Jackson Free Press

Amid rumors that he is en route to Las Vegas for a music awards event, Jackson Mayor Frank Melton fell through on his pronouncement to deliver a new budget proposal this morning—and didn't show up himself for city budget meetings. Melton told the council yesterday that he would procure a new budget himself overnight that did not include a tax increase, after enduring accusations from council members that his preferences—such as cuts to JATRAN and the JRA—were not reflected in the current budget proposal.

"With the president's approval, I'll have this budget balanced in the morning. You're not going to like it, but I will balance it in the morning," Melton told council members yesterday.

Ward 7 Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon asked if the mayor's new budget would invalidate the current budget before them, to which the mayor responded: "You can throw that one in the garbage can."

Hasty council members had to fish the budget back out of the can this morning, however, according to Administration Department Director Rick Hill.

"I do not have (the mayor's budget proposal) to present to you this morning," said Hill. "I did meet with (Melton) yesterday. He gave me some ideas Ŕ

"But as far as the mayor's proposal, you don't have anything to present right now?" asked Budget Committee Chairman Marshand Crisler.

"No, sir. The bottom line is, I really don't have anything," Hill said.

Neither the new budget, nor the mayor made an appearance in the council chambers that morning, with Chief Administration Officer Robert Walker telling the council that the mayor would not be present, but he would not say where the mayor was today.

As discussed yesterday on the Kim Wade Show on WJNT, rumor has it that the mayor and his bodyguards could be en route today to Las Vegas to attend the BMI Urban Awards. Neither Melton nor his bodyguards are registered at the New York New York hotel where the awards are being held. However, a Michael Recio party is scheduled to arrive to the nearby Bellagio hotel today, the front desk said. However, the reservation says Recio is from Brownsville, Texas.

Melton was not registered at other nearby hotels called by the Jackson Free Press.

A BMI spokeswoman said today that she does not know if Melton, a BMI board member, is planning to attend and could not reveal the information if he does.

Back in Jackson, council was hardly fazed by Melton's unkept promise, having continued sessions on the current budget minutes after Melton disavowed it yesterday.

"We will move on then," Crisler said.

The council must come to terms with a $3.4 million budget shortfall by the end of the month.

Previous Comments

ID

129403

Comment

Great work!! Is Recio originally from Brownsville, TX? I'm sure that's them - Melton has more important things to do with his buds than worry about Jackson's budget. Not at all surpising.

Author

Birdseye

Date

2007-09-07T11:33:31-06:00

ID

129404

Comment

Oopsss..I meant Surprising. I'm a good speller, but a horribly pitiful typist.

Author

Birdseye

Date

2007-09-07T11:35:50-06:00

ID

129405

Comment

Wow, whodathunkit? Melton jetting off (at the City's expense) with body guards in tow in the middle of a crisis? Again....wow!

Author

honey2me

Date

2007-09-07T12:05:03-06:00

ID

129406

Comment

Just check Clarion-Ledger's site to see their spin on all of this. They make it look as though Melton was there today! Check out the link. http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070907/NEWS/70907024

Author

honey2me

Date

2007-09-07T12:12:16-06:00

ID

129407

Comment

Well, somebody seems to have access to hizboner... er um... hizzoner somehow: Clarion-Ledger: A day after saying he planned to balance the city’s 2008 budget overnight, Mayor Frank Melton said he would not cut money from the Jackson Zoo as he had planned on Thursday. ...Melton said today that the $2.4 million subsidy JATRAN is to receive in 2008 is still questionable. The mayor said JATRAN needed a management change because the bus line has wasted money by having poor ridership. So, where is he REALLY?

Author

Rex

Date

2007-09-07T12:13:04-06:00

ID

129408

Comment

The mayor's actions do not surprise me. After hearing about his promises yesterday at the meeting, I felt that he was only making promises to get the approval of the residents that attended the meeting. I do not believe that he had any plans of completing a new budget for the council members. This "no show" situation is a normal response from Mayor Melton. I just can't believe that there are still residents of this city that believe Frank tells the truth at any time he opens his mouth. I only hope that the council members can work with the budget they do have in time to meet the end of the month deadline; something our mayor seems to have no clue about; deadlines that is.

