Jackson Free Press

Mayor Frank Melton vowed to veto an amendment City Council made to the city's payroll this morning.

Council members voted 5-0 to approve payroll at a special council meeting, but then--on the advice of city attorneys--added an amendment reducing pay for city employees Todd Chandler and Charles Melvin to their original salaries prior to their appointment as department heads.

Melton appointed Chandler as fire chief and Melvin as director of Parks and Recreation. The council voted down their appointments earlier this year, but instead of moving Chandler back to his position as fire captain and Melvin back to directing youth initiatives, Melton made Chandler assistant chief and made Melvin an assistant chief administration officer with responsibility for parks and recreation. In their new positions, both men made about the same amount they had as department directors, well above their previous salaries.

"This council absolutely has no business getting involved with personnel issues," Melton said. "You have no right, no authorization to get involved in personnel issues, particularly as it relates to just two people. Chandler is in a position that I put him in. Mr. Melvin is in a position that I put him in. The executive branch reserves the right to do that, and were not going to let the council play with their compensation."

City attorney Johnston Walker advised the council of Attorney General Jim Hood's recent opinion that the mayor must move the employees back to their original salaries, but Melton said he believes Hood is incorrect.

"Well, the AG is absolutely wrong," Melton said. "I'm publicly saying that he is incorrect. ... As mayor of this city, I can place them where I want to in city government. ... If I decide to promote Charles Melvin to deputy director of Parks and Recreation, that is within my right, and this council has nothing to do with that. ... I have assigned Chandler as assistant chief (after the council's rejection) and that is absolutely within my right."

"The attorney general is absolutely incorrect, and we'll handle that in court if we have to," Melton continued, adding that he was "struggling here to keep the council from being sued," by Melvin or Chandler.

Council members Leslie McLemore and Margaret Barrett-Simon walked out of the meeting as remaining members struggled to figure out if they should try to pass the motion in a new order, with the motion to amend preceding the vote on the motion itself. The question was whether Melton would have to veto all of payroll in order to veto the amendment adjusting Chandler's and Melvin's pay.

Barrett-Simon called the meeting pointless. "The AG's office has said clearly that we can only pay the two individuals in question the rate they were making before (Melton) appointed them to their position. I think for us to go against that opinion, which our lawyer gave us today, puts us in a very precarious position. ... Obviously this man does not think the law applies to him or the city of Jackson. He says he's ready to go back into a courtroom and take the council with him. I think it's time he got out of the court rooms and tried to run a city."

When asked why she was walking out Barrett-Simon replied: "For what reason would I stay?

"Melton's going against his own legal department, and against his own legal advice, but I don't intend to violate what I believe is the attorney general's opinion," Barrett-Simon said. "This, again, is another city sideshow. How long can you sit and watch that?"

As Barrett-Simon spoke to reporters outside of council chambers, Melton harangued her, telling reporters: "There's no story over there."

This story has been updated since it was posted.

Previous Commentsshow

Was there a quorum at 10:00 AM for the City Council Meeting?

ChrisCavanaugh

Jun 25 2007

Adam is busily typing up the full story for you. There was a quorum, though the council did not vote on confirmations, which was their putative reason for meeting. Members in attendance were Charles Tillman, Kenneth Stokes, Frank Bluntson, Margaret Barrett-Simon and Leslie McLemore.

Brian C Johnson

Jun 25 2007

I just updated this story. It sounds as if the mayor was in fine form this morning.

Brian C Johnson

Jun 25 2007

Son of a biscuit. Nope. Don't want to insult biscuits like that.

Lady Havoc

Jun 25 2007

As Barrett-Simon spoke to reporters outside of council chambers, Melton harangued her, telling reporters: "There's no story over there." Melton is how old? 12? What a pathetic excuse for a leader we could ever choose! I really wish the last few hold outs, and enablers within the more conservative circles would take note when Councilwoman Barrett-Simon says: When asked why she was walking out Barrett-Simon replied: "For what reason would I stay? "Melton's going against his own legal department, and against his own legal advice, but I don't intend to violate what I believe is the attorney general's opinion," Barrett-Simon said. [color=red]"This, again, is another city sideshow. How long can you sit and watch that?"[/color] Damn he's good!

pikersam

Jun 25 2007

Pike, I almost posted on how Melton handled that with such "grace and benevolence". You beat me to it.

millhouse

Jun 25 2007

Could one of your reporters get the FACTS on Michael Taylor's release from jail. What counts in what courts are pending at this time? Surely the carjacking charge was not dropped or remanded to juvie.

