Jackson Free Press

City Council President Ben Allen announced his resignation from the City Council today. His resignation will be effective Friday, June 22.

Allen made his announcement in a two-page, hand-written letter (PDF, 240 KB) addressed to "my fellow Jacksonians." The letter, many words of which are underlined for emphasis, begins with Allen's declaration that it has been a "privelege and honor" to serve the city for the past 10 years.

"Words can't express my appreciation to all of you for this treasured opportunity," Allen writes.

"Recent events and subsequent tests have confirmed that the effects and demands of this position, coupled with the demands of my personal and professional life, have had a defined, adverse impact on my health, both short and possibly long term. These findings are reversable, but only if a real and complete change is made in my ongoing, everyday lifestyle. These changes must be complete and total. The heart offers very little quarter," Allen continues.

Allen then writes that knowing himself as he does, his only option is to resign, effective this Friday. "Life in my world has only 2 speeds. Go or stop. Jackson deserves a 100% Go," he writes.

The decision is final, Allen writes, and he has begun physician prescribed rest and relaxation immediately. He then directs some comments to the media:

"For my friends in the press and media, I would like to thank you for the courtesies and personal respect you all have shown to me these past 10 years. My final request to you will be to respect this letter as it is, and please to not attempt to have me elaborate further. It is what it is."

Allen concludes that he hopes one of the "bright, energetic" people in his ward will take the city to "even greater plateaus."

"Remember," he writes, "those that rule the world are those that show up! Please show up!"

Councilman Leslie McLemore told the Jackson Free Press that Allen's seat will remain vacant until the results of a special election. That election must be held within 30 to 45 days of Allen's resignation. The council has 10 days to set the special election date.

Council Vice President Frank Bluntson will be assuming the role as president until the council picks a new president or vice president in two weeks. Bluntson said he believed the council would have to arrange a special election, limited to Ward 1, in 60 days, though he added that he wasn't sure about the time span.

Bluntson said he sympathized with Allen's decision because he has also suffered recent health problems. "I had a health problem myself, and I thought about resigning, but the Lord strengthened me and blessed me and so I served. But I applaud Ben for looking out for himself," Bluntson said, adding that he hoped the council would be able to work together in his absence.

"I would hope that with six people left on the council--the fact that we're there to help the city--we'll work together for the better of the city," Bluntson said.

Allen's departure means that the four-member majority that has tangled with the mayor on many controversial issues will be reduced to three, virtually ensuring tied, 3-3 votes on some council matters.

Crisler said the city would miss Allen's experience. "It certainly is very disturbing to have someone of Mr. Allen's tenure step down in such an abrupt manner. This kind of thing shakes the governmental foundation in which we operate. All we can do now is collect ourselves and move the city forward," Crisler said, summing up the last 18 months as "bizarre."

"I can't ignore the fact that all of this seems so strange," Crisler said. "With the city being in such disarray, I'm not altogether surprised at such abrupt measures by council members. We've got health issues in city government, several diagnosed with strokes or hypertension. There's a cloud of stress over the city right now. Not just government, but over citizens as well."

Previous Comments

ID

92938

Comment

All hope is lost.

Author

lanier77

Date

2007-06-20T13:50:38-06:00

ID

92939

Comment

Damn. This is a loss for Jackson. Frank is probably dancing.

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2007-06-20T13:51:01-06:00

ID

92940

Comment

I closed the forum thread on this subject--tip of the hat to The Clarion-Ledger for breaking the story online--so we can all comment here. I thought I would re-post the comments from that earlier thread here: From Music Chick: I hate to see him go, but I really understand why he is doing this. There is no reason to let a job literally drive you into the ground, and I can see how dealing with the day-to-day insanity of city government and the crazy mayor would do just that. I hope he feels better really soon!! And I bet that he will! From Pikersam: I sure wish him well! I think he should do what is best for him and his family. I may not have always like the way his rudder steered our ship in Ward 1; but, it sure beats being rudderless and drifting. Wonder what suck-up Melton will put forth? From Jeff Lucas: This is bad news for the City, since Allen, Crisler, McLemore and Simone were the consistent voices of reason and intelligence on this council and worked as hard as they could consitutionally to block Melton's lunacy before it could disrupt City business. Allen was a semi-Meltonite in the beginning but even he had to distance himself from the BS when it was clear Melton couldn't be trusted or reasoned with. I do wish him a healthy and stress-free recovery.

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2007-06-20T14:04:00-06:00

ID

92941

Comment

I'm assuming that they'll hold a special vote in his ward to elect somebody. Is that right?