Author

hopingforchange

Date

2007-09-07T12:16:17-06:00

ID

129409

Comment

I'm sorry folks, the City of Jackson has a stupid mayor. This mayor has walked out before in serious situations involving the city, and he will not change. However, let's not forget the "Bottom Line" that aired on WLBT in past. Remember the little sawed off son of !@!##, talking about the state of city and the city leaders not doing what they were elected to do. I wonder what would have been said about the mayor of city leaving the city to go to a music award, without the Budget being balanced. Oh! He left Rick Hill @ the office to balance the budget. WHO IS THE MAYOR OF JACKSON, MS? WHO IS ULTIMALTELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE STATE OF THE CITY? WHO WILL YOU VOTE FOR COME ELECTION TIME? CITY OF JACKSON GOVERNMENT IS A f@#$%^ JOKE!!!!! Sorry I'm mad I got to sell my house, and it's buyers market right now. And, I wouldn't have to sell it if we didn't have an idiot in the office. I CAN'T TAKE IT ANY LONGER

Author

Roc

Date

2007-09-07T12:31:24-06:00

ID

129410

Comment

I can't seem to find a M. Recio in Browsville, TX. There is a popular Judge Felix Recio. All I know about Browsville is that it is a major drug distribution point due to its proximity to the Mexican border. Odd choice of towns to be from if you are being sneaky.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-09-07T12:45:48-06:00

ID

129411

Comment

Recio sounds like a last name that would be from New York or Chicago. It's possible that Recio--if it is the same one--said Brownsville to throw people off. Just like when celebrities check into hotels under an alias.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-09-07T12:56:53-06:00

ID

129412

Comment

Actually if you use Intelius (www.intelius.com) you find quite a few Recios in Brownsville but none of them look like our boy.

Author

Puck

Date

2007-09-07T12:59:25-06:00

ID

129413

Comment

It's also possible that Frank could've registered under Recio's name. Adam, did you check to see how many rooms Recio had or the number of rooms registered to him?

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-09-07T13:02:50-06:00

ID

129414

Comment

Adam, did you check to see how many rooms Recio had or the number of rooms registered to him? Let me rephrase that: Did you check to see how many rooms Recio had or the number of guests registered to his name?

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-09-07T13:03:59-06:00

ID

129415

Comment

This is the most consistent mayor we've ever had! He consistently lies about everything he does. No one in there right mind could believe they could throw out a budget and redo it in one night. Roc I feel your pain. I have been mad, angry and ticked off for the last two years. But I'm not leaving, as you profondly called FM, this sawed off son of &(*&*% is not going to run me out of this city. His a$$ will be long gone and I'll still be here.

Author

maad

Date

2007-09-07T13:05:24-06:00

ID

129416

Comment

By the way, is Brownsville where FM is from? They think they are so much smarter than everyone else. What a bunch of idiots!

Author

maad

Date

2007-09-07T13:07:57-06:00

ID

129417

Comment

Since I had a moment to think about it, it might be great thing Frank is out of town, provided that the plane ticket is one way!

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-09-07T13:12:14-06:00

ID

129418

Comment

They are need one room, ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm?

Author

maad

Date

2007-09-07T13:13:17-06:00

ID

129419

Comment

Frank is from Houston, which is about 3 or 400 miles north of Brownsville.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-09-07T13:13:57-06:00

ID

129420

Comment

Meant to say they only need one room!

Author

maad

Date

2007-09-07T13:17:36-06:00

ID

129421

Comment

The Ledge piece linked above (last line of last paragraph) makes it sound as if the only reason the budget is unbalanced is due to revenue shortfall - is that really the case? I thought there was also massive overspending on line items like police & other temporary workers??? The city also has to make up a $3.4 million revenue shortfall to balance the fiscal 2007 budget. Is it just me or are they scrupulously avoiding the fact of major overspending during current fiscal year? Obfuscatory, indeed...