HDMatthias, MD

Jun 25 2007

Doc... Why don't you ask Judge Swan "Free as a Bird" Yerger?

pikersam

Jun 25 2007

brian, have you found the myspace page belonging to michael taylor as described in the ledger this morning?

chimneyville

Jun 25 2007

The money quote for me: "Obviously this man does not think the law applies to him or the city of Jackson. He says he's ready to go back into a courtroom and take the council with him. I think it’s time he got out of the court rooms and tried to run a city." - Barrett-Simon

kaust

Jun 25 2007

Are we surprised that Frank thinks Jim Hood is incorrect? He didn't take Hood's advice last year about what he could and couldn't do and look where it landed him--in court. The people of Jackson elected a mayor, not a king or dictator. How anyone can defend what he's doing now must be a better person than I.

golden eagle '97

Jun 25 2007

Amen to That, Knol! I've seen the pictures chimneyville; frightening to say the least. This 'child' needs a mental evaluation immediately; he should not be on the streets, with or without Melton. Doc, the urgency is not an over-reaction.

ChrisCavanaugh

Jun 25 2007

Oh, God.

Lady Havoc

Jun 25 2007

We have the MySpace page, and I'll post a link to it soon. The pictures include Taylor posing with a single-action shotgun, what is probably an SKS with a banana clip and a bayonet, and a revolver. In one image, he is pointing the revolver, which appears to be loaded, directly at whoever is taking the photograph, with his finger inside the trigger guard. Melton, meanwhile, says he is keeping a "close eye" on Taylor. As for Taylor's judicial status, stay tuned, Doc.

Brian C Johnson

Jun 25 2007

Saddle up, folks. Lady's link to today's Goliath story on Melton's probation deserves some recitation: According to an order entered in court today, Jackson Mayor Frank Melton may again be armed — but only at his home. ... The order clears up the provisions of the mayor’s probation. It also states the mayor can supervise minors and does not have to abide by a curfew. ... Webster also wrote that the provision relating to contact with children under age 17 was a condition of the mayor’s bail — which no longer applies — and was never listed as part of his probation. The curfew, from midnight to 6 a.m., no longer applies because it was part of a three-month electronic monitoring program, which Webster said the mayor has completed.

Brian C Johnson

Jun 25 2007

Thanks, Brian. I couldn't utter any other words at the posting point.

Lady Havoc

Jun 25 2007

Great, they can all play with guns again at Carter's Grove. Has the world gone mad?

DonnaLadd

Jun 25 2007

BTW, don't forget that an MBN agent reported in an affidavit that Melton let Christopher Walker handle guns at his house, while he was out on probation. Lord, I hope those photos of Taylor with the guns were NOT shot at Melton's house. It's bad enough, regardless. I'm out today working on a story, but the Ledger's story on Taylor doesn't add up. What is Yerger doing? Webster? Do they not see the dangers of their actions on this stuff??? I've long heard that the real problem with our criminal-justice system here lies with judges and cronyism, and it's getting harder to not believe that. At least Hood, Peterson and Green tried to get Melton from hurting himself and others, despite the miserable state of Mississippi law (and willingness of white judges) to do anything about it. There are signs that he's reeling out of control again. Look out.

DonnaLadd

Jun 25 2007

And just think: Melton could soon have his own D.A. and sheriff.

DonnaLadd

Jun 25 2007

In time judge Far-A-Way will also conclude as we have that Frank is truly crazy. We'll wait to see what happens next.

Ray Carter

Jun 25 2007

Well, there are a long list of people who share responsibility if something really bad happens in Meltonland. Personally, I believe Col. Don Taylor should go at the top of the list. The way Melton is demonizing Barrett-Simon for trying to do her job is simply breathtaking. We haven't seen anyone this divisive since the Mississippi of old. We have to keep our chins up and stay the course, but the longer Melton runs amok, the longer it's going to take to repair the damage he is doing to people's health, reputations and—most worrisome—the attitudes of young people like Michael Taylor. If Melton is their role model, we're in horrendous trouble. One wonders how much trouble from the past could be attributed to his brand of role-modeling? How many young men has he convinced that they are above the law, simply leading by example, if in no other way? These young men don't deserve this, no matter who they are. And they don't deserve a state that allows it because so many people assume they are beyond reach or hope. That is the worst tragedy in all of this -- that Melton was elected because too many people (of all races) do not care about the rights (or the futures) of some of our most needy kids.

