Jackson Free Press

The day after City Council refused to fund the promotions of Mayor Frank Melton's bodyguards, a local police union said today that talks with the mayor about the appointments were not "productive." The officers vowed to tell all about problems within the city in retaliation.

Melton's decision to promote Michael Recio and Marcus Wright to assistant police chief and sergeant over the department's protective services division, respectively, elevated two officers with only patrolman certification to positions of authority. The union argued last week that Melton skipped over more qualified officers within the department, giving the appearance of a "good 'ole boy" network that shattered officer morale and cultivated resentment.

After leaving a Tuesday afternoon meeting with the mayor, Det. Juan Cloy, president of the Jackson Police Officers Association, said that Melton would not concede to the union's desire to reverse his appointment this afternoon.

"The mayor advised us that he was not going to rescind that order and that he would not stop his constant meddling in police business," Cloy told reporters. "We reminded the mayor that he is not a police officer, he is the mayor, but once again, he refused."

Cloy was not clear on the union's next course of action. "We'll be getting with members of the community, and we'll take it from there. Hopefully, we'll have more meetings with the mayor," he said. The union will not strike, and plans no lawsuit against the city, although the arbitrary promotion was grounds for legal action.

"We're not really interested in suing the city because of the state of the city's finances right now. The day that order came down, yes, each and every one of us could have filed a lawsuit. That's not what we're interested in. Hopefully it won't come down to that," Cloy said. He instead promised a war of information, wherein police will reveal to the public infractions and mistreatment of JPD by the city.

"The citizens don't have a clue as to how the police department and its resources have been raped over the past years," Cloy said. "This is not Mr. Melton's fault. It happened way before he was in office, and we plan to expose that and relay that and let the citizens handle the council members who were present when that took place."

The Jackson Fire Department managed to resolve its own issue with Mayor Melton in 2006, when Melton threatened to fire five firefighters for talking to the media about staff shortage problems.

Jackson Firefighters Association President Brandon Falcon said that the JFD only resolved its recent problems with Melton with national union lawyers breathing down the mayor's neck, but added that he admired the police union's resolve not to strike.

"You're not going to make a point to the mayor by striking. What you need to do is bring sound positive reasoning, and hopefully he'll ingest that sound, positive reasoning," Falcon said.

Previous Comments

ID

96319

Comment

It's on now...

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-10-16T20:56:15-06:00

ID

96320

Comment

GO GET EM!!!!!!! I hope someone rakes melton NOT!!!! over the coals, but under them.

Author

JMK

Date

2007-10-16T21:06:35-06:00

ID

96321

Comment

for some reason "sound, positive reasoning" and "Frank Melton" don't seem to go together...

Author

katrina_h

Date

2007-10-16T23:27:06-06:00

ID

96322

Comment

The union/officers may be in a waiting game. The word in the court house(s) and though out the jackson legal community and the political community that Frank is indicted next week at the earliest or 4 weeks at the latest, Federally. That is the rumor. The FBI etc is going to indicit him publically soon NEW POST PLEASE/ Just an idea The snare, however, in the politival moves ins: Benny Thopson. Frank and he hate each other, and the Republicans HATE benny. Frank may get away to screw Benny. Some in power HATE Benny more than Frank and will try to use Frank as a tool to embarrass benny, granted after the NASCAR memo, Benny screwed a lot of southern dems... but I have heard that a lot of people are trying to hurt Benny and they think they can tie Frank getting indicted to Benny meddling and hurt Benny with a Not Guilty, yet still try Frank, discreit him as the joke he is, and screw Benny over, getting the double slam. Hurt Frank, hurt Benny just the gossip

Author

AGamm627

Date

2007-10-17T00:28:45-06:00

ID

96323

Comment

Agamma, that would be something, eh. I hope so.... I hope so....

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-10-17T05:31:22-06:00

ID

96324

Comment

The snare, however, in the politival moves ins: Benny Thopson. Frank and he hate each other, and the Republicans HATE benny. Frank may get away to screw Benny. Some in power HATE Benny more than Frank and will try to use Frank as a tool to embarrass benny, granted after the NASCAR memo, Benny screwed a lot of southern dems... but I have heard that a lot of people are trying to hurt Benny and they think they can tie Frank getting indicted to Benny meddling and hurt Benny with a Not Guilty, yet still try Frank, discreit him as the joke he is, and screw Benny over, getting the double slam. Hurt Frank, hurt Benny Agamma On another thread I wrote this summary in response to ladd about the JSU stadium being moved closer to JSU, and some of the rumors as to why: What I wrote though could very well be something wrong minded people, would claim on either Blunston's show or Ben and Larry. Generally, some people always think things are done for some darker reason. Or oppose or back it based on the wrong reasons. pikersam The Bennie Thompson 'political witch hunt' Melton crap is the greatest example of wrong minded people, both black and white, believing Melton's undoing is the result of some greater powers pulling strings - not the fact that Melton has messed up in so many ways! If Rep. Thompson is making sure that Jackson is getting protection from this foolish Mayor, then yeehaw I'm all for it. Last I checked, Thompson doesn't surround himself with felonious youths and "yes men." Nor does he commender a Homeland Security RV to joy ride around NYC or DC making sure the terrorist ain't coming to blow us up! What this also tells me is that Rep. Chip Pikering is for letting Jackson stew in this mess created by Melton. This tells me he doesn't care about a city that is 73% African-American or the rest of us for that matter! This tells me he doesn't care about governance nor whether the rule of law is followed by those entrusted to make the law. Haley pretty much bailed on Jackson about 6 months into his term, so I've given up hope on him doing anything about Melton. But, rest assured when the Feds do come get Melton, Haley will get front and center trying to say he was here for Jackson, and is glad to see justice done... blah, blah, blah... He'll look like Melton at Robert Smiths victory party! ;-)