Author

Izzy

Date

2007-09-07T13:26:00-06:00

ID

129422

Comment

Folks, if they're headed to Vegas, they may be traveling with other people who have the rooms reserved. I couldn't ask about everyone who hangs at Carter's Grove! We don't have time to chase his tail all day. Maybe the Ledger will get on it now and try to track him down in Vegas like they did in Bermuda last year after we blogged online that he was seen in the Dallas airport, headed to Miami, and probably to Bermuda. We've got other stories to worry about, including a big cover package that has nothing to do with Melton. But I appreciate the sleuthing. I had wanted to check for Michael Recio in Brownsville, but had to bolt to the radio show.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-09-07T13:26:42-06:00

ID

129423

Comment

Good point, Izzy. It sounds like the Ledger is trying to cover for Melton (again) in these budget stories. I mean, these stories are coming out of the Metro-State Desk. The piece today made it sound like he was defending all the people who showed up last night against a Council that wants to raise taxes. And I think the reporter put words in McLemore's mouth by paraphrasing that he's saying that Melton shouldn't be out helping kids. I saw the quote, and that wasn't in there. I shudder to think what happens to their reports once the editor gets hold of them.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-09-07T13:29:22-06:00

ID

129424

Comment

People why the outrage that Frankie blew out of town to go to Vegas? I for one think the hotel, plane and per diem is WAY less expensive than the damage he can do daily IN Jackson. Can we just find him a nice room there and let him stay? I think it would be in Jackson's interest to send him away often. It reminds me of an incompetent yet lovable civil defense leader in my town. Every time there was a threat of sever weather, they sent him away for "training" or to "observe and aid" other towns. AGamma627

Author

AGamm627

Date

2007-09-07T13:30:13-06:00

ID

129425

Comment

It's possible that Recio--if it is the same one--said Brownsville to throw people off. Just like when celebrities check into hotels under an alias. Golden You mean like Ron Mexico! LOL!!! Sorry, couldn't resist.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-09-07T14:35:01-06:00

ID

129426

Comment

I have been looking at the budget proposed on AUG 30th. Administration is budgeted at 8,606,390. Isn't that greater than the budget shortfall? Catch him at the Kroger on I55 around 11:00 pm and he would probably sign anything. Just wishing ........

Author

Slider

Date

2007-09-07T14:35:29-06:00

ID

129427

Comment

Serious question: Is there a way for the City Council or the citizens of Jackson to bring impeachment charges against the Mayor? Or are there alternative ways to forcing him and his cronies out of office and off the payroll?

Author

R Hugh Keading

Date

2007-09-07T14:40:44-06:00

ID

129428

Comment

You must be Keading.

Author

xxgreg

Date

2007-09-07T15:00:08-06:00

ID

129429

Comment

Correct me if I am wrong, but it has to be a majority or maybe 100% vote of No Confidence from the City Council, which will never happen. Frank Bluntson, Stokes and the other one (never can remember his name - not that he ever contributes anything meaningful) would never allow it.

Author

Puck

Date

2007-09-07T15:07:08-06:00

ID

129430

Comment

Puck...it's Tillman.

Author

xxgreg

Date

2007-09-07T15:08:31-06:00

ID

129431

Comment

You mean like Ron Mexico! LOL!!! If that floats your boat, then, yes.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-09-07T15:14:21-06:00

ID

129432

Comment

I Kead, I Kead! Well, it was worth a shot to ask about the No Confidence thing.

Author

R Hugh Keading

Date

2007-09-07T15:21:19-06:00

ID

129433

Comment

Robert Walker was confronted a few minutes ago concerning Frank not presenting a balanced budget this morning as promise, and in response to the question he said "I don't want to dignify the question with an answer." What he wanted to say was "how in the hell am I supposed to know why Frank keeps lying and making promises he doesn't keep? And why are you asking me some bullcrap like that?" I applaud him for his diplomacy or whatever that was he did.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-09-07T16:11:46-06:00

ID

129434

Comment

WAPT is reporting that Jimmy Heidel will step down at the end of the month.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-09-07T16:34:46-06:00

