Jackson Free Press

Jackson City Council voted to confirm three mayoral picks for top city positions this morning. Council members Frank Bluntson, Charles Tillman, Kennneth Stokes, Margaret Barrett-Simon and Marshand Crisler voted to confirm Assistant Chief Vernon Hughes as fire chief with a 4-to-0 vote with Crisler abstaining.

Hughes said one of the first issues he wanted to tackle was expanding the fire department forces and his command staff. Hughes said he wants to increase the current head count of about 365 firefighters to 450, and pointed out that a new class of about 25 recruits getting certification this year will only replace the ranks of about 40 firefighters who are eligible to retire.

"We'll need more classes graduating, and soon, if we're going to meet the minimum safety requirements set for the department," Hughes said.

The council also confirmed Planning and Development Land Use Planning Manager Ester Ainsworth as director of the Planning and Development Department with a unanimous 4-to-0 vote, and appointed Jackson resident George Irvin to the Airport Authority with a 5-to-0 vote.

Previous Comments

ID

129098

Comment

Why the abstention? And where is Mclemore?

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-07-02T12:54:59-06:00

ID

129099

Comment

Last I heard, McLemore was out of town tending to his father.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-07-02T13:17:30-06:00

ID

129100

Comment

The Clarion-Ledger has an odd little story today about the two sides in the Council v. Mayor battle. In a bit of binary framing that the corporate media love—everthing has two equal, opposing sides—they quote my friend Charles Ever blaming both sides for having "egos" in the way: Longtime civil rights activist and radio talk-show host Charles Evers, who has offered himself as an adviser to Melton and the council, said citizens have almost given up. "It's a sad day when the citizens of the community have to try and get the mayor and the council together. The problem is they are both operating on egos, and egos don't operate cities," Evers said. Melton blames himself for the strained relationship with the council and said he must become a catalyst for change. "I think the first thing that has to happen is that I have to do a better job. I know the direction we're trying to go in with the city," he said. Ward 6 Councilman Marshand Crisler said he'd like to see it. "My opinion has not changed," Crisler said. "Until we understand each one of us has a role in government and respect each other's opinion, it won't change." The problem with this is that it puts equal blame on the members of City Council, who have tried to follow the law and keep Melton from hurting the city. Melton is right in here that this mess is his fault, but it's hard to believe that he's sincere about doing anything about it at this stage. Hopefully, he is. My guess, though, is that he is going to try to make nicey-nice until he gets his sheriff and DA installed. Sorry to be cynical, but the ball is in Melton's court to prove to the city that he is willing to change. And we're talking' huge, major, big, breathtaking change. He needs to start by firing a lot of people.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-03T09:26:25-06:00

ID

129101

Comment

And Melton about Barrett-Simon: "I've known Margaret 25 years, but I don't know how to approach her," he said. "If anybody in Jackson can help me figure out a way to get a better relationship with Margaret Barrett-(Simon), I'm listening." Well, first, how about respect for her and her position??? The same goes for Faye Peterson. He treats women who dare to challenge him like dirt under his feet. I could never respect Melton short of hearing him issue major public apologies for his treatment of both Barrett-Simon and Peterson.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-03T09:28:15-06:00

ID

129102

Comment

His statement is so placating.... ."if anybody can help me"... plzz. How about the golden rule which we all know he doesn't operate by, treat others the way you want to be treated. I can't believe he said that, its like he is deliberately trying to pick a fight with her in front of the media. She's smarter than that though, and she'll just continue to ignore him if possible. Uncle Frank takes pleasure in taunting people.

Author

lanier77

Date

2007-07-03T12:32:01-06:00