DonnaLadd

Jun 25 2007

Do you think he (FM) is armed during city council meetings? The man is a lunatic, and I'd be afraid--very afraid that he is.

blu_n_a_redstate

Jun 25 2007

Webster also wrote that the provision relating to contact with children under age 17 was a condition of the mayor’s bail — which no longer applies Come home Mikey T.! Didn't the Virgina Tech killer also pose on his MySpace page with guns? Yeah, Judge Yerger! Yeah, Judge and attorney Ali ShamsidDeen. Damn y'all are good! Youth Court Judge Bill Skinner was not available for comment last week. But Taylor's attorney, Ali ShamsidDeen, said the judge credited Taylor for time served. "At this point, he had already done over seven months," ShamsidDeen said. "As far as I understand, 180 days is what he would have gotten if adjudicated as a youth to begin with." ShamsidDeen said Taylor may be out on bond on the carjacking charge, though he wasn't sure because he said he has not talked to Taylor since late May. Municipal Court records show bond was set at $250,000 but do not indicate whether anyone has paid. ShamsidDeen said he has not yet determined whether he will represent Taylor if Taylor is indicted in the carjacking. Melton appointed ShamsidDeen to be a Municipal Court judge in early May. "It depends on how involved the city is with it," ShamsidDeen said. "From the sketchy details I have, it was (the state Department of) Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks that officiated the arrest." How can he be bonded out if he originally had no bond set?

pikersam

Jun 25 2007

Wow, Brian! And I fully agree Ladd! This type of stuff should go to the top. DHS where are you? Especially since this man has access to youths again per Judge Webster, this is a dangerous situation whether the photos were taken at Melton's house or someone else's. It doesn't matter if these are recent or not, they are of a youth with a gun in threatening poses. A youth that associates and claims the Mayor's house as his residence when arrested for armed car jacking! Reminder - this was the guy he wouldn't give up to the Sheriff and drove off with him. Only to turn him in a day or two later.

pikersam

Jun 25 2007

Blue in red, Keep in mind that Melton is not supposed to leave his house with weapons, even under this new order from Webster. In fact, Melton's sole authority for carrying weapons even before his conviction on weapons charges was the same concealed weapons permit available to anyone else. It is explicitly forbidden for citizens with such permits to carry their weapons into city hall. Of course, Melton got into trouble with the AG by disregarding such restrictions. In other words, he might be carrying to council, but if he is, he's breaking the law.

Brian C Johnson

Jun 25 2007

Brian, you forget we have yet to find a Judge that has the balls to make Frankie-boy obey the law.

Ironghost

Jun 25 2007

You guys, Webster likely said that as the charges relating to inciting minors to felony were dropped during the course of the trial.

Izzy

Jun 25 2007

I spoke with Judge Yerger today about Michael Taylor today. He wouldn't tell me anything other than that he followed the recommendations from the DA's office, and that I should speak with Rebecca Mansell. He wouldn't tell me if he HAD to remand the case to juvenile court, nor which charges would be remanded to juvie. In fact, he had forgotten that this man had a previous armed robbery case pending. I asked him if the carjacking was remanded to juvenile court, and he wouldn't answer. I asked who COULD tell me the facts of the case. He again referred me to Ms. Mansell. I asked him how old Taylor was when he committed the carjacking. He didn't know or wouldn't say. He ended the call by bidding me, REBECCA, goodbye! Good grief! If he can't remember my name (and he knows me), how can he remember the facts of Taylor's case? HDMatthias, MD

HDMatthias, MD

Jun 25 2007

There is no Justice.

Ironghost

Jun 25 2007

In fact, he had forgotten that this man had a previous armed robbery case pending. I Forgotten!?! Nice sleuthing, Rebecca, I mean Doc. (smile) More on all this soon. Hang tight.

DonnaLadd

Jun 25 2007

Ah err... ya it's the DA's fault.... LOL! BTW: Props to the Dep. City Atty for pointing out that the AG's opinion was contrary to what Melton wanted to do regarding payroll. I'm sure some law firm will hire you after Melton lays the ax. LOL!

pikersam

Jun 25 2007

Hey way to go Doc! Citizen Blogger of the Week nomination!

pikersam

Jun 25 2007

This whole thing is sad, but not shocking. I knew it wouldn't be long before the "All My Restless World Turns with No Guiding Light" drama would start up again.