ID

129435

Comment

That was in the Ledger business section today, Pike.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-09-07T16:36:02-06:00

ID

129436

Comment

Dang, the one section I didn't read today. Ah well.... Hey everybody, its been reported that Heidel is stepping down. ;-)

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-09-07T16:45:48-06:00

ID

129437

Comment

The Ledger doesn't deserve credit often, so let's not take it away when they do! ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-09-07T16:46:34-06:00

ID

129438

Comment

This junk has gotten so old. I'm tired of these little shenanigans, and I wish someone in government could bring some version of normalcy back to City Hall.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-09-07T19:22:20-06:00

ID

129439

Comment

But normalcy is so BORING, L.W. I mean, who wants normalcy when you can have "loose cannons" firing every which direction? The city is getting exactly what it elected. That's the sad part. Again, I choose to largely blame the media—who didn't tell people the truth behind the image—more than the voters, but regardless, this is exactly the man people got all warm and fuzzy about. He's a pretty straight shooter if people would stop and listen. The real question for voters is how to keep it from happening again. Meantime, the D.A.'s race didn't augur well for lessons learned about paying attention to what's right in front of our eyes. Except, of course, that it was much closer than Melton-Johnson. So there is hope in that. Let's capitalize on that hope, even if it is tragic that Melton didn't only fool us once.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-09-07T21:05:07-06:00

ID

129440

Comment

You think he is going to make it to Sunday's Mtv Music Awards? Does anyone think that if other mayors ran off in the middle of budget hearings to an awards show supporting hip hop artists, that the outrage factor from certain groups here locally would have reached Bill O'Reilly levels by now? Can you say, "hypocrisy?"

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-09-08T12:33:01-06:00

ID

129441

Comment

Lets leave hip-hop artists out of this one pike LOL. The BMI awards is for songwriters. Every genre is represented. So its not like he left to go to a "rapper's" event. Shouldnt have gone either way but lets not make it a "he left to go hang out with rappers" issue. ok.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2007-09-08T13:40:48-06:00

ID

129442

Comment

well, we all know songwriters are deadbeats with no jobs, Kaze ;-)

Author

Izzy

Date

2007-09-08T14:23:11-06:00

ID

129443

Comment

First of all from the press release for the BMI Urban Music Awards: EXPECTED: Rev. Run of Run DMC, T.I., Rihanna, Kanye West, Ne-Yo, Jazze Pha, Lil Wayne, T-Pain, Yung Joc, Rich Boy, songwriter Sean Garrett (“Run It!,” “Soldier,” “Yeah!,” “Goodies”), DJ Unk (“Walk It Out”), Lloyd, Rodney Jerkins, Jason Pittman (“Party Like A Rockstar”), Lil Jon, E40, Shawty Put, DJ Ruckus and many more songwriters, music publishers and industry guests. Second from the article I linked: The MTV Video Music Awards aren't until Sunday, but hip-hop stars started accepting trophies Friday night. Now, if you can look past the hip hop blinders, and reread my post, you will see that I am asking where is the outcry from the usually vocal group that bitches when hip hop artists come to Jackson or say things like "Fuck Bush." If any other mayor had gone to an awards show celebrating hip hop they would be getting railed by the radio shows, callers into WAPT, and in conservative editorials in weekly rags. Did he not claim he was going to have a budget Friday morning? Regardless of his claim to balance it himself by the morning, he still has an obligation to the people of Jackson. I don't care what, where, or why he is going somewhere. What I do care about is our budget, as should all of us right now. He shouldn't be running off on vacations with City employees in tow right now.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-09-08T15:20:22-06:00

ID

129444

Comment

FYI: It looks like BMI is pretty segmented when it comes to their awards and genres. I don't think there is a "BMI Music Awards" where all groups are represented. The Grammy Awards are industry wide though. BMI does have a hand in that. I'm not knocking BMI, its Board, or musicians. I love music, and vacations. I just can't fathom ditching the folks of Jackson for a vacation.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-09-08T15:32:27-06:00

