of the fore-runners of speaking out AGAINST little Hitler!

Author

Katie D

Date

2006-09-12T09:13:09-06:00

ID

123365

Comment

A lot of people from outside Jackson (and even sometime in Jackson) who write letters to the editor supporting FM don't really get it most times. They see a city so devoid of law and order that they are willing to overlook all the negative things he is doing in order to make things better. I'm sure many people support sledgehammering a house if drugs were found in it. What a lot of people don't realize is there is a process in which government has to take if it were to possess and tear down a house. Government can be heavy-handed and while progress can be slow, such provisions are there to protect the rights of Americans. But I agree with everyone else in that if this house were in Northeast Jackson, there would be a huge uproar about it.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2006-09-12T09:34:44-06:00

ID

123366

Comment

I wouldn't be too hard on the out of towners. I was discussing this with someone who lives around the reservoir. She doesn't read the paper, doesn't really watch tv at all. All she knows is Melton is raising hell trying to clean up crime and people are wrong for giving him a hard time about it. She's not anti-Jackson or anything like that. She, along with alot of others, just don't know. They don't read the papers (look at CL's circulation), might see a blurb on tv at night. So they hear Melton is getting tough on crime and they think good.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-09-12T10:21:19-06:00

ID

123367

Comment

Uh, sorry, Kingfish, but that doesn't pass muster with me. They "support" Melton without knowing anything about what's going on? That's bullshit. If they admit their ignorance, then they should be asking questions, not expressing opinions.

Author

kate

Date

2006-09-12T10:51:30-06:00

ID

123368

Comment

Katie D, you say, in reference to Ben Allen: "He is showing the citizens of his ward and of this city that essentially is just sitting in the back pocket of Melton which is what he has been continually accussed of for over a year." I think Mr. Allen means well. For now, POLITICAL CORRECTNESS is the elephant in the room. Maybe he feels that everyone's waiting to see if he, the lone, White, City Council President will attack the city's (once beloved) Black mayor. Can you imagine the pressure this puts on Mr. Allen? Sure, he should do the right thing regardless of race, but I think he (Allen) wants to wait it out to see if Mr. Melton will turn a corner so that he will not have to speak out against him. Mr. Allen wants to do the right thing, but political correctness is killing him right now. Just think about it.

Author

blu_n_a_redstate

Date

2006-09-12T10:52:35-06:00

ID

123369

Comment

Melton is not going to "turn a corner," in my view. But I do think Ben is waiting to see if the AG or Faye Peterson will stick it to Melton before he puts his oar in the water.

Author

Izzy

Date

2006-09-12T11:07:26-06:00

ID

123370

Comment

I think Laurel is right on. And it's hard to believe that anyone thinks that Mr. Melton is going to suddenly become a model mayor, working in City Hall and stopping his street games. BTW, anyone know where he's been the last few days?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-12T11:08:58-06:00

ID

123371

Comment

yes Kate, someone who works 12 hour shifts as a nurse, has kids, raising them on her own, etc may not have time to watch tv, read papers etc and there are alot of people who probably fit that decription and don't make the effort because they don't have the time etc to do so.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-09-12T11:21:23-06:00

ID

123372

Comment

I'm sure none of them have the time to watch bad TV, either. Kingfish, the point is if "outsiders" are going to support a Jackson mayor who is breaking the law and violating constitutional rights (not to mention teaching young people to commit violence), then they ought to be better informed. Everyone's busy; that's no excuse.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-12T11:24:47-06:00

ID

123373

Comment

Kingfish, I probably came off a bit harsh, and I apologize for that. But, it was geared more for the folks from Brandon who have the time to write letters to the CL about how great Melton is, rather than the merely passively uninformed. But seriously. I try really hard to not express opinions on subjects that I know very little about. And, if I lived outside of Jackson, weren't following the Mayor very closely, I don't know that I'd express any opinion about him. I have no opinion, for instance, about the Mayor of Madison. I know there's stuff I could read and learn about her, and her obsession with brick facades. But, my time is limited, so I don't know jack, so I don't "support" her activities in Madison. All I ask is that people make some slight effort to behave rationally. Which, I know, is way too much to ask.