LatashaWillis

Jun 25 2007

Never a dull moment! I believe Taylor's armed robbery case was handled by the youth court. The carjacking case probably has not been indicted yet and until it is, neither Yerger nor the DA's office has any jurisdiction over it. You may remember that the victim in the carjacking case was encountering problems getting JPD to investigate her case (I wonder why). The arresting officer was a Dep't of Wildlife officer. There must first be an investigation before the case can be reviewed by the DA's office and forwarded to the grand jury. As I recall, Taylor's bond was revoked because he was arrested on the carjacking charge while he was out on bond for the armed robbery charge. If the orginal armed robbery case was disposed of in youth court, then there would be no reason to revoke his initial bond. This still does not explain who, if anyone, posted the $250,000 bond so he could get out. Basicly, since he hasn't been indicted, (we would know if he had been indicted because Goliath would have covered the subsequent arraignment) Yerger's and Mansell's hands are tied. Taylor is still under the jurisdiction of the city municipal court. I wonder who controls the municipal court? Hmmm?

thetruth

Jun 25 2007

I knew it wouldn't be long before the "All My Restless World Turns with No Guiding Light" drama would start up again. Wow. Suddenly, I feel... clean. :) Line of the week!

Lady Havoc

Jun 25 2007

Can't we find out who posted the bond? So, you're saying it's up to the municipal court to decide whether to indict him? And should we also assume that there has been no JPD investigation? There were witnesses who said he had a gun. Here's the story we broke on this last fall.

DonnaLadd

Jun 25 2007

I know you are busy ladd... Here is the link to an additional JFP story where they discuss whether Melton's influence is negative for youths: Michael Taylor faces similar issues. Stacey Burch and sister Tracey Cefalu both testified at a hearing last Friday in Yerger’s court that Taylor stole Burch’s vehicle at gunpoint Nov. 16, and then tried to sell it back to her for $300, using Burch’s stolen cell phone to organize the extortion. Taylor was already out on bond and living off and on with Melton after allegedly committing an armed robbery, but Yerger put Taylor back in jail, calling him a danger to the community. The teen’s bond was not revoked, however, after the Aug. 15 Ridgeway Street incident. Judge Yerger, who quickly returned calls during his re-election campaign, did not return Jackson Free Press calls this week for comment on the Taylor situation. Taylor gave Melton’s address at 2 Carter’s Grove as his home address when he was arrested on Nov. 18 for the carjacking. Melton told The Clarion-Ledger last week that Taylor may have tried to sell the car back, but he didn’t steal it in the first place. Burch, who identified Taylor in a line-up, said she had devised a sting operation to catch Taylor, with the help of Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks enforcement officer Randy Newell. She arranged for Newell to grab Taylor at a gas station on the corner of Lakeland Drive and Old Canton, after the women agreed to meet Taylor there. She told The Clarion-ledger that she turned to Newell because the Jackson Police Department was slow to help organize the sting—and that JPD was slow to show up to arrest Taylor when he showed up to sell her back her vehicle. Jim Walker, public affairs director for the Department of Wildlife, said he was not sure when the police arrived on the scene or if they were involved in the initial grab. “I do not know the exact time frames, but the bottom line is Yerger weighed the evidence and denied bond. We feel there’s a strong case, and the evidence will prevail,” Walker said.

pikersam

Jun 25 2007

Thanks, Pike. ;-) Indeed, I'm slammed trying to finish a big story I've been working on for weeks. No, it's not about Melton.

DonnaLadd

Jun 25 2007

I can't believe no one has mentioned Melton's Jesus Camp for Kids... Did anyone else see the piece on WLBT? Melton wants to have a camp for troubled kids 11-17. He said many of the kids would come from the detention center and from families that could not control their kids. Question: is this privately funded? Attention parents of troubled youth: look at Melton's current record on helping "troubled youth" and his own record of breaking the law! Do you really want to send your children to read the Bible with him? Melton has no former training in this arena and his record indicates he has no natural ability to help this kids... Stop drinking the Jesus Juice, people!

kaust

Jun 26 2007

The last thing I want to see Frank do is leading a Bible study with children. Look at all the hellish things he's done so far--enough said.

golden eagle '97

Jun 26 2007

Here you go... The Mayor plans to hold two camps one in Jefferson Davis County and one in Jackson for juveniles ranging from 12 to 17 years old. The camps will last one week. And... Mayor Melton plans to fund the camps himself. He says they will begin after the Fourth of July. The Mayor goes on to mention he's done this before and gets to know the young men well. Yet, it appears he has no effect on them going the right direction. Interesting that Jackson and Jefferson Davis are two areas of MS that are experiencing crime problems, and they are both connected to Melton. Get the heck out of Jefferson Davis Co! You are the Mayor of Jackson and are taking far too much vacation, sick leave, and court time for any one person! You are a failure at your job as Mayor, and suspect as a youth mentor!