Author

millhouse

Date

2007-06-20T14:05:43-06:00

ID

92942

Comment

You folks must not remember that for the first year and a half Allen was very complicit in letting Der Fuhrer get away with so much. Sure, he saw the light and came around, but to say his departure will doom the city (lanier77: “All hope is lost.") is neither grounded in history or reality. What will be far more telling is who Melton handpicks and pours money into for the 30-45 day election.

Author

Rex

Date

2007-06-20T14:06:58-06:00

ID

92943

Comment

The Council must establish a special election date within 30-45 days of their next regular meeting. Candidates must qualify with a 50-siganture petition filed in the city clerk's office not less than 20 days prior to the election. No candidacy by party. No filling fee. Only other requirement is to be a registered voter from Ward 1.

Author

Rex

Date

2007-06-20T14:10:12-06:00

ID

92944

Comment

Well, sure we remember that Councilman Allen did not challenge Melton soon enough. That can be said for much of the city to this day. However, it is safe to say that we would be deeper in the handbasket had Allen not started challenging him when he did. Reach for seatbelt. Fasten.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-06-20T14:10:44-06:00

ID

92945

Comment

Well, I hope Ward 1 steps up and helps us through this by electing a non-Melonhead, considering that many who live in Ward 1 funded our current problem. Any thoughts on who should run? Also, is Ben going to still do the radio show? My guess is that talk radio would be stressful as well, especially the type he does.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-06-20T14:14:13-06:00

ID

92946

Comment

The final days of Jackson really have begun.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2007-06-20T14:18:18-06:00

ID

92947

Comment

I just posted this update above: Councilman Leslie McLemore told the Jackson Free Press that Allen's seat will remain vacant until the results of a special election. That election must be held within 30 to 45 days of Allen's resignation. The council has 10 days to set the special election date.

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2007-06-20T14:18:44-06:00

ID

92948

Comment

ladd: Any thoughts on who should run? Doesn't Jonathon Larkin live in Ward 1? ;-)

Author

Rex

Date

2007-06-20T14:21:47-06:00

ID

92949

Comment

This is a good day for Jackson. Progress in the King Edward and Allen stepping down. Hopefully Christler will be next.

Author

Davey

Date

2007-06-20T14:24:48-06:00

ID

92950

Comment

Our prayers go out to Ben Allen and his family. It is rather fitting that you don't know how to spell Crisler's name, Davey. Nice. Do you have any idea who is responsible for keeping Melton from ruining the King Edward project? Are you clueless about what's going on in our city, and about who has stood between Melton and absolute mayhem? (Albeit not often enough, but still.)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-06-20T14:32:09-06:00

ID

92951

Comment

Ben leaving is not good. The one person we need to resign right now is MF--oops FM!

Author

maad

Date

2007-06-20T14:32:24-06:00

ID

92952

Comment

I love it, a mispelled name the first point you make. I suppose as a seasoned writer you have never made a typing error. I am by no means saying Melton is responsible for the King Edward plans but at least he stood up and said do something with it or destroy it, enough of the years of talking about it. BTW, with the ego Chrisler walks around with, maybe he should change his name to include Christ.

Author

Davey

Date

2007-06-20T14:40:00-06:00

ID

92953

Comment

I'll repeat - unless a responsible & reasonable, clear-thinking, open-minded person steps up to the plate and decides to run in Ward 1 - then all hope is lost. I'm willing to bet that FM's political machine is already plotting....

Author

lanier77

Date

2007-06-20T14:41:39-06:00

ID

92954

Comment

And Melton is now saying "HE" will not allow anyone to stay at the King Edward unless something is done about the Iron Horse. Like "HE" has anything to say about it. With Allen gone, it's possible that Melton could get a majority on the Council. And, along with the failed burglary attempt on Barrett-Simon... I smell a Mayoral sized rat. Good luck, Jackson.