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-10-17T08:04:17-06:00

ID

96325

Comment

“The citizens don’t have a clue as to how the police department and its resources have been raped over the past years,” Cloy said. “This is not Mr. Melton’s fault. It happened way before he was in office, and we plan to expose that and relay that and let the citizens handle the council members who were present when that took place.” Officer Cloy had me until this statement. That's great he is going to delve into past problems; but, what does that have to do with Recio being promoted to Asst. Chief. This was the initial issue the Union had, so calling out past or current Council members does nothing about Melton's appointments today. Officer Cloy sounds a bit too much like Officer "Ploy" after speaking with the Mayor. If the mayor is not a 'police officer' according to Officer Cloy, then why have they let him play one since he was elected? They have the power to arrest ANYONE who is breaking the law.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-10-17T08:16:50-06:00

ID

96326

Comment

The have the power.... however they are lacking elsewhere....

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-10-17T08:20:05-06:00

ID

96327

Comment

This all gives me an idea for a You Tube video.... "Leave Frank Melton ALLLLOOONNNEEE!!!!!!" I'll even put on a spot of mascara and try to cry a bit. "If you have anything to say about him, say it to MMMEEEEE!!!!!"

Author

Simpleton

Date

2007-10-17T08:21:47-06:00

ID

96328

Comment

Officer Cloy should rely on legal consultation at this point. Are Union lawyers advising him? If anyone in Blogland can personally get to Officer Cloy, let him know that frank melton violated his privacy rights on the Charles Evers Radio Talk Show last Wed. night. melton announced to the public that he has talked to this officer many times and that he was helping him with FAMILY PROBLEMS. Not good, frank. Something has to be done. This City can not go through two more years of frank. He is now deferring to Goldia Reeves(sp). She has been the spokesperson for the engineers when the water supply was dark and smelled like raw sewage. Now, she is the City's expert on all subjects, except the Police Department. What a joke!

Author

justjess

Date

2007-10-17T09:05:55-06:00

ID

96329

Comment

Did Melton really do that Justjess? That is unreal; yet, so typical of Melton. Always bring it back to a personal problem or the children. I think Officer Cloy needs to make sure he knows where he stands. Who's side is he really on? He says it's not Mayor Melton's fault the department is in bad shape; yet, he wants to complain when he promotes Recio to Asst. Chief. On top of that, he claims that many of the officers supported, and subsequently voted for Melton which could mean that they may not have been working in the best interest of the City, and the former mayor/chief, during the election. You know, the Melton campaign was such an above the table operation... NOT!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-10-17T09:45:15-06:00

ID

96330

Comment

Why in the hell would the officers not strike. When dealing with a man like Melton, nothing phases him and telling him that your only threat (to strike) will not be done, is like telling him, "We're mad, but we're not going to do anything about it". Clearly the man has no respect for these men who have given their lives to the city and it's citizens for dozens of years. And thus, doesn't respect the Mayoral office, the citizens themselves or righteousness either. Tell me what would make him feel like discrediting and disrespecting the people who offer themselves willingly daily to protect and serve (supposedly) would continue to compromise themselves when the mayor comes in and treats them in such a fashion? We are left with no choice but to police ourselves. And his blatant and outlandish comments to the media are just dumbfounding. I can't even believe that he couldn't find a better tactic to have this done. I mean, he says that the "tests" haven't worked thus far so lets try this. Okay Frank, makes since, I'm all for change. But you want to make a change with YOUR bodyguards. For the last year or so, every time we saw you, these gentlemen were arm and arm with you. If that's not "good ole boy" I dont know what is. Its a major MAYOR SHAME! .....AGAIN

Author

Queen601

Date

2007-10-17T11:14:55-06:00

ID

96331

Comment

I assume they're not striking because the city desperately needs the police officers it has left.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-10-17T11:16:34-06:00

ID

96332

Comment

Well I would also think the police officers are afraid to strike, since Melton could do a Reagan and just fire them all, etc. He's too unpredictable to go to the wall on IMO.

Author

GLewis

Date

2007-10-17T11:44:26-06:00

ID

96333

Comment

Yes, last night on the news Cloy said that it would be a disservice to the people of Jackson if they went on strike. I agree, and I don't think striking will make any difference to Melton anyway.

Author

andi

Date

2007-10-17T12:06:48-06:00

ID

96334

Comment

I don't think Frank can just simply fire any employee. City workers are civil service employees and if they have at least one year on the job, they have to have a hearing before a city employee can be fired.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2007-10-17T13:12:29-06:00

ID

96335

Comment

Seeing as how Cloy has stated that they supported Melton, one has to wonder if the failed promise of pay raises for the police is not one of the underlying roots of this problem. It would not be beyond Melton to promise these raises especially if they let Melton mayor 'the Melton way." Now that they see he was full of hot air, and only favors 'his boys' for promotions and raises, they are upset. We feel ya man... We've just been seeing the lgiht a bit sooner. Sure they should be upset; but, when you play with snakes you get bit. Lots of civil service people should have spoken up when Melton was handing out jobs, and OT, for his people; but, they stayed silence. They still stay silent even when the public shows them they have our support as in the cases of the firefighters, Ramey Ford, and the COPS officers. There are more examples of the public not being fooled by Melton, unfortunately, they are obscured by a mostly blind MSM we have in Jackson.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-10-17T13:13:23-06:00