pikersam

Jun 26 2007

If Melton spent as much time working on city affairs as he spends trying to get his hands on little boys, we would be one heck of a city! Why would any parent in their right mind turn their child over to FM? And what would he know about leading a Bible class? Oh, yea, he can teach them how to circumvent ALL ten of the commandments!

honey2me

Jun 26 2007

I think the camp is another way for him to make himself look good and to feed his narcissism. I say that if he does this, he does not need to be the one teaching. Repentance is a integral part of Christianity, and from what I can tell, he hasn't done it. Rather than hosting a Bible camp, he needs to be attending one that teaches about not bearing false witness and obeying the Golden Rule.

LatashaWillis

Jun 26 2007

I guess melton will have to publicly kill someone before this community rise up against all of this foolishness. melton does not have a clue on the management of a City; therefore, he runs the City the way he runs his home and other relationships - recklessly. It continues to be this I,ME,MY style of dealing with things. It matters less than a dam$ what the AG's opinion is. It goes against the grain of what frank thinks and what he wants to see happen. So, Jim Hood, just forget about how many years you spent in law school, your oath, and all of your years of experience - It just doesn't matter. frank will do it his way. I guess SORE's trip to St. D. and her fear of losing her license have given her a better understanding about all of this bad advice and parotting everything the "MAYA" says.

justjess

Jun 26 2007

I guess SORE's trip to St. D. and her fear of losing her license have given her a better understanding about all of this bad advice and parotting everything the "MAYA" says. What trip to St. D?

LatashaWillis

Jun 26 2007

Sorry honey2me, first he can't spend time doing what he knows nothing about(city affairs) second, "what parent in their right mind indeed, however remember there are many with no mind, looking for a free baby sitter. and what would he know about leading a Bible Class, even less than he knows about leadiing a city. most of his guys he mentored are either in jail or dead. surely there has got to be some who are lawyers, teachers, ministers, business owners, where are the great guys he mentored?

notme

Jun 26 2007

Well, to give FM credit, he never said WHAT he mentored them in. Normally, you would expect mentoring to be in citizenship, respect of others and their property, etc. Since FM knows nothing about any of those things, he may have just mentored on the topics he is more familiar with.....breaking the law and getting away with it......surrounding yourself with powerful people and how to use them to your advantage.....how to destroy those who are against you and watching them squirm. I could go on all day, but you get where I'm going.

honey2me

Jun 26 2007

"He got so much love to give." Now that he has retired from police work, his time has to spent doing other things. I predict the starting of the Frank Melton Pre-Prison School for Wayward Boys.

Ray Carter

Jun 26 2007

Brian: "We have the MySpace page, and I'll post a link to it soon. The pictures include Taylor posing with a single-action shotgun, what is probably an SKS with a banana clip and a bayonet, and a revolver. In one image, he is pointing the revolver, which appears to be loaded, directly at whoever is taking the photograph, with his finger inside the trigger guard. " I looked at the photos and I'd like to commend Brian for his description of the SKS. It's quite refreshing to see someone in the press who actually knows what they're talking about. Well done.

Cliff Cargill

Jun 26 2007

Cliff, I got some emailed copies of the pics myself. What kind of shotgun is that? It doesn't look like one you would use for hunting? Is it police issue? How about the bullets in the chamber of the pistol? What kind of pistol is it? Big is all I can tell! Also, where are the pictures on the walls? My family had family photos and pictures going up the stairs at my house. It sure is a nice looking house he is in... Watch out Cliff, it's "Brian the Gun Guy" ;-)

pikersam

Jun 26 2007

"Jackson Mayor Frank Melton plans to greet representatives from Vietnam’s Hung Yen Province this morning at the Jackson-Evers International Airport." - source Some things stand on their own.

kaust

Jun 26 2007

Yeah Pike...Brian knows his stuff! Although the photos are hard to view, I think it's a Remington 870 Marine Magnum 12gauge, 18" barrel with a nickel finish. Pump action shotguns are used for hunting, but not with short barrels. A hunting shotgun needs a longer barrel for the accuracy needed to reach game. 28" barrels are typical for most hunting shotguns, give or a take a couple of inches. Short barreled shotguns are used by homeowners, police and the military. They make great self-defense guns. They are also referred to as "riot shotguns."