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2007-06-20T14:44:40-06:00

ID

92955

Comment

Just as Ben was beginning to see who and what frank was all about, it was much too much too late. I do empathize with Ben and wish him well; however, I know that he has seen the hand-writing on the wall for the many errors made i.e., signing off on SORE's jack-pot (cut) of the revenues from tax payors' Ciity bonds and excessive part-time salaries for "consulants:" These things were done before the four members (Allen, McLemore, Crisler and Barrett-Simone) awakened and smelled the coffee. Moreover, they are acutely cognizant of the rules of government for the City of Jackson which clearly states that any misappropriated funds will be personally reinbursed from the coffers of the council person who voted for the funds. Margaret Barrett-Simone can bear witness to this fact as she admitted to having to pay back funds in the past. It will be interesting to see just how many other "Captains" will abandon Ship!" Bennie Thompson's investigation of the Homeland Security Funds that had been "badly spent," continues.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-06-20T14:45:59-06:00

ID

92956

Comment

I make typing errors all the time. I don't however go around spouting off about how someone's illness forcing them to resign is a good thing. The fact that you did that and managed to drastically mispell another Councilman's name (which you just did again) in the same post is fitting. Actually, Melton tried to destroy the King Edward despite good plans to "do something with it." And he wanted to hand it over to a Texan plagued by scandal (which is something he understands well, I suppose).

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-06-20T14:46:34-06:00

ID

92957

Comment

There it is people. That is what 10 years of dealing with the circus known as the Jackson Council County & 2 years of Melton can do to a man's health. Get some much needed & deserved rest Ben! Thanks for hanging in there this long. By the way, i highly doubt that the citizens of Ward 1 will back someone handpicked by the mayor. I think we've learned our lesson. I'm curious who will run though. Anyone know any masochist-types living in Ward 1?

Author

curly

Date

2007-06-20T14:47:37-06:00

ID

92958

Comment

I agree with Lady Havoc. I'm truly scared of what we have to look forward to. If another rubber-stamper like Tillman, Stokes and Bluntson gets elected, we can "shut 'er down". Then FM will be free to do whatever without any oversight. I am truly scared for our city.

Author

honey2me

Date

2007-06-20T14:50:56-06:00

ID

92959

Comment

By the way, i highly doubt that the citizens of Ward 1 will back someone handpicked by the mayor. I think we've learned our lesson. I'm curious who will run though. Anyone know any masochist-types living in Ward 1? I pray you're right, curly. Now is a good time for Ward 1 to make up for last time, and I suspect many people in the Ward realize it. However, there is a large argument that not many realize what is going on in the sheriff and the D.A.'s races, so maybe you and I are nuts, curly. Imagine: a Melton-controlled City Council, D.A.'s office and sheriff's office. It could be reality in a few short weeks if people don't start paying attention.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-06-20T14:52:03-06:00

ID

92960

Comment

I worry that Ward 1 just isn't going to care. After all, they've been largely ignored over the years, especially when it comes to placing a high school in the area. *sigh*

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2007-06-20T14:56:44-06:00

ID

92961

Comment

I don't recall saying that anything was good about him resigning due illness, I simply stated that I was glad to see him out. And while we are making assumptions, I do recall joy in the prospect that Melton might step down during his illness.

Author

Davey

Date

2007-06-20T14:57:49-06:00

ID

92962

Comment

And a Melton controlled sheriff's office ain't gonna happen. There's too many of us that live outside of Jackson that will be voting for McMillian.

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2007-06-20T14:57:59-06:00

ID

92964

Comment

Davey, Please give reasons you are glad Allen is out. Just curious...

Author

colby

Date

2007-06-20T14:59:21-06:00

ID

92963

Comment

There is nothing about Melton that causes me joy, Davey. It is an onerous situation that is getting more onerous. But it ain't over 'til it's over. Y'all better watch the D.A.'s race, too, Lady.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-06-20T15:00:04-06:00

ID

92965

Comment

Davey, you are really behind in your facts about the King Edwards. The Johnson Administration had already negotiated the deal with Duce McAllister and others. It was a go with the grant for the 6million the City needed for matching funds on the table when melton took office. melton came in, shut down all of the plans and vowed to tear it down. Now that he knows that it is a moving train that he absolutely can't STOP, he is on TV lying about how much he has learned and how red tape and gov. including the City had been the hold up. He is full of it! He is not to be commended for this. melton missed the deadline twice for the filing of the grant and it took some real heavy hitters to get this thing going - I won't call names but, melton was not one of them. I don't know what this melton has to do to prove to the less critical thinkers of this community that he does not have the public's interest at heart. This is a I,ME,MY person and anything else that is done have very strange motives. I certainly would not take a person with the documented and recognized talents of Donna Ladd to task about a silly spelling error. Could you read it? Did you understand it. If so, perhaps we should move on. On this blog, we all make mistakes: For the most part, they are errors of the mind - not of the heart. Cut that crap out!!!!!!!!!!

Author

justjess

Date

2007-06-20T15:05:58-06:00

ID

92966

Comment

Donna, What is your take on how the DAs & Sheriff's races are going or I mean which way they will go?