Author

kate

Date

2006-09-12T11:29:05-06:00

ID

123374

Comment

And, blu, I have no idea what you mean by "political correctness" here. In my opinion, "political correctness" never included supporting, or refusing to condone, illegal behavior on anyone's part. I personally believe that Allen's just trying to hedge his bets, on the off chance that Melton stays on as Mayor.

Author

kate

Date

2006-09-12T11:31:06-06:00

ID

123375

Comment

I always say that the phrase "politically correct" has become so bastardized that it's been rendered meaningless. These days, the PC police are conservatives who don't want people challenging anything certain government officials do. Maybe in some way that could be interpreted to simply what Ben is doing, but I wouldn't say so. I think what he's doing is dancing so as not to offend anyone too much. The problem is, he's going to really offend people who care about basic citizen rights mightily by doing that. I also agree that he probably hopes that other folks take care of it before he really has to go out on a limb. You can hardly blame him—but he is Council president. He needs to lead.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-12T11:33:50-06:00

ID

123376

Comment

my point is alot of people are apathetic or support Melton because they don't keep up with it. They see the grandstanding, dont' have time to read paper, watch the news etc and wonder why people are against him. At least he is trying to do something etc. After you explain to them a few things then they start getting the picture.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-09-12T11:41:19-06:00

ID

123377

Comment

What great commentary! Y'all are great. I'm amazed at the talent. I know where Frank is. He's off getting some redemption, recovery, repurchase, and salvation. Revern Get-Right is counseling him as we speak. Isn't that what our homeboy Marion Barion does when he screws up again and again? Isn't this what Clinton did when Monica Lewinsky lied on him? Jessie Jackson fixed him up and sent him back on his way to immortality. I hope Melton has finally screwd up so bad that no one can save his crazy ass this time. Once he's no longer the mayor, he gets my full support to engage in vigilanteeism or Melton-styled cleaning up Jackson. I fully support his buying a big ass rv, writing x-mayor on both sides of it, and crashing alleged and actual drug dens or havens at will. It shouldn't be too long before we see some wanted results. A true super-hero like Melton shouldn't be restrained or inconvenienced by the shaclkes of government or mortal citizens like us trying to hold him back. Go Frank. It's your birthday!

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-09-12T12:06:46-06:00

ID

123378

Comment

I think Laurel is right on. And it's hard to believe that anyone thinks that Mr. Melton is going to suddenly become a model mayor, working in City Hall and stopping his street games. BTW, anyone know where he's been the last few days? I was listening the morning show on Hot 97.7FM yesterday, and the Mayor (who was supposed to be in the studio for their mid-morning talk show) called in to say that he was visiting his kid in Texas and had to reschedule the interview for next week. Beyond that, who knows?

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-09-12T12:07:43-06:00

ID

123379

Comment

Well, we have heard that he went home to Texas to figure things out with his wife. Sounds like a good plan.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-12T12:09:51-06:00

ID

123380

Comment

It's surprising how much support Melton has in say, Vicksburg, where they only catch the daily soundbites but don't really think or care about the totality of what he's doing. I know a few people from there who rarely come to Jackson just because they think its a crime-ridden cesspool and they fear being mugged, carjacked or whatever, thanks to our sensationalized local media coverage.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-09-12T12:11:23-06:00

ID

123381

Comment

Kenny has finally succeeded in losing my understanding. Only God knows where he's headed now. Makes me wanna holla!

