Jackson Free Press

The Jackson City Council today requested that Police Chief Shirlene Anderson remove some Beasley Road property from her list of candidates for a misdemeanor work camp. The property currently houses Ekklesia Christian Academy, and three council members said they had suffered a barrage of calls from angry city residents saying a work camp at the Beasley Road location does not fit in with the surrounding neighborhood. Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin attended the 10 a.m. special council meeting regarding the work camp, and called the city's drive to push a work camp, "unnecessary."

"I told them that if they'll just wait, they'll have a new facility in about two years to house their people," McMillin told the Jackson Free Press, referring to an incoming regional jail recently approved by the state Legislature.

"They're not using all the room they got at the county already, but I'm out of that fight. That's a matter for the city to settle."

Mayor Frank Melton and the police chief have both been pushing the idea of the work camp as part of the chief's plan to reduce crime in the city. But several Council members say they have no idea how the city is going to pay for such camps, considering the state of its budget.

Previous Comments

ID

93217

Comment

Just another smoke screen to keep the public from looking at the real issues. No city services, criminals gone crazy, just to name a few. FM should really quit trying to do what he is incapable of doing LEADING.

Author

jada

Date

2007-07-09T17:13:38-06:00

ID

93218

Comment

"They're not using all the room they got at the county already, but I'm out of that fight. That's a matter for the city to settle." SAY WHAT? The city budget has an over $30 mil shortfall. Skip the work camp and use what's there.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-07-09T17:35:42-06:00

ID

93219

Comment

The city is throwing excuses at the wall to see what sticks. It's gibberish. I mean, some people really believe the FBI is investigating COUNCIL, it seems, based on the Melton machinations. I just can't fathom a city where he has his own DA and/or sheriff.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-07-09T17:46:34-06:00

ID

93220

Comment

He'll own the whole city/county thing this fall.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2007-07-09T18:02:17-06:00