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-06-20T15:09:57-06:00

ID

92967

Comment

Work calls. I will be chat tomorrow if time permits.

Author

Davey

Date

2007-06-20T15:12:02-06:00

ID

92968

Comment

Ladd, I for one think people are (now) paying attention. How could you not care about city leadership you're fearing for your life or the lives of your family & friends when they have to buy groceries or pump gas in the middle of the freakin' afternoon?

Author

curly

Date

2007-06-20T15:14:43-06:00

ID

92969

Comment

Just Jess One last thing. I never disputed Ladd's talents. Secondly, I commend her and everyone else who cares about the city, regardless of our differences. As I stated- "I am by no means saying Melton is responsible for the King Edward plans"

Author

Davey

Date

2007-06-20T15:21:30-06:00

ID

92970

Comment

Believe me, Donna, we're watching the DA race as well. I just got over a horrible migraine and I'm trying to work at the same time. :)

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2007-06-20T15:29:38-06:00

ID

92971

Comment

well, to be perfectly honest with you, I just have no idea how the DAs race is going to go, since it is a 3-way race. There will most likely be a run off

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-06-20T15:35:04-06:00

ID

92972

Comment

I just added comments from Bluntson and Crisler up above: Council Vice President Frank Bluntson will be assuming the role as president until the council picks a new president or vice president in two weeks. Bluntson said he believed the council would have to arrange a special election, limited to Ward 1, in 60 days, though he added that he wasn't sure about the time span. Bluntson said he sympathized with Allen's decision because he has also suffered recent health problems. "I had a health problem myself, and I thought about resigning, but the Lord strengthened me and blessed me and so I served. But I applaud Ben for looking out for himself," Bluntson said, adding that he hoped the council would be able to work together in his absence. "I would hope that with six people left on the council--the fact that we're there to help the city--we'll work together for the better of the city," Bluntson said. Allen's departure means that the four-member majority that has tangled with the mayor on many controversial issues will be reduced to three, virtually ensuring tied, 3-3 votes on some council matters. Crisler said the city would miss Allen's experience. "It certainly is very disturbing to have someone of Mr. Allen's tenure step down in such an abrupt manner. This kind of thing shakes the governmental foundation in which we operate. All we can do now is collect ourselves and move the city forward," Crisler said, summing up the last 18 months as "bizarre." "I can't ignore the fact that all of this seems so strange," Crisler said. "With the city being in such disarray, I'm not altogether surprised at such abrupt measures by council members. We've got health issues in city government, several diagnosed with strokes or hypertension. There's a cloud of stress over the city right now. Not just government, but over citizens as well."

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2007-06-20T15:35:08-06:00

ID

92973

Comment

McMillian has developed some very specail relationship with the community at large. There are a lot of people who have not made the connection or the assessment that melton is trying to do a sweep and will stop at nothing to get his slate in. As I blogged earlier, Michelle Purvis resigned from the City. I'm hopeful that ther split with Smith will be enough to allow fo Faye Peterson's re-election. She has experienced some tough crap from the melton machine; however, she has stood her ground. I have never seen such greed and williness to do anything for money, power and control. It will be a sad day for Jackson if we allow for this sweep. It happened to Johnson and it was so smooth that the tornado was tearing down the Administration while he was busy trying to build the City, working late hours every night and every weekend. Now we sit back and watch the fruits of just some of his labor and watch frank smile and attempt to take credit. Davey, this is heart-breaking and for those who care about Jackson, this has not been a "Crystal Stair." There were ministers who bought into that bull sh!t of meltons. They were promised a large sum of money and we have learned of back-door meetings. It didn't matter that they were sending the City to the dump with a man who had only one interest - HIS.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-06-20T15:38:57-06:00

ID

92974

Comment

I'm sorry to see Ben go too. Working with dangerous animal-like species is a taxing job. You know, the kind that can't be easily controlled. Your mind fluctuates from missing work to shooting the beast. Worrying about getting bitten is often more debilitating than he actual bite itself. I wish Ben the best.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-06-20T15:39:02-06:00

ID

92975

Comment

On the D.A. front, it is very important to consider who has created much of the negative hype about Peterson; it has radiated from the same group of people who have been in Melton's power circle for a long time. No one is above criticism, but folks, for God's sake, consider the source of a lot of the worst rhetoric. ... and compared to the last D.A., we have been sitting pretty. But just like with the last mayor and police chief, that same heat source created the hype that we weren't, and look where that got us. Speak up, folks. Look at the big picture. Don't get snookered again. We tried to tell the city about the probable disasters of Melton, and were right in an astroundingly sad way. Now, listen to us about these other races. Please. If you haven't figured it out by now, we live and die by facts over here, and we're not afraid to share them, unlike local corporate media. And the current fact that cannot be ignored is that the city does not need to elect candidates handpicked by Frank Melton. Pure and simple.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-06-20T15:39:04-06:00