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-09-12T12:25:13-06:00

ID

123382

Comment

I know, Ray. I know. I'm sorry; I know you've considered him a friend. As someone else said, it's also very sad to watch the road Stephanie Parker-Weaver, who should be a leader and carry on her father's legacy of civil rights for the least among us, has done down. Very tragic.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-12T12:27:14-06:00

ID

123383

Comment

You're right Laurel, Melton is not going to "turn a corner." I don't think he will ever be able to redeem himself now, but let's be honest. What is the giant elephant in the room---Mr. Allen cannot stand up against the city's Black mayor. To do so would not be a "racial thing." It would be the "right thing", and I do believe he would win more Black votes if he would only stand up and face that Bully who is terrorizing that segment of the community. But no one wants to broach that subject

Author

blu_n_a_redstate

Date

2006-09-12T12:55:24-06:00

ID

123384

Comment

It appears Kenny's position is largely based in the loyalty matter, no matter how he tried to disguise it. I admire loyalty but I believe it must have limitations when it comes to matters of what is right for so many others. Kenny and Frank have been friends for nearly 2 decades or longer. Kenny is a lawyer and so is his wife and older brother. Other lawyers are to follow in the family. He knows the rules and laws have to be followed. Kenny is desperately trying to save his friend, Frank Melton. However, we saw what happened to Culberson at JSU who hired his friend Bell who couldn't coach. Both eventually got run the hell off. Trying to get drugs out of his ward by any means necessary sounds like conviction and an honorable goal. However, someone intelligently asked why haven't this position been taken before? Did drugs suddenly become worse? And some of us wonder what we will see in the future along this line. I believe Kenny can maintian the friendship with Frank and serve the citizen of Jackson well by telling Frank what time it is. And the time is - Frank has got to quickly and absolutely clean up his crap, or he's gotta go. Time has run out on doing it the Frank way.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-09-12T13:04:51-06:00

ID

123385

Comment

By the way, I still consider Kenny a friend although I monumentally disagree with him on Melton.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-09-12T13:08:24-06:00

ID

123386

Comment

Understood. That's the way I've felt about Ben, too, so I get it. I've always liked Kenny, too, although he is really challenging that every day. Word is, he really made a fool of himself at Council today.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-12T13:36:30-06:00

ID

123387

Comment

blu, I *really* disagree with your statement that Allen can't stand up to Melton simply because Melton is black and Allen is white. This is a very clear case of the Mayor violating the law. If Allen is worried about how it appears because he's white, then he needs to get out of Jackson politics, completely.

Author

kate

Date

2006-09-12T13:48:46-06:00

ID

123388

Comment

I sat through the entire meeting. This thing will come to an end soon. You can smell the fear of the last few Melton supporters. It's almost over folks.

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2006-09-12T14:28:37-06:00

ID

123389

Comment

I was there ladd and to say that he (Stokes) made a "fool of himself" was putting it midly. He really made an a$$ of himself would be more in line with what actually happened. This action from Bluntson and Stokes is not just based on true blue loyalty and friendship: It is based on the lean-green-money machine. By the way, I fogot to mention that a very well-dressed and well-spoken White gentleman from California who identified himself as a "Minister of Medicine" and further reported his involvement with Katrina victims on the Coast, attended the Council meeting. He is a MD by training and was alarmed that FM has put so many "yellow tapes" around property that according to his investigavion are properties that 70% could be saved. Ben Allen gave him a fit with policy and ultimately told him that he could not speak to that issue because it was not on the agenda. I sat there in total amazement because I have seen this council at work before with issues not listed on the agenda. It just depends on what the issues are and who brings them.

Author

justjess

Date

2006-09-12T14:38:23-06:00

ID

123390

Comment

Justjess you said something above that I've been wanting to say for a long time, but my loyalty has kept me from saying it, too. I still won't say it, but I think I know the source of some of this blind loyalty.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-09-12T15:00:20-06:00

ID

123391

Comment

It's official: Melton is now the new Madonna.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-13T11:54:37-06:00

ID

123392

Comment

I would've actually compared FM to Tom Cruise: they're both annoying and mental.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2006-09-13T11:59:37-06:00

ID

123393

Comment

ladd: "It's official: Melton is now the new Madonna." It made me think of Elvis sightings.