ID

129445

Comment

Agree with ya 100% pike...either way it wsnt quite time for a vacation. Just pointing out that the BMI event is not a hip-hop event, It is for SONGWRITERS!!! Of all genres. Rappers are songwriters too..and the names listed are R&B, hip-hop, and pop songwriters. The artists that usually show up are there because they are songwriters too. It should raise a flag if it was a country awards show or even a classical or jazz awards show. Just dont wanna see the transgression turned up a notch because it may have been a HIPHOP event.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2007-09-08T15:45:26-06:00

ID

129446

Comment

From the posted story about last nights awards: Other producers honored were Polow Da Don, Jazze Pha, Rodney Jerkins, will.i.am, Lil Jon and T-Pain, who was also recognized for his top-selling ringtone, "I'm N Luv (Wit a Stripper)." Do you think there is a rating system for ringtones? I sure would hate for little children or teenagers to download and listen to "I'm N Luv (Wit a Stripper)." Or the example it sets if Melton is taking children to an awards show where adult themes are celebrated in the most adult city in the world - Las Vegas. I'm just making sure that the Moungers and Speeds of the worlds understand where their money is being spent. ;-) They got a lot bigger investment in Melton then I do.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-09-08T15:57:03-06:00

ID

129447

Comment

How many Jacksonians want to be Wright or Recio right now! ;-) LOL! I can hear Melton now, "Come here guys, meet Chris Rock and Lil Jon."

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-09-08T16:00:01-06:00

ID

129448

Comment

I meant to add... Best you would have gotten with Harvey on a trip is the mayor of Baltimore or something... ;-)

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-09-08T16:03:14-06:00

ID

129449

Comment

No ratings system for ringtones Pike..Although all ringtones must be the radio-friendly versions of the songs that are being downloaded. You do have some "underground" ringtone distributers and its easy for even independent artists like myself to sell ringtones (a good bit of money in it now). Ringtones are even about to be given RIAA certifications like records i.e. platinum or gold status. But I digress. These type of events are pretty stiffshirt though. A lot of old-heads and vets..Being that the REAL money in music is in songwriting and publishing. so its not the decadent picture you may think. HOWEVER, to chime home the original point..either way...Our budget should have been getting balanced instead. As Gray-Daniels says...REEEEGARDLESS!

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2007-09-08T16:05:56-06:00

ID

129450

Comment

..."Best you would have gotten with Harvey on a trip is the mayor of Baltimore or something... ;-)" ...Or a trip to the national undertaker's convention...BIG FUN THERE!! LMAO

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2007-09-08T16:07:47-06:00

ID

129451

Comment

"Melton Doesn't Show, Fails to Deliver on Promise" Sounds like a campaign slogan for 2009 to me. Only it should be promises How's the new recording studio that Melton promised Kaze?

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2007-09-08T17:15:48-06:00

ID

129452

Comment

I really dont know how we keep getting saddled with this "studio" thing Cliff my man. As Ive stated no one was taken by that "studio" promise thing from the start. the room was already filled with guys who ran their own recording studios and had been for years. We weren't so naive to think he would singlehandedly build a studio. That deal fell more upon me than him. and Ive been lax in that regard. MAP was making plans on doing that ourselves anyway. Our members were never too keen on politician promises anyway. It was hard to even get them to stay and listen to ANY of the candidates we had. and we had several. so to answer ya. I dont know whats going on with the studio that the mayor is building but the one WE were proposing is gonna happen in time.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2007-09-08T18:32:42-06:00

ID

129453

Comment

I hope your studio works out. I'm not taking a dig at you, just pointing out one of his many promises that will never come true.

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2007-09-08T19:04:12-06:00

ID

129454

Comment

MAP needs to team up with MAC, Jackson Arts Alliance, & maybe the new program up at Delta State - we need a studio/training facility in down town Jackson. If you know how to work a board there is both creativity to be had and job skills to be learned. Whether or not Melton chimed in it would be good to have a mentoring program around arts and entertainment business skills. Does anyone know if JSU has entertainment business classes? And BTW, I agree, Melton's "I'll have it in the morning" and then leave town was basically crappy treatment of the public trust & I am surprised that there aren't more folks making noise about it.

