Jackson Free Press

Mayor Frank Melton showed his dark side publicly yesterday while in a meeting to try to figure how to alleviate his $3 million budget deficit from last year. The Clarion-Ledger reports today on Melton's meltdown:

The City Council was trying to hold a special meeting about erasing a $3,080,691 deficit in the current budget when Melton accused Ward 6 Councilman Marshand Crisler and others of lying about previous budget problems and plotting to make him look bad.

"There is another agenda here ... and I'm about fed up with it," Melton said, looking to Crisler. "I'm not talking to you ... g--damn idiot."

"Whatever you say," Crisler retorted.

Melton claimed that Crisler, chairman of the council's budget committee, had exercised a "personal agenda" during the two weeks of budget hearings before the council adopted the new budget of $387.7 million for fiscal 2008

Previous Comments

ID

114933

Comment

Folks, meet Jackson's folk hero. He's a cursing, name-calling machine. This is the side of Melton (one of them) I saw first hand on the ride-alongs. We must ask: Why did the media shield the citizens from the real Melton for so long?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-09-27T07:16:25-06:00

ID

114934

Comment

"I'm not talking to you ... g--damn idiot." Melton to Crisler Did he stick his fingers in his ears, wag his hands, and stick his tongue out too? Nanny, nanny, boo, boo... Where was Weill? Doesn't Ward 1 sit next to the Mayor? I would expect a back-slap to Melton's face from Weill the next time Gods name is taken in vain in a public chamber.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-09-27T08:02:47-06:00

ID

114935

Comment

We'd probably get thrown out of chambers if we showed up in white t-shirts with "G-D Idiot" on the front and a picture of Melton on the back.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-09-27T08:13:43-06:00

ID

114936

Comment

I thought the circus left town a couple of months ago.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2007-09-27T08:16:52-06:00

ID

114937

Comment

Melton needs to take a look in the mirror before he calls anyone else an idiot.

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2007-09-27T08:23:31-06:00

ID

114938

Comment

And Hinds County wants in on this act. Jackson longs for the end of this circus, which could very possibly end in 2 1/2 years. But Hinds County has willingly chosen the influence of Frank Melton for four years beginning in January, 2008. Four more years, Hinds County. Four more years.

Author

xxgreg

Date

2007-09-27T09:07:03-06:00

ID

114939

Comment

It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove ALL DOUBT. melton has definitely removed all possible doubt on this one. He has gone so low that he can not get under a snake's belly. How can he blame anyone for the assessment now that most well thinking people have of him? He admitted from the door that he knew nothing about accounting and finance. These two years have only proven his claim. So, Mr. melton, you told us: Too many people, just didn't listen.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-09-27T09:24:27-06:00

ID

114940

Comment

Want to read something ver-r-ry inter-resting? Jackson Code of Ordinances Dicvision 2. Meetings Sec. 2-71. Speaking limitations; public comments; council chamber conduct. ...(f) Any person making personal, impertinent, or slanderous remarks, or who uses abusive, vulgar, or profane language, or who shall become boisterous while addressing the council shall be forthwith, by the presiding officer, barred from further audience before the council, unless permission to continue be granted by a majority vote of the council. Now, wouldn't that be a h3|| of a note?

Author

Rex

Date

2007-09-27T09:33:22-06:00

ID

114941

Comment

You know, if I thought someone was trying to make me look bad, I would make an extra effort to make myself look good. Wouldn't you? Anyway, I have a question about this statement in the C-L: Ward 7 Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon shook her head in disbelief as Ward 5 Councilman Charles Tillman, whom the mayor had praised for his work as former chairman of the budget committee, looked on quietly. What happened with the budget while Tillman was over the committee?

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-09-27T10:11:23-06:00

ID

114942

Comment

I would expect a back-slap to Melton's face from Weill the next time Gods name is taken in vain in a public chamber. Pike, I was bothered by Melton taking God's name in vain, too. There's no telling how many people he offended.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-09-27T10:16:55-06:00

ID

114943

Comment

Man!!!!!!!! AND!!!!! Melton is supposed to be involved with impressing young boys? AND!!!! uses this sort of language? Not to mention using the Lord's name in vain "IN PUBLIC". Does he not posess the virtue of restraint? This is disgusting. In a court of law contempt charges would have been filed.