ID

96336

Comment

Hey I see what yall are saying. However, nothing is going to work with this dude. Sure they stand to loose their jobs, but sue him. It's a civil service position, I mean there has got to be some form of policy and procedure Frank would have to go through before firing them. I mean that seems a little gutless to me. How are you going to demand that this man holds up to his ridiculous actions without calling his bluff sometimes. This man has no one controling him. I mean Crisler and Margaret can only contain him to a certain degree. He got the DA office, the Fire Chief AND Assistants, there is nothing left. And if he is reelected, the sheriff's office will be next. Yall can sit around and twittle thumbs as much as you'd like, but Frank is not easily shook. The position of the city needs us and we can't strike is foolish. I mean before this happened, women were still being shot in the head during previously recorded domestic disputes - elderly people were getting beat up in their homes - after police officers did not do their jobs. I mean I feel as if they weren't doing much anyway....certainly not saving lives or catching criminals. So what harm could it do for them to strike. The reason they are not striking is because they are AFRAID of the wrath of Frank. It has nothing to do with the citizens needing them. Hell from what I hear they have no plans of patroling, completing paperwork or conducting police business anyway. At least if they SAID they were striking they could get away with NOT doing their job. Right now, their just not doing their job and are setting the presedent that whatever Frank does, he will not be held accountable. THis is a frivilous attempt by JPD. It will serve no good at all. At the end of all this Recio will signing their checks and leave requests.

Author

Queen601

Date

2007-10-17T13:14:26-06:00

ID

96337

Comment

Frank is our "ultimate authority," duly elected, and supremely competent to carry out the duties and responsibilites of the job. He knows more than we do. He knows what it will take to move Jackson forward. The voters trusted him and he shall deliver as promised. I'm confident. He has had to do his job in the face of abject criticism from many, lawsuits, criminal prosecutions and raising his troubled boys. Who among us can say we faced these arduous circumstances and still prevailed as head honcho. The key is to get the most competnet officers to do the job. Recio and Wright are like cabinet members or the King's court.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-10-17T13:56:55-06:00

ID

96338

Comment

Cloy's statements were confusing. I understand that you choose not to strike, I don't know if I want to believe your reasoning for not striking, but clearly, calling for a strike or sick-out would probably not serve any purpose. BUT, you choose not to sue because of the city's financial position - plzz, I clearly don't buy that. The police are civil servants, and there are procedures in place for promotions, along with procedures for grievances that address situtations exactly like the one confronting them now. 40 officers are passed over to promote a patrol officer to assistant chief. There is strength in numbers, and everyone one of them should be filing a grievance of some sort. Explain that to me. The union clearly supported Melton, they didn't try to hide that. But apparently you are still in his corner. On the one hand, you criticize little frankie, then you vindicate him by announcing that you are going to expose problems created before he got in office and problems that are not his fault. Cloy, I was on your side until you said that. Now, I believe that you are just trying to blow smoke up my a$$.

Author

lanier77

Date

2007-10-17T13:57:56-06:00

ID

96339

Comment

Allow me to chime in here for a minute. Some of the officers of the Jackson Police Department supported Frank during his run for mayor. Not all of the officers. A lot of the officers knew that Frank was corrupt before he got into office. I have never understood why the mayor, Frank, wants to have young felons living at his house. If he wants to be a mentor then great, be a mentor. If he wants to be the mayor then he needs to be the mayor. Frank knows nothing about law enforcement and I mean nothing. He needs to leave the department alone. I also want to say that the officers of JPD are not scared to strike. Why would we strike? What will it get us? Do you think Melton cares if we strike? No he doesn't. The people that will suffer will be the hard working people of Jackson. We don't want to cause them anymore problems then they already have in this crime filled city. Hell if we striked the mayor would still have his bodyguards so he at least he would be protected. Throw your questions at me... What do the bloggers of the JFP want to know?

Author

The truth

Date

2007-10-17T14:14:13-06:00

ID

96340

Comment

I believe this must be why Melton got the JPD out from under the Justice Department. Without that decree he can promote at will and say the hell with the tests. Those that attended college and/or worked hard for their promotions certainly feel that they accomplished something. As usual, Melton belittles their victories. The attitude Melton is displaying is very much like some who say a marriage license is "just a piece of paper". His attitude also reminds me of a classic abuser. At first I believed Cloy was a good selection for spokesman. Now I'm not so sure. This multifaceted attack on past Councils, etc. sounds eeriely like an idea Melton would have planted. Allowing the ACLU to piggyback their agenda onto this particular cause will weaken the cause. The communication with the public must be simple to understand, short points, and not too many. When you encompass too many problems at one time you dilute your effectiveness.

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2007-10-17T14:24:22-06:00

ID

96341

Comment

Look, everybody, Frank promoted those guys pursuant to a foreseeable problem or anticipated effort to save his own butt and them from the FBI and justice department. It has nothing to do with their competnece, his competence or anyone else's competences. Trying to make sense out of this is a waste of time. It is what it is. Frank isn't even pretending to be a good mayor anymore, He's not doing jack right now for the city, he's in the weathering storms mode. This is why he won't talk to the press or take that smile off his face he had last night. He knows he can't defend those promotions and isn't going to try. He also knows those boys are keeping those positions even if he has to pay the money from his pockets.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-10-17T14:41:53-06:00

ID

96342

Comment

Ray, I grew up with the addage: The higher you rise, the harder you fall. How will being in those new positions assist these two if the FBI indicts them? I do not include Gerald Jones with Riceo and Wright. Anyway, I like your point that Melton no longer even pretends to be Mayor. Its a powerful position and one he has misused to the max.