Cliff Cargill

Jun 26 2007

Don't y'all think y'all are being a little too hard on the mayor? At all, he still has plural support, personally policed Jackson for nearly two years, has beaten 2 sets of trumped up charges here and in Meridian, could have beaten the other charges that he hastily pled to, got us a helicopter to run drugs out of the rich and middle-class neighborhoods, got us cameras to catch speeders and more harmful criminals, gave us our first-female top cop and top lawyer, is fixing the King Edwards which no mayor before him did, and has various unknown hook-ups with a myriad of rich folks soon to develop Jackson and make it a little San Antonio or Atlanta. And to top this off, he still has time to raise other folks' boys. Can't y'all be happy with anything? Please folks, get off the mayor's tip. He's doing a good job for us! Are y'all blind?

Ray Carter

Jun 26 2007

Ray, you're in for a major tongue lashing. Just keep playing, ya hear? :-)

LatashaWillis

Jun 26 2007

Pike, as for the revolver: It's really hard to tell from the photo, but my best guess is a Colt Official Police .38 Special. This gun was used by police departments all over the world for decades and was very common. It's not something you can buy new at a gun shop becase it's no longer made. God only knows where he got it.

Cliff Cargill

Jun 26 2007

Oh, and Pike... It's a six shooter.

Cliff Cargill

Jun 26 2007

Where are the-leave-the-mayor-alone-people concerning the public spat of the mayor with Barrett-Simone, in particular; and generally McLemore and Crisler, and even Ben in the past. I heard them speak loudly when we criticized the mayor for randomly stopping black males and other poor people in poor neighborhoods and searching them without probable cause, reasonable suspicion or other authority of law. Is the quiteness concerning Simone and other council persons an indication the mayor is losing or has lost support? Or, perhaps, this time, lacks a principled position? Is the mayor's finger still on the pulse of the community or not? Or worse, does the mayor have unbridled support when he's trying to wreak havoc on the poor who are considered the problems of our society. I could be wrong, but I don't remember the leave-the-mayor-along-people saying much when many of us thought the mayor was influencing or causing the hellicopter to be flown in mostly middle class white neighborhoods. In summation, I guess these questions beg for an answer of whether the mayor's support is based on what is in the best interest of all of us, or is it simply a game of favortism played by a popular new kid on the block without a clue or real plan to help us all and oblivious as to how he's being used in a larger game.

Ray Carter

Jun 26 2007

[quote]The AG's office has said clearly that we can only pay the two individuals in question the rate they were making before (Melton) appointed them to their position…[/quote] Melton says the AG is wrong. Has the AG responded to this?

NoIdidntDoIt

Jun 26 2007

Frank has decided not to veto the payroll. SORE gave him the wrong information regarding the pay issue. It was reported on WJTV's newcast at noon, but neither station or the C-L have updated it on their websites. Come to think of it, neither has the JFP. What's up with that?

golden eagle '97

Jun 26 2007

LW, I thought y'all were my peeps. Somebody has to present the other side of the story. Y'all are doing a good job too of presenting facts and theories, and most of all, ignoring me.

Ray Carter

Jun 26 2007

LW, I thought y'all were my peeps. Somebody has to present the other side of the story. Y'all are doing a good job too of presenting facts and theories, and most of all, ignoring me. Ray, no one can ignore you, man. You won't let us. LOL Frank has decided not to veto the payroll. SORE gave him the wrong information regarding the pay issue. It was reported on WJTV's newcast at noon, but neither station or the C-L have updated it on their websites. Come to think of it, neither has the JFP. What's up with that? My guess is that there is some factchecking going on by the JFP. I don't know about anyone else.

LatashaWillis

Jun 26 2007

So sorry to ask--who is SORE? HDM

HDMatthias, MD

Jun 26 2007

SORE - Sara O'Reilly Evans.

pikersam

Jun 26 2007

Did anyone notice the Vietnamese representative invited Frank back to tour his town... I will chip in if the ticket goes one way and one way only. AGamma627

AGamm627

Jun 26 2007

[quote]Did anyone notice the Vietnamese representative invited Frank back to tour his town... I will chip in if the ticket goes one way and one way only.[/quote] ROTFL!

LatashaWillis

Jun 26 2007

Well Ray, I certainly don't ignore you! You make me smile. One of these fine days, after the maddness is over, I want to sit and have coffee with you and enjoy your quick wit in person. BTW, I've seen the My Space photos. Pretty grim and sick.

