Melton Introduces New D.A., Aug. 7, 2007 | Jackson Free Press | Jackson, MS

Melton Introduces New D.A., Aug. 7, 2007

Verbatim

"I'm just gone spend just a second to (say) how proud I am of him. While there've been a lot of things said and different thing, here's the truth. I've known Robert just like many other kids in Jackson ever since he's been in high school, I've known his family, and I've treated him just like I have any other young person when they were in high school. He left high school, he went to college, he went to law school, and he is not a puppet for me, trust me; he stays on my butt all the time for different things. But I am so proud of him. You know I have stayed out of his way during this campaign, but I thank God tonight that I have somebody now that will help me with these children. I thank God tonight that I have somebody that will help me put these drug dealers in jail, and I thank God that I have somebody who has faith in this community. Having said that, I think it would be inappropriate if I did not thank Faye Peterson for the job that she has done over the term of her office. Personally, I like Faye; politically, I disagree. I think there are a lot of things that we should have done that we did not get a chance to do, but here's what I love about Robert. Robert knows how to make the difference between those kids that we can save and those kids that we need to deal with. We have somebody in that office now that the mayor's office can work with, and I tell you, you're going to be so proud, so proud of what's getting ready to happen. And Robert, you're like a little brother to me, I love you, I will always love you. I know had to distance myself from you during your campaign, but when I told you from the start, hold your head up. (Snickers.) I got a phone call at my home tonight to say that the first arrest warrant you're going to issue was going to be for me. (Loud laughter.) I tell you, after knowing him since he was 15 years old, it is my pleasure, and it is my honor to introduce to you your new district attorney."

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