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2007-10-17T14:52:58-06:00

ID

96343

Comment

What I think he's trying to do is keep the three of them close, beholding and impenetratable by any outside sources. He's trying to preclude any opportunities for either of them to turn or get snatched away from him or the other. They're going to rise or fall together, like before. A good plan, I think.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-10-17T15:00:03-06:00

ID

96344

Comment

The three of them can stick together. It may help them adjust to life in the PMITA federal prison. How about the whole Bracey Coleman connection to Recio? Shows he probably isn't in Jackson's best interest at this time. I remember Coleman was getting some support when his name surfaced awhile back. I don't think we knew Recio was Coleman's son-in-law at the time did we? Just another a strange Meltonion dynamic that needs to be explored.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-10-17T15:27:38-06:00

ID

96345

Comment

Well, I'm sure you legal minded folk have valid points as to why the police department shouldn't strike. However, in my opinion, there is always going to be a reason why we shouldn't rise against Melton. He lives and thrives off of that. I personally feel like maybe its time for us to act just as he does, without any thought or reservations. That may be the only thing that he'll react to. Obviously it has worked for Crisler. He knows not to even look that mans way, why, because he has called his bluff on many occassion and dared him to (excuse my language) F with him. I personally don't have anything left for this situation. I am not a fan of JPD and now I think even lesser of them. I think they're rolling over and contributing to the rest of the folks around here who are just handing this man the key to our city. If this incident isn't proof enough that worser times are a-coming, then I dont have any idea what it will take. I vow to become one of those folk I use to talk about who leave the county and go to other towns/cities to reside....Hinds County is corrupt in so many ways that no body will be safe after a while. Frank will be cop, judge, and jury....good luck to those of you who still believe in this man.

Author

Queen601

Date

2007-10-17T16:20:04-06:00

ID

96346

Comment

Peace, everyone. I moved to Jackson a couple of years ago right around the time Frank was sworn in and I've always thought that Harvey must have been a$$ if Jacksonians elected this guy mayor. I've lived in several capital cities around the south and I've never seen anything close to this bufoonery. What I have observed, however, is the vast degree to which the city has acted as an enabler, allowing Frank to run roughshot over the place. He has blatantly broken laws, disrespected city leaders and crime victims, and violated people's civil rights. Yet, we have failed to hold him accountable for any of it, which is why his erratic behavior is getting even worse. Other than writing articles and selling t-shirts, what have we really done to stop this? Faye tried to do something about it, but what happened? Not only did a Jackson jury acquit him, even though he was obviously guilty, as stated by the judge, but they then voted the DA out of office! Unbelievable. So, I say all this to say that until we, as citizens, proactively protest this man and bring statewide and nationwide heat on him that he just can't handle, nothing will change. We created this monster, and it is up to us to get rid of it.

Author

eyerah

Date

2007-10-17T19:47:03-06:00

ID

96347

Comment

Harvey johnson was a mayor a great mayor, everyone has their problems, why do good people get forced out and the devil(frank) get chances after chances, like george bush. We better stop voting off of rhetoric and start voting for people who speak the truth. I voted for harvey and to all those who was fooled by frank yall just like an easy schoolgirl, the dude thats good for you, you turn him down but as soon as slick rick whispers in you ear he got you. Until Mississippi step into the future we will still vote democrat cause we black and republican cause a black man promises us he can tame those black thugs in jackson, "hooray franks our man if he cant do it no one can".

Author

NewJackson

Date

2007-10-17T21:39:58-06:00

ID

96348

Comment

I am not saying melton is a good mayor, however Harvey's was not that much better. I used to work for a state agency, which is located at Pascagoula and Galltin Street. We had numerous problems with the homeless people up and down the street. The Day Break, which was located next door had many homeless people just hanging out there during the day. From what I had understood, the Day Break was a location, whereby if an employer needed either temporary labor or permanent labor, they could find someone that would be willing to work at that location. At that time, this was not the case. I would see employers ride by and attempt to get labor for the day or week on numerous ocassions. I think only around 1% of the homeless would take them up on the offer. Homeless people were constatly hanging out at the Day Break invovling themselves in the following: smoking pot, having sex in the rear of the location, relieving themselves of their bodily functions, hollering obscene remarks at employees and masterbating in front of employees. The list could go on and on. I cannot count the MANY!!!!! times I had called both the Police Department and Mayor's Hotline. NOTHING!!!! was ever done. FINALLY!!! I called Sheriff McMillin's office, who is the Chief Law Enforcement Officer for the county. He was there the next day. The problem was taken care of for the duration of my employment there. The bottom line is that Sheriff Macolm McMillin was the one that corrected EVERYTHING!! for us. NOT!!! the PD or the Mayor's office.

Author

JMK

Date

2007-10-18T10:06:48-06:00

ID

96349

Comment

I have something to add to your statement. So you worked for a state agency that is located at the corner of Pascagoula and Gallatin. I assume then you worked for the Mississippi Department of Corrections. I also assume that if you work there you are either a certified law enforcement officer or support staff for MDOC. I then should assume that if you are a certified law enforcement officer you could have handled the situation yourself. JPD cannot sit at the Daybreak and wait until the homeless start smoking pot and start having sex. If you saw this on a daily basis then why couldn't you have done something about it. I am just assuming you could have done these things. If you were a support staff member of MDOC you could have told one of the certified law enforcement officers about the problem and they could have handled it. But remember I am only assuming this could have happened!!

Author

The truth

Date

2007-10-18T10:29:32-06:00

ID

96350

Comment

JMK crime is everywhere and in every major city, and those cities have more murders than jackson, and they still have vibrant cities and economic development, Its just the state of mississippi and some white suburbans who say " until yall get crime under control yall want be vibrant, an excuse. Harvey wouldn't Bow down to the white power structure so that made him a bad mayor to some whites, dont no black man suppose to tell good ole boys no, so they started the crime rhetoric and found a black man who wanted power and to be a police czar, they gave him acess to guns, police arsenal(mobile command unit) and made some black folk all over jackson think we needed a Black man to violate our rights and pick on the mentally disturbed to make jackson better we have to be governed by a hostile mayor cause we are a hostile people. So JMK cut the lies and rhetoric and get some hard facts we aint dumb just those people who voted for frank.

Author

NewJackson

Date

2007-10-18T10:37:46-06:00

ID

96351

Comment

New Jackson I just gave the facts.