ChrisCavanaugh

Jun 26 2007

Ray, my new favorite term >> "plural support."

Brian C Johnson

Jun 26 2007

Thanks Chris. We'll meet for sure. In fact, I'm gonna throw a party for everyone to come once my work is done, and I'm ready to meet the Almighty. You will be invited.

Ray Carter

Jun 27 2007

Did you alll see the look on the Vietnamese mayor's face when FM ran up to him and gave him a big hug as he got off the plane??? It was a la Bush/Merkel shoulder rubs and I became flush with embarassment....

bobnoxious

Jun 27 2007

To be a good ambassador, you have to understand the basic customs of other cultures. Melton should have done his homework and found out how the Vietnamese greet each other. I hope he learns one of these days that not everyone thinks like him. He better do his research before going abroad, or else he could end up getting flogged or fined.

LatashaWillis

Jun 27 2007

I saw it bobnoxious and remembered thinking the same thing. What an ass to not learn the man's customs of greeting in his country. Although he eventually smiled I bet he thought for a second Frank wanted to make love. LOL. Anyway, the gentlemen eventually saw it was an act of kindness, love and open engagement.

Ray Carter

Jun 27 2007

Ray, my concern is how his behavior reflects on the rest of us. I don't want an entire country to think we're all like that.

LatashaWillis

Jun 27 2007

Melton just wanted to give the man a hug. If he can pull a bus over and hug the passengers, certainly, he can force a hug on a Vietnamese representative... Screw customs; the only customs are Frank's, y'all. Now, hug and shut up. ;-)

kaust

Jun 27 2007

How's that for a T-shirt? Melton with his arms open wide, and a caption of "HUG ME OR ELSE". LOL

LatashaWillis

Jun 27 2007

Thanks for the clarification Knoll. For a brief moment, I thought the the mayor was trying to engage in some of that freaky deaky airport love. Surely you can go to jail for that.

Ray Carter

Jun 27 2007

Ray Carter, Bobnoxious and L.W., I am so happy to see that you folks saw and thought the same thing I did about melton needing and taking a hug from his/our Asian guest. It was interesting that there was a female right behind the 2 guys that he hugged; however, she didn't get her hug. What's up with that. I pulled the covers over my head. I couldn't take it! Is it possible to think that frank was not given a heads-up on how to meet and greet the Vietnamese?? Maybe he has been watching too much CNN and thought that they were Arabs. (LOL).

justjess

Jun 27 2007

Here's some info for you: [quote]Many Vietnamese having extensive contact with Americans have begun to understand American ways and have even adopted some of them for their own use. However, there are thousands of ordinary folk whose customs have not changed in generations. This chapter is about those people. Greeting People Most of the Vietnamese in urban areas no longer bow when they meet each other. In formal gatherings, at religious place, and sometimes in the country areas, one may see the people clasp their hands together in a prayer-like gesture and bow slightly. This is not practiced to any extent in everyday life in Vietnam as it is in neighboring Thailand. The custom of handshaking, formerly considered barbaric to the Vietnamese, is now achieving popularity due to the Western influence in the country. Men will generally shake hands and say the equivalent of "how are you" and tip their hats when greeting people. Women, especially those in the countryside, still shy away from shaking hands, especially with men from their own country. It is best not to offer to shake hands with a woman unless she offers her hand first. Introductions Whereas Americans often immediately introduce themselves in given situations, the ordinary people of Vietnam think this to be rather bold and like to have a mutual acquaintance make the introduction. They will rarely introduce themselves when going into a home or office until asked to do so. This may be due to their innate shyness and modesty.[/quote]

LatashaWillis

Jun 27 2007

Thanks L.W. although you are preaching to the choir. When will frank hear his sermon? What about that BEAR HUG? He really grabbed the first guy. this would really be funny if it were not so SAD. Poor thing. If he knew better, perhaps he would act better.

justjess

Jun 27 2007

If I emailed that info to the mayor's office, do you think he would actually read it?

LatashaWillis

Jun 27 2007

Does Carolyn Redd know how to Google? Or, I guess the question is whether this family even understands that concept of cultural differences and decorum? It's embarrassing.

DonnaLadd

Jun 27 2007

Clearly, justjess, Melton thinks he has nothing to learn. That is the saddest, and most dangerous, kind of person.