ID

92976

Comment

Bluntson as president. Wow.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-06-20T15:39:55-06:00

ID

92977

Comment

I find it interesting that a "courier" could donate $2000 to a DA race (Purvis) and you will see that Ed Peters and Mounger are the largest donors to Robert Smith. And, in the most unusual twist, a former DA candidate has given money to one campaign and has the sign of another in his yard. Admin. are welcome to move this to the State Desk - my account doesn't work!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-06-20T15:40:35-06:00

ID

92978

Comment

"And the current fact that cannot be ignored is that the city does not need to elect candidates handpicked by Frank Melton. Pure and simple." The thing I can't understand is that if both Smith & Purvis were handpicked by Melton to run against Faye, than why wouldn't Melton have just tapped one of them instead of picking two challenger and risk possibly splitting the Anit-Faye vote.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-06-20T15:43:23-06:00

ID

92979

Comment

Well, he did it in the sheriff's race, too, Gaius. Perhaps to force a run-off? I don't know if that strategy would work in the sheriff's race, but it sure might in the D.A.'s race. And my guess is that the D.A.'s race is the most important one to his plans to Take Over the World. He doesn't need an African American woman district attorney who isn't charmed and hypnotized by him challenging him. The rest of us do need that. The fact that she was willing to stand up to him thus far has very likely helped maintain a certain level of damage control. I also suppose one candidate could drop out at the last minute, shifting support to the other Melton pick. Melton with his own D.A., sheriff and Council would be a marvel to behold.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-06-20T15:47:34-06:00

ID

92980

Comment

I just heard about this on the news. I wish he didn't have to resign, but I do believe his health should come first. I wish him the best, and I don't believe we have heard the last of him. I hope Ward 1 elects a candidate who truly cares about the ward and the city. Please let it be someone who can think for himself/herself.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-06-20T16:21:39-06:00

ID

92981

Comment

I like Ben Allen. I know it was a hard, but necessary, decision he had to make. My prayers are with him. Donna, honest question here: Do you really think that Michelle Purvis was hand-picked by Melton for D.A.? I don't believe that to be the case at all. I heard that she left the D.A.'s office in the fall of 2005 so that she could prepare her campaign for the office. She couldn't work for the D.A. and run for the office as well, and based on her past employment with the City and working relationship with SORE, it was an easy job to get. And common - do you REALLY think that Lester Williams is a Melton-picked candidate? A recently-former City employee, yes, but not handpicked picked by Melton. If you know Lester, then you would understand where I'm going with the thought. :-)

Author

cityofjacksonms

Date

2007-06-20T17:09:52-06:00

ID

92982

Comment

Donna, honest question here: Do you really think that Michelle Purvis was hand-picked by Melton for D.A.? I don't believe that to be the case at all. Yes, I do, for various reasons. Interestingly, we were just looking at her campaign-finance reports, and they have a lot in common with Melton's. More on that soon. He has also mentioned her name to me several times, starting early last year, saying that she could back up some of his allegations about the D.A. (She didn't.) Mr. Melton and Mr. Williams go back a ways as well, and we're told that Melton encouraged him to run. At this juncture, any candidate connected to Melton is a HUGE risk. Folks, we're living an emergency situation, and we have a chance to be smarter this time. Let's take it, rather than feed in any way into efforts by Mr. Melton to build an even bigger machine. We can't handle the machine he's got in place now. Just imagine how bad it could get if he has his own DA, sheriff and City Council, or any combination of those three. I'm past the point of mincing words here.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-06-20T17:24:58-06:00

ID

92983

Comment

The problem is, the sheep of Jackson don't see anything wrong with it. They're ready to be a part of the machine stomping other people. At least until it turns on them.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2007-06-20T17:29:58-06:00

ID

92984

Comment

The problem is, the sheep of Jackson don't see anything wrong with it. They're ready to be a part of the machine stomping other people. At least until it turns on them. And the sad part is that it will be way too late before people see through it. I tell that to people who support Frank, especially when he was on trial for the Ridgeway Street duplex. His supporters were saying that something needed to be done about drugs in Jackson, which, on paper, I do agree with. But that doesn't mean taking a sledgehammer to a house that was never proven to be a drug house to begin with and doing so without a search warrant. I tell them, "Just wait until he declares your house a drug haven, and he wouldn't care if you support him or not." That's what happens when you blindly enable a public official to anything he or she wants.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2007-06-20T19:39:15-06:00