Author

JMK

Date

2007-10-18T10:45:38-06:00

ID

96352

Comment

NewJackson - I beg to differ with one statement: "Harvey wouldn't Bow down to the white power structure so that made him a bad mayor to some whites, dont no black man suppose to tell good ole boys no, so they started the crime rhetoric and found a black man who wanted power and to be a police czar, they gave him acess to guns, police arsenal(mobile command unit) and made some black folk all over jackson think we needed a Black man to violate our rights and pick on the mentally disturbed to make jackson better we have to be governed by a hostile mayor cause we are a hostile people." I am pretty white and I thought Harvey Johnson was great - along with all my white friends and relatives. Also, correct me if I am wrong, but quite a few African Americans voted him out of office for being ineffectual in their eyes, yes, along with some white folks (as you put it). Please don't color everything with racism.

Author

Simpleton

Date

2007-10-18T10:52:03-06:00

ID

96353

Comment

I have to say I agree with Simpleton, and have let a few things Newjack says go unchecked because I like his enthusiasm and perspective. It will be enjoyable to watch him grow as a blogger.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-10-18T10:58:54-06:00

ID

96354

Comment

JMK facts can be wrong or true, i think you used the wrong facts go back and check your facts again. The difference between Frank and Harvey is that Frank got the good ole boys loving support and behind him cause he was suppose to get those thugs out of jackson Lol, Harvey had their hatred against him, and if Harvey would have said "yassuh" or did a monkey dance he would have been mayor still today, But like faye, Harvey didn't compromise and that was his demise. Everything in Mississippi you can tie back to the Good ole boys, They still want to control Jackson a 73 percent Black city, they dont care about crime they just used that to get back into jackson politics. AH the fresh air of change in Mississippi and people wonder why we are last in everything.

Author

NewJackson

Date

2007-10-18T10:59:14-06:00

ID

96355

Comment

Simpleton are you apart of the white power structure or the good ole boys, if not i was not talking about you. No disrepect. Iam not a racist iam a realist. Why is there a WAR against inflicting racism in discussion when racism is still very prevelant in Mississippi. I choose not to inflict racism just what is plain as day and to some white (some) dont get offended when i call it like it is iam not talking about you.

Author

NewJackson

Date

2007-10-18T11:04:12-06:00

ID

96356

Comment

Now when you put it that way Newjack, it makes a lot more sense, and is fairer to those of us that did see the charade that Melton and the good ol boys played. Thx!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-10-18T11:04:20-06:00

ID

96357

Comment

i know i cant generalize on this site. i jsut know blacks are starting to shy away from calling racism racism and what do replace the reason something happened with, if you take out the truth, a lie. Thats why we are behind in Mississippi we go around the truth for whats less offensive and we never can solve the real issues cause we are approaching them with a lie in the first place, Mississippi got that bad we need to start getting real with ourselves and stop living this lie.

Author

NewJackson

Date

2007-10-18T11:24:17-06:00

ID

96358

Comment

JMK, you gave the recipe for the disater this City is facing. To even mention Former Mayor Harvey Johnson's name on the same line with frank melton is an insult. By the way, The Truth, so tactfully led you to an obvious conclusion and it is my home that this was a teachable moment. We work everyday trying to get help through our State Agencies for Mental Health for Alcohol and Drug Abusers. I, too, was a McMillin supporter: Not because he hauled off the homeless to jail. Next time, try calling the Department of Mental Health and ask for Alberstein Johnson-Pickett who represents the State Agency for the Homeless. 601 -359-1288. Many homeless persons would be better served if the appropriate referrals were made. Just as we advocate TREATMENT: NOT JAIL for alcoholics/drug addicts, we also advocate HOUSING: NOT PUNISHMENT Just remember that most people live just one paycheck for a spot on that saidwalk that you described and at any given moment, our lives can turn on a dime. Many people have done the same thing to Johnson that you have done in your blog - distort the facts. Again I say, you don't know him and your dislike keeps one from doing the research to discover who this man really was and what he did for Jackson. There is a saying that goes: and my father gave me this one: The White man never forgets an ENEMY; The Indian never forgets a FRIEND but, Black men/women tend to forget everything and everybody. I keep living and hopefully long enough to disprove that charge. Mickey Mouse, a cartoon character, reputation has continue to live through the ages. It's because people continue to deliver the myth of his being a great mouse. Johnson did some great things for the City of Jackson and when the facts of this are finally written, don't try to continue to pull him down: Read, Learn, Give Credit. We, as a people do not have the luxury of pulling any of our good women or men down. Not for political reasons or money. I hear a group on radio last evening talking with so much excitement about the ground-breaking of the Convention Center. They mentioned all of the nine members of the Board, the people who would be coming from all parts of the Country to participate in this great City project. They mentioned every damn thing in the world except the fact that the BRAIN CHILD for Jackson's Convention Center was HARVEY JOHNSON, JR. This man worked, petitioned and grant wrote his a$$ off for this among other of tis projects. So, let's just stop the lies and hating a person "just because...." My challenge is for you and others who share your belief that Johnson was no better than frank melton is to discover the evidence to the contrary. It's out there!

Author

justjess

Date

2007-10-18T11:32:13-06:00

ID

96359

Comment

I knw most of my replies has a "racist" viewpoint, iam a black young thug i mean a black young man born and raised in jackson Mississippi and until i was of age i didn't experience racism and when i started to experience it i became a militant not because i hated white skin or white people it was because the pepole that harrassed me were white and i saw the injustices in court cases and that made me militant, i dont hate white people, i just know its some in Mississippi that hate me because of my skin color. I didnt start this mess i was invoked into action from being disrepected and mistreated so understand my logic, you might not agree with it but understand it, i know i have room to grow and iam open to adjust and learn but dont tell me a chicken dont lay eggs when i know it does.