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2006-09-13T12:44:22-06:00

ID

123394

Comment

From the Glaring Error story: Melton has dodged reporters and skipped City Council meetings. But JPD Cmdr. Tyrone Lewis, who is serving as the mayor’s spokesman, said the mayor is carrying out the duties of his office despite his public absence. Why in the Sam Hill is a police commander serving as the mayor's spokesman? Don't we need all of our police to be doing police jobs, especially considering the crime in the city? (OK, technically I don't mean "we" because I haven't made it back down there...yet! But you know what I mean. I can't help identifying with Jackson.)

Author

Tim Kynerd

Date

2006-09-13T12:54:11-06:00

ID

123395

Comment

What is the pulse of bloggers on the issue of Frank Melton being mentored by Charles Evers? I'm asking because one of the recommendations made to him was a disconnect with media. I know that Charles wants a race track and land- based gambling for the City. Not saying that I am oposed to either; however, what is the financial angle for Evers. He speaks very strongly about his love of "GOD & MONEY!

Author

justjess

Date

2006-09-13T14:09:20-06:00

ID

123396

Comment

I love Mr. Evers *to death*, but he's not the right man for this. And I suspect he's out for publicity.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-09-13T14:12:17-06:00

ID

123397

Comment

Don't forget that Charles also wants the name "MEDGAR" Evers to be placed on the J-E Int'l Airport and any additional influence he can have in City Hall to make it happen is worth it to him. Not that I blame him for that, but it seems like he's latching on to a sinking ship, as if Melton actually listens to anyone who gives him sound advice.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-09-13T14:45:03-06:00

ID

123398

Comment

Is Charles Evers actually being paid for this? My take was that Melton put him on the spot by calling his radio show asking for advice, and Evers did the same thing I think any of us would do in that situation, which was say yes. Doesn't suggest to me that Charles Evers is in any way endorsing Melton's actions. Quite the opposite, actually. But then I don't actually listen to the radio, so it's possible I could have missed something... Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-09-13T15:06:09-06:00

ID

123399

Comment

Oh. I see that he told Melton not to resign. Well, okay, that's disappointing. If Charles Evers really wants the full Medgar Evers name on the airport, I'm not sure that's a bad thing, as I've said in the past. But I have to believe--and I say this with all respect, as someone too young to have been there with the Evers brothers in the sixties and too white to have been in the same kind of danger if I had been--that it seems to me that the mayor would be doing a much better favor to Medgar Evers' legacy by resigning. Medgar Evers loved Jackson and gave his life fighting for the civil rights of the people Melton is trampling all over.

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-09-13T16:03:03-06:00

ID

123400

Comment

"Well, we have heard that he went home to Texas to figure things out with his wife. Sounds like a good plan." you gotta be dreaming. Only in comic books and media newsrooms do things work like this. Despite FM being an obviously emotionally dysfunctional personality, after all these years of being alone with his 'youths,' hug patrols, etc., there is probably another motive to him being in texas IF HE WAS ACTUALLY there. Ya'll need to be more cynical. Politicians are people too, not some kind of exempt class of human without normal vice, ambition, falts, and viciousness. THere are folks talking about such political machine fixtures as kenneth stokes like they are some kind of guiding angels in city government, rather than machine politicians in the business of making money (though maybe not from crack houses anymore).

Author

Scott Thomas

Date

2006-09-15T20:39:54-06:00

ID

123401

Comment

again, just dont put Harvey Johnson back in office. vote Marshand Crisler.

Author

goldeneye

Date

2006-09-15T20:51:29-06:00

ID

123402

Comment

Medgar Evers loved Jackson and gave his life fighting for the civil rights of the people Melton is trampling all over. I wonder what Medgar Evers' widow thinks about all this. I wish there was a way to find out.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-09-15T22:59:35-06:00