ID

92985

Comment

Melton with his own D.A., sheriff and Council would be a marvel to behold. Note to self: Pick up a copy of the Apartment Guide and find some good rates on apartments in Ridgeland.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2007-06-20T19:44:02-06:00

ID

92986

Comment

Donna, I seriously doubt that either Smith or Purvis intend to drop out before the election. All you have to do is look at their campaign finance reports to see that. Purvis has raised the most money, with Smith being second and Faye has raised the least. I don't see why Melton would choose to hand pick 2 strong contenders that can raise more money than the incumbent DA and possibly risk spliting the vote, it just does not make sense.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-06-20T20:54:46-06:00

ID

92987

Comment

The "end of civilization" (or the vestiges) as we know it for Jackson. May God bless Jackson now in the hour of its need. May we all pray that the FBI hastens its investigation (and hopeful indictment) of our Mayor. HDMatthias, MD

Author

HDMatthias, MD

Date

2007-06-20T21:07:09-06:00

ID

92988

Comment

I am truly sorry to see that Mr.Allen has taken leave of the City Council. I completely understand his reasons fir doing so. What may follow truly concerns me. Is a Meltonite Council a sure thing? What can be done to see that this does not happen? Jackson has so many great opportunities lying fallow. I hope that these can be reached. Mr. Melton has demonstrated that he is not the leader to bring downtown Jackson out of it malaise. An administration peopled with Meltonites frightens me to no end. Jackson deserves good administration. It's sad to see someone who cares for the city leave the public theater.

Author

tombarnes

Date

2007-06-20T22:29:57-06:00

ID

92989

Comment

While the forum seems to have jumped from Allen's health to an all Melton Jackson, I will comment on the sheriff's race. Melton has backed two African Americans to run against the incumbent sheriff to "split the vote" This is because politically Melton is stupid. Running a white and an African American candidate against the incumbent would have theoretically split the white vote, most of which he is counting on to vote republican in the primary due to the lieutenant governor's race, and pit the white winner against the strong African American. The white candidate having a shot at not even being the incumbent. Frank even screwed this up, race division politics one 0 one, which I thought he was decent at... Also, there is buzz at the capitol and all over Hinds County, there are a running ton of African American supporters for the incumbent that everyone is missing and Frank is counting on for his boys (again note how never to split your own supposed support)... Also there are a ton of white Republicans in Hinds county that are voting Democratic in the primary, simply because they are terrified of a Frank sheriff, party utterly ignored. I have heard countless say "I really want to vote in the Republican primary because of the Lt Gov. race, that one is huge, but the sheriff's race is going to effect me; I live in Hinds County. The mayor will kill my county if he gets his boy in..." AGamma627

Author

AGamm627

Date

2007-06-20T22:42:51-06:00

ID

92990

Comment

AGamm, that's why it's even more important that everyone get out and vote August 7. I already gave me little speech about it here, so I won't repeat myself in this thread.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-06-20T23:07:45-06:00

ID

92991

Comment

AGamm, I agree. We have been discussing this for weeks - I don't know how this plays out on August 7, but I agree that McMillan has more support in the African American community than Uncle Frank thought. There's an angle here that I don't quite get and I really thought FM and his political machine were smarter than that. Lewis and Williams are both graduates of Lanier and well known in that community, and frankly, this has alot of us puzzled as to intent and outcome. Politically, I thought that you would try to pull as much Black support as possible toward Lewis and not split that vote. Gee whiz, I don't know....

Author

lanier77

Date

2007-06-21T08:08:15-06:00

ID

92992

Comment

I do still believe that McMillian is strong and that republicans in this county will probably cross over to ensure that he gets re-elected. If they do that I think that will effect the DAs race, in which way I am still unsure though.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-06-21T08:44:34-06:00

ID

92993

Comment

To piggyback on lanier and AGamm's comments, I also believe that support for McMillian is strong across the board and I believe he will be reelected. There are some segments who would prefer to see a black in this position, but I believe the majority of black voters in Hinds County recognize and appreciate that McMillian has kept the county relatively safe during his tenure despite the challenges of limited jail space, financial constraints and political infighting with the Board.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2007-06-21T08:45:32-06:00