Author

NewJackson

Date

2007-10-18T11:38:18-06:00

ID

96360

Comment

I agree on Johnson, Justjess, but hate he got underminded so slickly. I couldn't see this kind of defeat coming. I saw the Chief of P olice on tv this morning. She seems quite bothered by those promotions and seemed to suggest or at least didn't diffuse rumors that a suit will be filed as a result of them. I think she admitted morale is low.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-10-18T12:26:10-06:00

ID

96361

Comment

NewJackson, you seem to be in you caterpillar stage and will soon become a beautiful butterfly. If we are honest, most African-Americans who have experienced certain levels of racism and bigotry can relate to your feeling of rage, militancy and anger spewing almost like raw sewage. I was a Freshmen in college in 1964 and living in another part of the Contry when I got the news of my parents business being bombed. I, too, was angry and non-violence and prayer did nothing at the time to make me feel better. The local paper did not even report the story. I had worked during the summer with Freedom-Riders on an underground paper. It was a young White girl who was living with my family who was instrumental in helping me to process my rage. She looked at me with her large, tearful eyes and simply asked, "WHAT DID I DO?" That was truly a loaded question and as quick as I though I was, even then, I could not give an answer: This was an 18 yr. old who had given up her Summer to work on voter registration and walked picket lines with me. The moral of this story is that you don't throw the baby out with the washwater. The water might be murky/dirty, but the person could be a jewel or at least have the attributes of becoming a better person than those who proceeded him/her. As you experience life, you too will learn that all White people are not out to harm you and neither are all Black folks out to help.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-10-18T12:47:23-06:00

ID

96362

Comment

I just get sick and tired of generalization. I am white and I'm happy with that. A dear friend is middle eastern and I'm happy with that. Another great friend is African American and I think she hung the moon. My point is, I get tired of the finger pointing because of someone's skin color - white, black, brown, tan, purple or green - and we've been getting a lot of that lately. Stop making a generalization about the white people electing their yes man(men) into office, because to use an example, Stokes, Tillman, and Bluntson (all African American) are behind Melton 100% and I think my opinions as a white male are basically ignored by them. Admittedly it is a problem - but I think its a problem on both sides of the fence. Why can't you just say some people (in general) didn't like how Harvey and Faye did things and they voted them out, because regardless of color, we have a POS mayor and attorney general. So feelings aside, let's look at the real issues here and stop trying to muddle it with things with the. Please.

Author

Simpleton

Date

2007-10-18T13:03:14-06:00

ID

96363

Comment

I agree with Simpleton.

Author

Michele

Date

2007-10-18T13:06:18-06:00

ID

96364

Comment

justess I couldn't have said it better. NewJackson I do not hate blacks. I am a white female. While living in Jackson I was a Mission Mississippi volunteer. While working for the Highway Patrol I was the only white member of the Mississippi Central States Trooper's Coalition and darn proud of it too. I shudder to think of anyone thinking I hate blacks. In fact I have not seen races in around 30 years now. I have tons of friends who don't wear the same color skin as I do I love them the same as I do anyone else. I would list them, however it would take me most of the afternoon.

Author

JMK

Date

2007-10-18T13:07:53-06:00

ID

96365

Comment

Ray Carter, I did see Chief Anderson on TV this am. She alluded to the fact that a law suit might be filed re the appointments and I was also impressed that she did not lie about morale being low among the officers. I do think that Sherline Anderson is really a nice lady who believed that frank could part the Red Sea and then walk on water. She knew that she did not have the training/education/motherwitt or anything else to be Chief of this City. She believed that frank had her back: He did and now he's breaking it. Ray, I also agree with your rationale about why frank made these moves. He is preparing for a FINAL CURTAIN CALL. ...and from Julius Ceasar: Exit, Stage Left.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-10-18T13:13:06-06:00

ID

96366

Comment

I agree with you last paragraph Simpleton..if I may call you that...Fact of the matter is...The mayor has torn his drawers on many fronts. He's hovering somewhere around George Bush's ratings. Performance is the key but, much to justjess's chagrin..Most of those who are now zeroing in on the mayor STILL dont wish for Harvey Johnson to resume the reins. If you want to talk facts then we can..he was ineffectual as well. Slow, plodding, and in theory it was his cockiness that birthed the political Melton in the first place. If ya wanna deal in facts...As simple said..When folks want a change, they'll call for a change. And now, we probably need a change but we sure as hell dont need Robotron back. Youre idol worshipping a bit JJ and I just have to jump in when you go on your HJ love-a-thon lol. He's not coming back..move on please...Who do we see assuming the role in 2009? In short the "politician as savior" tag has got to be ended. whether its the mayor, HJ, or daffy duck. A mayor is damn important but in a sense irrelevant to the overall pulse of a city when the PEOPLE have banded together. You cant point the finger at folks blowing the mayor's trumpet then turn around and do the same thing for HJ or anyone else for that matter.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2007-10-18T13:20:53-06:00

ID

96367

Comment

Harvey was doing a good job albeit slowly and quitely. Kamikaze can you ask Frank to just resign or do what the mayor in Las Vegas did- just leave and don't return. We don't have the hip-hop appeal to draw his attention. Did you hear T. I. (Tainted Intellect) was arrested for having his body guard attempt to buy high-powered gun? What did he need the silencers for? Was it to silently knock off the competition. Lord I wonder what the Source Awards would be like with T. I.'s crew knocking off people without any sounds or warnings being generated. I know I'm an old, out of style, and jealous player hating on rappers. Why no blog so we can discuss this? Sho Nuff. Also I need to come with you the next time you talk with some kids at school. On a plane coming back from LA I met a young fellow who was doing poorly in school, and I asked what he planned to do after school, to which he said be a rapper. Shamefully, since I didn't want to stop him from dreaming, I had no idea what else to say to him, except that he be sure to finish school.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-10-18T13:42:59-06:00