DonnaLadd

Jun 27 2007

After hugging the second person, I swear I saw him bow uncomfortably. He may have been briefed (and not cared) or picked up on a cue from another person. It's very possible that the third person made a gesture of bowing before Melton could get his paws on him. Here's the deal and I don't want to sound like I'm simply hating on Melton... I don't know anywhere where it is remotely acceptable to hug a perfect stranger on first meeting. I realize Southerners like to do this but it's not acceptable to the bulk of the global population. If it is acceptable, it's certainly not in the professional/political realm; it's quite the opposite. A hug is a VERY informal interaction generally used with people that are VERY close. For example, you don't hug a potential employer before or after the interview... It's common protocol. Hell, hugging in some cultures may be a vulgar act. People interact differently and this is a primary example of Melton not comprehending the world around him.... A megalomaniac with no regard. I don't want to sound nitpicky because people do make mistakes, but this was a HUGE blunder on someone's part (either his handlers or Melton himself). There is literally no telling what these guests may be thinking.

kaust

Jun 27 2007

However, if our guests have studied Jackson at all for the last 2 years they would have discovered our mayor is a different kind of fellow. Yet I doubt they would have anticipated the bear hugging even if expecting an unusual person. It wasn't just a hug, it was a bear hug like the kind you use before picking up your bride for consumation in the unlikely event anyone waits that long anymore. A brief fake hug with less touching might have been alright. I have been noticing over the last few years that more and more men are hugging in that fashion in church or religious settings. I think it's a gesture to show men are now more comfortable than in the past with showing real affection and love for each other. I ain't warming to this show of affection and comfort too nicely yet. Afterall, I'm still saving all my hugs for women. Otherwise, I totally agree with Knol on his explanation. LW, I think I know what you mean about how it makes us look. It makes us look bad as a town and as a group. However if the visiting mayor isn't offended maybe nothing is lost this time. I'd be remissed if I didn't point out that Frank is beyond customs. He doesn't bow to customs, customs have to bow to him. The King make the rules, not the other way around.

Ray Carter

Jun 27 2007

I'm more concerned about the fact that the media is more focused on telling us Melton is meeting these people rather than what they are meeting about, and what it will do for Jackson? There were like 6 photos of Melton and one or two of the guests. Go figure? That's our daily! Does it matter who is meeting them? Or is it more important to know what they are meeting about? Hello!

pikersam

Jun 27 2007

WAPT showed the pictures of Taylor a few minutes ago. They say that Kim Wade emailed the pictures to them. They say Melton said he is "riding Taylor's behind" and told him to take the pictures off MySpace. Paraphrasing, they say Melton said that Taylor was just a kid horsing around when he took those pictures and that he was 15 or 16 at the time (like that makes it any better). Watch WAPT at 6. There will be an interview of Taylor's family. Also, they have a Web poll asking if you think Taylor should be working for the city.

LatashaWillis

Jun 27 2007

He looks older than that in those pictures to me. We've also heard from good sources that Taylor is regularly hanging out on Wood Street with his buddies there (over where Melton drove him away from the sheriff when they tried to pick him up after the Father's Day BBQ was shown on TV). I think Melton said he isn't over there, but that's not what we're hearing.

DonnaLadd

Jun 27 2007

Correction: the 6 PM interview will be with the family of Taylor's carjacking victim. They believe that Taylor is getting special treatment.

LatashaWillis

Jun 27 2007

OK, I don't watch much TV, I admit, but I just saw one of Michele Purvis' campaign ads on Channel 16. Crime is up, and enough is enough. That was the whole message. This is the exact kind of missing substance that got us into trouble with Melton. Rhetoric. Pure rhetoric. I need to turn the TV off.

DonnaLadd

Jun 27 2007

L.W., it seems rather obvious that Taylor is getting "special treatment"—what an understatement. He lives with the mayor, who wouldn't let the sheriff arrest him last year, and took him on violent joyrides on the Mobile Command Center. He is accused of committing an armed carjacking, not is back living in the mayor's office. Special treatment, indeed.

DonnaLadd

Jun 27 2007

Would someone please clarify Taylor's legal situation, including charges, courts, bail, trials, conditions of release, etc? HDM

HDMatthias, MD

Jun 27 2007

We have a story about Taylor with commentts from the D.A. in Talk this week. Maybe a follow-up next week.

DonnaLadd

Jun 27 2007

So, at what point do y'all think that Michael Taylor becomes the poster child of why Mr. Melton might not be so great at keeping his mentees out of trouble?

DonnaLadd

Jun 27 2007

Donna, I think that time will come when he shoots somebody, and even then folks may still overlook it.

LatashaWillis

Jun 27 2007