ID

92994

Comment

melton's hope is that with Purvis and Smith in the race, he will be assured of a run-off. Then he is putting his bet on Faye Peterson loosing to his candidate. I hope that folks in this community won't fall for this stupid crap. Both Purvis and Smith are a part of the melton-mess. It has nothing to do with caring about a City/County or it's citizens. Purvis is the Assistant City Attorney. If she can do so much for the DA's office, why is she so ineffective in the mayor's office? Based on the number of legal errors and the fact that the Council has been hung out to dry, it is hard to imagine that she would be effective as our DA. Just remember that the City Council was getting legal assiatance, vicariously through a local law firm. This is crazy. Tax payers are having to foot the bill for SORE and Company and our Council Persons are having to go to the back door for legal advice. Her little passe' with Parker-Weaver is enough to make everyone shake in their boots and run for your life. I just remember that Purvis has resigned from the City. Still a part of the plan.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-06-21T09:33:54-06:00

ID

92995

Comment

Why would Melton want to run the risk of a runoff if he could just put his best choice in the primary & win it out right then? Voter turnout is always lower for a runoff, especially a party primary runoff. It would be too much of a political risk for him to do this, the smarter choice would be to have a strong, well funded canidate to face Faye in the primary & win it then.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-06-21T09:53:24-06:00

ID

92996

Comment

They clearly don't think they can win it outright. Everyone always underestimates Peterson, due to the hype of a few. She has a lot of grass-roots support.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-06-21T09:56:02-06:00

ID

92997

Comment

If Purvis got elected, Melton would just turn his back on her. Exactly like he did Faye Peterson. He can't stand a strong black woman. :)

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2007-06-21T09:58:15-06:00

ID

92998

Comment

Thats exactly what I mean Donna, I think Peterson has alot more support than people think and thats why I think a run-off actually benefits her more than Smith & Purvis, because her grassroots effort will play a big part on getting voters to the polls in a run off. Thats why I don't think Melton would have chosen 2 people to run against her, because of that risk.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-06-21T10:04:14-06:00

ID

92999

Comment

Except that he did, Gaius.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-06-21T10:17:18-06:00

ID

93000

Comment

Well if he did than thats a pretty bad decision on his part. I know its not the first one he has made. In any case its going to be an interesting election. Purvis is doing a great job at fundraising and so is Smith. Smith also seems to have a very strong grassroots effort, as well as Faye. Faye has fallen behind in fund raising though.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-06-21T10:30:57-06:00

ID

93001

Comment

I didn't say it was a good decision. ;-) Ed Peters gave to Purvis, right?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-06-21T10:36:50-06:00

ID

93002

Comment

Yes he did before Smith entered the race & now he just spoke at a Smith fundraiser on Monday night & to my knowledge is endorsing Smith.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-06-21T10:38:16-06:00

ID

93003

Comment

Michelle has an interesting commercial on televison that I have been seeing for a week or so. That commercial is kind of impressive in the way it's presented. If I didn't know her and hadn't already made up my mind I could possibly be hoodwinked by it. Faye and Robert had better do something to counteract that commercial else thay might suffer as a result of it.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-06-21T11:54:40-06:00

ID

93004

Comment

Yeah Purvis is running commercials & has a website up. I also saw that she bought a Greyhound bus or something with her picture on it. I saw it at the Democratic Fun Day at Fowler park last Saturday.

Author

snowjob

Date

2007-06-21T13:11:39-06:00

ID

93005

Comment

The C-L says that ;Bubba Weir may run for the spot.

Author

millhouse

Date

2007-06-21T20:30:17-06:00

ID

93006

Comment

Hmm, interesting. I've never heard of him.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-06-21T20:44:27-06:00

ID

93007

Comment

Michelle has an interesting commercial on televison that I have been seeing for a week or so. That commercial is kind of impressive in the way it's presented. If I didn't know her and hadn't already made up my mind I could possibly be hoodwinked by it. Faye and Robert had better do something to counteract that commercial else thay might suffer as a result of it. Yes, money does talk, doesn't it? I saw it a few times already.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-06-21T20:46:57-06:00

ID

93008

Comment

Hey, Julius! That bus has been parked up at Word of Life (or whatever it is) at Hanging Moss and 220 for a couple of weeks. I find it disturbing one of Melton's alumni has a bus like that parked at a Church. I mean, I'd like to keep my illusion that Frankie-boy hasn't bought Ministers to back him. Moneychangers in the House of God, redux....

