Jackson Free Press

This morning, the Jackson City Council split into predictable factions over who to appoint as Council President to take the place of Ward 1 Councilman Ben Allen, who stepped down June 22, citing health issues. On one side were unwavering supporters of Mayor Frank Melton—Frank Bluntson, Charles Tillman and Kenneth Stokes—who voted to promote Bluntson, a long-time friend of Melton, into the president's seat. On the other side were Margaret Barrett-Simon, Marshand Crisler and Leslie McLemore, who voted for McLemore to take over the presidency. The McLemore faction consists of consistent critics of Melton, who they believe is putting the city at risk of lawsuits and other legal actions with his actions and policies.

The tie will likely remain unbroken until a Ward 1 replacement is elected by voters in August. That means that Vice President Bluntson will continue to run the meetings.

Previous Commentsshow

quel suprise

Puck

Jul 3 2007

Of course the votes are split. Bluntson running the meetings will be just like Melton running the meetings. God help this city.

Melishia

Jul 3 2007

Let the games begin...

LatashaWillis

Jul 3 2007

i unerstand that melton apologized openly to Margaret Barrett at the meeting today. she accepted his apology.

jasp

Jul 3 2007

If that's true, that's nice.

LatashaWillis

Jul 3 2007

And cunning, too, L.W.

Kacy

Jul 3 2007

Actions always speak louder than words! He took yesterday's meeting as an opportunity to attack and 'bend the truth' regarding City payments to the Jackson Redevelopment Authority and he attack Crisler once again and 'bent the truth' regarding the JPS management contract. I keep saying this: There is a management contract on the Convention Center which includes Yates and IMS along with Melton's selection of Memphis people on the bonds. Why is it OK for the Convention Center to have project management and not the JPS? I agree with Ladd on the Council's presidency. It will probably stay just "as is" until after August 14th.

ChrisCavanaugh

Jul 4 2007

An apology might be nice; however, the real issue here is: Did Margaret Barrett-Simone ever make a positive ID of the person who was arrested for their robbery? It seems that frank's apology is only a smoke screen until the next stunt.

justjess

Jul 9 2007