ID

96368

Comment

Simple is as simple does :)

Author

Simpleton

Date

2007-10-18T13:44:34-06:00

ID

96369

Comment

justjess Shirlene is a wonderful nice lady. I'll agree with that. However not having the training or education, I beg to differ. I have known her since 1980, when she was a Narcotics Agent. I was doing my internship with Greenville PD, at the time. At that point in time, I could not find one officer who ever thought she did not know what she was doing. She was called in to organize intelligence on dealers and lead teams of other agents, from one end of the state to the other, in order to bring the dealers in. She gained a lot of respect from law officers all over the state. She was always very concerned for other officers safety as well. She so to speak has gotten in the trenches with others. She has been through the academy for MBN as well as the Highway Patrol. She has also sucessfully completed training with the FBI and DEA. I later on worked with her at MBN. It was there I learned of her many other talents to make her a successfull leader. I stay in touch with my old friends at MBN and have never heard a negative thing about her.

Author

JMK

Date

2007-10-18T13:47:17-06:00

ID

96370

Comment

Umm... the people can band together all they want; but, as long as we still have to elect people to office to run our government, then they will be the pulse of the City. If you want us to believe that the mayor is not the pulse of the City, then explain why we are on life support looking for a pulse under Melton with no chance of full recovery while he is mayor? Wait... Let me guess... IT HARVEY'S FAULT! BTW: Pound for pound, person for person, qualification for qualification - name one Melton appointee that even holds a candle to the people HJJ surrounded himself with. Seriously. It.Is.Not.Even.A.Contest.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-10-18T14:00:58-06:00

ID

96371

Comment

JMK is one of her MBN talents to lie for the mayor in court against other MBN agents? Just wondering if they covered that in academy? I am glad to know she is well trained; but not well trained enough to know good situations over bad. Thus, she is willing to sell her soul for higher retirement over the well-being of a City as have other Meltonites who have gone to work for him. The retirement factor is huge in why some Meltonites are deaf, dumb, and blind when it comes to the mayor's antics.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-10-18T14:09:19-06:00

ID

96372

Comment

pikersam Details, facts and circumstances she lied?

Author

JMK

Date

2007-10-18T14:12:22-06:00

ID

96373

Comment

Pike..you're a thinking man..Do you honestly feel that our money problems actually just manifested themselves two years ago?...Its a progressive decline that causes a city to go broke sir..You can assertain that Im sure. No, the staff isnt exactly quality. they're kind of like the current Lakers. except there's no Kobe but lets not dismiss the fact that this decline has been 8-12 years in the making starting with Ditto and falling in the lap of this administration. Its just that this admisnistration doesnt know how to handle the pressure. I can admit that.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2007-10-18T14:45:46-06:00

ID

96374

Comment

Are we to think Frank is mostly innocent by that comment? Incompetent but not innocent.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-10-18T14:48:45-06:00

ID

96375

Comment

Not innocent, but definitely not alone in in the culpabiltiy department.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2007-10-18T15:05:06-06:00

ID

96376

Comment

HMMMM Pike alledges then leaves. Wonder what that is all about?

Author

JMK

Date

2007-10-18T15:25:19-06:00

ID

96377

Comment

Well, actually Kaze the City was going broke before HJJ, and our credit rating wasn't much better. However, after 8 years of Harvey we had a $7 million dollar reserve, and an A+ rating for Bonds, and a financial plan through 2007 that addressed many of the issues that Melton has ignored to the point of breaking our City financially. I have posted the full report numerous times, and you are welcome to check it out from older posts as I can't get a link to it right now. His recent antics will cost us millions in interest once our bond rating is lowered; but don't worry our kids will pay for that. But, I guess truth doesn't sway you, as you seem only interested in parroting the mime of those who "think" they know what and where the City was at under Johnson. Seriously, I know you are not seeing the things I see. Things like ladies who worked reception desks that are now empty, or the ghost town in some office areas within the City that were once active. Somehow, Johnson was increasing our police force, and keeping all these employees that are now gone on the payroll while balancing the budget without much hurt to our back pocket. This is more true today than it was two years ago that is for sure! This is just an example of how real mayors handle budgets It is from 2002-03. FINANCIAL ASSESSMENT The City of Jackson remains in good financial condition. Jackson's adoption of many of the practices normally associated with sound financial management as stated by the Government Finance Officers Association has resulted in the City being in a better position to deal with unrealized revenue and unbudgeted expenditures and maintain itsfinancial health. Fund Balances Bond raters and others often use "rules of thumb" to measure the adequacy of unreserved fund balance in the General Fund according to An Elected Official's Guide to Fund Balance published by the Government Finance Officers Association. The commonly cited minimum amount is 5.0% of annual operating expenses as the unreserved fund balance. The City of Jackson has an Unrestricted General Fund Reserve Policy of 5.0% of General Fund revenues, which equates to approximately $5 million.There are also fund balances reserved for Inventory, Encumbrances, and State Tort that total $4.3 million. That was 2002. We know for a fact that since then our budgets have balanced, and our general fund reserve was increased to $7 million. That same fund was raided by Melton because he has no sense of control or responsibility for the people's money unlike Johnson. If you think we are better off with Melton handling our wallets and purses than we were I welcome your argument supporting it. Had Melton of continued the plan implemented by Johnson, and these guys, then he wouldn't be having half the headache he does. But, Melton knew better. In fact, you are one of the ones who said he did know better. Lately, some Melton supporters have said it is time for more studies or plans to address these problems. That is laughable coming from the same chorus that bemoaned the planning Johnson did. BTW: Birmingham, AL just elected their Melton - Larry Langford. God help them. At least this guy has been a mayor before even if he is a crack-pot. Watch and contrast!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-10-18T15:53:34-06:00

ID

96378

Comment

Well, JMK when everyone else except Sandifer and Anderson say the MBN agents were doing a fine job, including the State auditor, then someone is lying than just Melton! Less you forget seeing her on the stand say that she never saw those two guys do good work. Come at me from all sides, I can handle it as long as the facts are on my side - which they are!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-10-18T15:57:31-06:00

ID

96379

Comment

Pike Please explain further "Less you forget seeing her on the stand say that she never saw those two guys do good work".