Author

Izzy

Date

2007-09-08T19:15:21-06:00

ID

129455

Comment

Melton ought to filter his "kids" into jobs with BMI and BMI related businesses. Does anybody know if he is doing this?

Author

Izzy

Date

2007-09-08T19:17:39-06:00

ID

129456

Comment

Good to know all this info. Learned I'll never stay at New York New York because they will tell anybody, even a reporter from the JFP, that I'm staying there. So much for all your liberal PRIVACY rights. Eloise

Author

**Previously Banned Member**

Date

2007-09-08T19:58:18-06:00

ID

129457

Comment

Can GHB declare the city of Jackson a disaster area and impose martial law? EP

Author

**Previously Banned Member**

Date

2007-09-08T20:00:01-06:00

ID

129458

Comment

So much for all your liberal PRIVACY rights. What does that EVEN mean, Eloise? I've been at this a long time—reporting and checking into hotels around the world—and I don't know a hotel that won't try to connect to someone's room who is staying there. Lay off the silly "liberal"-bashing and try discussing issues, Eloise. This isn't talk radio. You need to dig in a bit deeper here, or people are going to think you're just one of those trolls here to tell some liberals off. And you won't be here long in that case. Issues. Specifics. Links. Attribution. Logic. Reasoning. Civil debate. Try it. (Your fake name, by the way, makes me want high tea at The Plaza. I haven't done that in a few years! Yum.)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-09-09T16:13:54-06:00

ID

129459

Comment

Eloise reminds of Debbie Gamblin from Brandon who writes letters to the Ledge when she has a complaint about something and always throw the liberal label in her tantrums, even though the issue may not be a liberal or conservative one.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-09-09T19:23:59-06:00

ID

129460

Comment

You're doin' a heck-of-a job frankie.

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2007-09-10T06:05:14-06:00

ID

129461

Comment

melton continues his same old games. he has a total disrespect and disregard for the citizens of Jackson, his family, supporters and the City Council to include Stokes, Tillman and Blunson. He has done so many embarrassing things to Rober Walker who, for whatever reason, continues to hang in there. It's all about frank. he does not give a rat's a$$ about what happens to anyone. Again, it's all about frank. The Council meeting last Thursday night was a BIG JOKE and melton played the audience. When the City Counci voted last year to meet twice a month rather than q/weekly, I raised the issue of cutting their salaries in half since their time would be cut. Bigger than that was the idea that the City needed closer scrutiny and more focused, observant stewarts of the people's money. making a long story real short, HOW IN THE HELL DID THE COUNCIL NOT SEE THIS TRAIN WRECK COMING?

Author

justjess

Date

2007-09-10T09:04:59-06:00

ID

129462

Comment

"So much for your liberal privacy rights"????? Can someone explain this to me, please? In what way is privacy a liberal or a conservative issue and how would it apply since there is no government agency involved here in any way. The JFP (whose free enterprise business is the providing of information in a newspaper or online) called hotels in Las Vegas looking for information which would presumably interest its readers. It asked private hotels (no governmental records involved here, no secrecy acts, no subpoenas) if a Frank Melton from Jackson, MS was registered (I guess, I didn't make the calls). The hotels had the private, capitalistic, free enterprise right to say 'yes' or 'no' or 'we don't give out information about our guests'. In what part of these transactions did 'liberal' or 'conservative' or 'privacy rights' come into play?

Author

lucdix

Date

2007-09-10T17:51:15-06:00

ID

129463

Comment

"Sputter, sputter, damn liberal, sucking liberal succotash, grouse, grumble, hate liberals, growl." Not everyone needs an actual reason to "liberal"-bash, lucdix. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-09-10T17:53:45-06:00

ID

129464

Comment

Bellagio.com Like the really "big" sister to the Beau.....really big....like it would take up everything down to Point Cadet.... Jackson aint' as poor as I thought if they can afford to put him up there.....

Author

ATLExile

Date

2007-09-10T17:58:17-06:00