Author

Ironghost

Date

2007-06-21T21:15:31-06:00

ID

93009

Comment

Hanging Moss and I-220? That's Word and Worship. She's a member there, so that's probably why they're doing it.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-06-21T21:29:33-06:00

ID

93010

Comment

Word and Worship has enough credibility problems concerning their pastor. They sure don't need any more. If the bus is at the church, it looks like an endorsement, which the church is not allowed to do. Looks may be deceiving, but sometimes they are enough.

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2007-06-22T07:55:36-06:00

ID

93011

Comment

I've already sent her announcement video - done in her church - to some IRS law experts and the IRS. Be happy to forward any pictures of the bus at the Church if you have it.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-06-22T08:17:16-06:00

ID

93012

Comment

Michelle is a member of Word and Worship Church. The minister there is Jeffery Stallworth. He is also running for public office. I haven't seen any signs for him yet; however, I did see his name on a candidate roster.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-06-22T08:28:11-06:00

ID

93013

Comment

Really, justjess? Would you happen to remember what office Pastor Stallworth is running for because I wasn't aware that he was a candidate for anything.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2007-06-22T13:54:11-06:00

ID

93014

Comment

He's running for tax assessor. The whole list of candidates it at StateDesk.com.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-06-22T14:08:20-06:00

ID

93015

Comment

Thanks, LW. That's pretty bad that Dot Benford has more signs up for her campaign than Pastor Stallworth.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2007-06-22T14:10:15-06:00

ID

93016

Comment

millhouse: The C-L says that ;Bubba Weir may run for the spot. As of this afternoon, Bubba will not be a candidate for Ward 1 City Counil.

Author

Rex

Date

2007-06-22T14:13:07-06:00

ID

93017

Comment

Jeff Weill announced his candidacy on the Republican ticket.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-06-22T14:54:32-06:00

ID

93018

Comment

Oh yeah, here's a quote: "I really look forward to getting in there, rolling up my sleeves, and facing the challenge," Weill said. "And it'll be a big challenge." Snicker.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-06-22T14:55:48-06:00

ID

93019

Comment

Stallworth's unmitigated gall!!!!! (If he became tax assessor Hinds County would have to hire a Committee to count every dollar he collected.) It is an affront to the citizenry of Jackson that "the Reverend" Jeff Stallworth, registered sex offender, would dare to run for tax assessor. Worse yet, the folks who could vote for him could be dumb enough to elect him to office. Ask around. Ask about the financial dealings at Anderson, Anderson's daycare (owned by his wife), land dealings, and his various children. Makes me sick to think that this charlatan is loved by some folks to such a degree that he can not only shove his very public "transgressions" into his parisioners' faces, but they love him for it, give him a new church, and put lots of their hard-earned money into his plates. I'll never, ever understand this type of behavior.

Author

HDMatthias, MD

Date

2007-06-22T15:34:41-06:00

ID

93020

Comment

Thanks, HD. You're not along in these comments.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-06-22T15:40:10-06:00

ID

93021

Comment

Damn skippy, HD. Thanks for putting that into words so well.

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2007-06-22T17:05:55-06:00

ID

93022

Comment

And another candidate jumps in! Tony Gieger of the Northpointe area will be announcing next week.

Author

Hayes

Date

2007-06-22T21:22:30-06:00

ID

93023

Comment

Does anyone think that Ben will end up endorsing someone for the office?

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2007-06-22T23:20:31-06:00

ID

93024

Comment

LH, I think the chances of that are slim to none. If I were him, I'd just aim for peace and quiet. A trip to the Poconos would be good.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-06-23T07:21:02-06:00

ID

93025

Comment

A trip to the Poconos would be good. LW He would have the music to make the trip with! ;-) Kick back and enjoy that super duper CD collection you have Councilman... You will be missed regardless of my differences on some topics with you. Which is a good thing about you; you realize many of us are here fighting for Jackson - not against it! Unlike some thin keyboarded people who are willing to blog on the dark side. Differences of opinion and commenting on the problems we have is not Jackson bashing! I think we all want a better place to live. Enjoy your time off.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-06-23T08:40:48-06:00

ID

93026

Comment

Kane Ditto's son, John, has thrown his hat in the ring.

Author

millhouse

Date

2007-06-26T15:23:35-06:00

ID

93027

Comment

Kane Ditto's son? The plot thickens...

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-06-26T15:31:35-06:00

ID

93028

Comment

Hmm... Well he certainly will know about crime. Fighting it is another question! Jackson's crime rate hit it's peak during Mayor Ditto's reign. Hope he learned from his dad's tenure?

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-06-26T15:59:03-06:00

ID

93029

Comment

Doubt it seriously.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2007-06-26T16:29:44-06:00