Author

JMK

Date

2007-10-18T16:03:14-06:00

ID

96380

Comment

From a Ledge story dated May 25, 2007, which has been subsequently deleted from the on-line database by the Clarion Ledger: Melton's defense team called Anderson to the stand to try to impugn Saxton's reputation as an MBN agent. Anderson, a former MBN deputy director under Melton, said Saxton was untrustworthy and difficult to work with. She even went on to try to claim that Saxton would threaten to "sue you" to get out of work. But, I'm sure you agree with her since you were there. Dare I pull out my old trusty Fark.com line.... ;-p

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-10-18T16:38:10-06:00

ID

96381

Comment

If I stumble across a better link or the TV reports from that day, I'll post'em. Anything else you need while I'm at it?

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-10-18T16:39:48-06:00

ID

96382

Comment

I still say harvey was a good mayor and kaze still drinking frank iam gone biuld a studio on farish street for yall kool aid. Kaze you got sense but you can be way off base sometimes and you might have street credit but that dosen't translate into you knowing what you are talking about, get off of JJ back he just got a difference of opinion than yours deal with it, yall dont hold a monopoly on rite. ANd for all Yall who said i was talking about all whites read my post i said some and if you refuse to see that than gone ahead and cry like a baby about being lumped in a group.

Author

NewJackson

Date

2007-10-18T16:54:07-06:00

ID

96383

Comment

JMK wrote: HMMMM Pike alledges then leaves. Wonder what that is all about? Dude, Pike *never* leaves. I concur with Pike, re: the financial situation prior to Melton. We may not have been the richest city around, but Johnson had us in pretty good shape when he left office. Maintaining the financial health of the city should have been one of Melton's priorities. Instead, he seems bent on ruining the city's finances through sheer recklessness and inattention.

Author

kate

Date

2007-10-18T16:57:10-06:00

ID

96384

Comment

NewJack, I think I agree with much of what you say (though not always with the way you express it), but it would help me if you'd use punctuation.

Author

kate

Date

2007-10-18T16:59:35-06:00

ID

96385

Comment

Newjack, I did acknowledge your re-post, and as I said, I dig where you are coming from. I wanted to add this about Johnson. If he is able to educate one person at JSU about good governance for every three 'haters' he's encountered over the past few years then we are going to go in the right direction. It will just take longer....

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-10-18T17:01:42-06:00

ID

96386

Comment

Pike hopes he never wears out his welcome here at JFP, no matter how many battles royal we may have. Enjoy!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-10-18T17:22:19-06:00

ID

96387

Comment

Thanks kate.

Author

NewJackson

Date

2007-10-18T19:29:38-06:00

ID

96388

Comment

First of all, what does this mean: There is a saying that goes: and my father gave me this one: The White man never forgets an ENEMY; The Indian never forgets a FRIEND but, Black men/women tend to forget everything and everybody. Secondly, Ray, did you say that you are a lawyer? Thirdly, you guys are a thinking group. I am amazed how every time one gets into a debate about Frank, you Harvey lovers are so quick to bring him up as if he actually is better than Frank. Sure, he wasn't all up in your face with negative impressions, but commo man, Harvey did very little in the way of being a Good Mayor. He held a spot, much like Shirlene is doing. And whoever said that Shirlene believe in Frank and thought he had her back, I think that's probably the truest statement on this blog yet. I had never thought of it like that. But I think you might be on to something. She seems like she just got caught up. I'm sure she's a nice woman as well, however, I don't necessarily think that nice has a place as Chief Police. Just doesn't fit. POINT OF REFLECTION: Although Frank is not the answer, Mr. Johnson as dignified and safe as he seems, is not the answer either.

Author

Queen601

Date

2007-10-19T16:13:52-06:00

ID

96389

Comment

I am Queen, but I don't claim to have any sense, knowledge or talents because of it. Anybody can be a lawyer.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-10-19T16:17:56-06:00

ID

96390

Comment

Harvey did very little in the way of being a Good Mayor. He held a spot, much like Shirlene is doing. Queen, it's absurd to compare Johnson with Anderson. There was no comparison. Harvey Johnson was a good mayor, and had his city on a progress track. That was, and is, not politically popular to admit, but that doesn't make it untrue. You should know me well enough by now to know I don't defend a damn soul just to be defending them, or because I like them personally. And I will hang any public servant out to dry, regardless of party or my past support of them, if I see evidence that I was misled or had the wrong facts. Likewise, I do not lambaste good public servants based on little or no evidence just because the flock is doing it. I base my conclusions on cold, hard facts, and the cold, hard fact is that Harvey Johnson had his head on straight about the city needed, and all the warring factions in the city managed to turn him into the whipping boy for the city's problems that not a whole of the whiners, of whatever party or race, were willing to step up and address. I've also learned enough about the political history of this city to under where the roots of the Harvey bashing came, and why. And let's just say that Melton was head of that particular crusade from the beginning of Johnson's first term. It all makes a lot of sence, and I'll explain it in more detail at some point.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-10-19T17:00:16-06:00

ID

96391

Comment

I'll come short of Ladd, but - I've lived in the Jackson area a long time and will say Johnson held the course. He maintained himself as a class-act. But, given this administration, now there is need for a new Captian. And, a new Police Chief. And, more officers.

Author

madisonresident

Date

2007-10-19T18:53:41-06:00