Author

JMK

Date

2007-09-27T10:21:07-06:00

ID

114944

Comment

virtue of restraint? JMK Nah, just ask the house on Ridgeway!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-09-27T10:35:45-06:00

ID

114945

Comment

Pike, Now that is another story. Sheesh!!! I am still not over that one. The gall of that man. Gathering up law enforcement and a criminal to assist in this ordeal is beyond me. Does the man not have any idea what "due process" is? My sister, who used to have rental property in Jackson, would have been livid if he had done that to her property. I can't remember, are the owners of that property still in litigation with the city over that one?

Author

JMK

Date

2007-09-27T10:43:48-06:00

ID

114946

Comment

The mayor's been listening to too much Lil Boosie in da car and let a cuss word slip.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2007-09-27T12:18:48-06:00

ID

114947

Comment

Jeff, That is no excuse. I hope you are kidding. If a man has any so called integrity, that language should NEVER slip in public. I've been in court with attorneys and judges, who in a very private setting have said a very few cuss words, BUT!!!!! not in a PROFESSIONAL setting. In addition to that, if one hangs with thugs, the more they become one.

Author

JMK

Date

2007-09-27T12:29:23-06:00

ID

114948

Comment

JMK, I am joking...somewhat. Perhaps a poor attempt a tongue-in-cheek humor. The last line in your 1:29 post speaks volumes about this mayor.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2007-09-27T12:35:19-06:00

ID

114949

Comment

Frank wants more press, any way he can get it.

Author

Izzy

Date

2007-09-27T12:41:36-06:00

ID

114950

Comment

Thanks Jeff. Izzy, That man needs to go back to TX. I have wondered time and time again, even back to when he was with WLBT, why in the sam hill, if he had any kind of relationship with his wife, would he want to be soo far from her. Does he have something in his past which would prevent him from being there? If he is such an educated man and is well thought of in the media business, couldn't he be there doing SOMETHING? Why wouldn't he want to be the mayor of Tyler? If the shoe were on the other foot, I know I'd rather be close to my spouse for the betterment of the relationship. I just don't know how the man lives with himself. I once worked for a state agency and made a bit more money than I do now. I finally realized that I did not want to go along with unethical (sp) practices. A Psychiatrist told me a few months ago that "Make a life, not a living" Wow!!!!! That really hit home. On top of that, when I retire, I want to be respected for doing what is right. I want to be able to look myself in the mirror too, with the same respect. Sorry, I am rambling here. The bottom line is that I don't understand how men like that live with themselves and sleep well at night.

Author

JMK

Date

2007-09-27T13:17:16-06:00

ID

114951

Comment

Good questions and good post, JMK.

Author

xxgreg

Date

2007-09-27T13:32:54-06:00

ID

114952

Comment

JMK, I think he's here because Jackson has been kind to him. Very kind. I rather seriously doubt that he could live the life he's led here anywhere else where people (and media) don't routinely turn their heads so often. That's not a slam on a city I love, but it is something we need to think seriously about as we move forward. We need to focus carefully on what's right in front of our faces from now on. If not, the city will continue be used.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-09-27T13:35:40-06:00

ID

114953

Comment

xxgreg Thanks :-) Got any resources I can go to for some of the answers to my questions?

Author

JMK

Date

2007-09-27T13:35:58-06:00

ID

114954

Comment

"Welcome to Jackson, Mississippi - America's City of Grace and Benevolence!

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2007-09-27T13:58:11-06:00

ID

114955

Comment

Yeah, I thought of that, too. When I first heard Melton say that his administration was going to be about "grace and benevolence," I know it was an Orwellian moment. There is nothing graceful or benevolent about Mr. Mayor.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-09-27T13:59:31-06:00

ID

114956

Comment

The "Space(d out) Cowboy: "g--damn idiot." Mr. Crisler, take heart; history knows MANY people who were called "idiots", or even troublemakers, for the longest time, yet turned out to be right in the long run (like Copernicus, Gallileo, Patrick Henry, Harriet Beecher Stowe, various progressive politicians). Backtracking to the Creative Class (re: openness to alternative ideas), have you noticed that the most successful cities seem to have a lot of tolerance, and even respect, for so-called "idiots"? Just a thought?

Author

Philip

Date

2007-09-27T14:25:45-06:00

ID

114957

Comment

On what basis can Melton call anyone an idiot?

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2007-09-27T14:28:21-06:00

ID

114958

Comment

Let's see: Marshand honorably served in Gulf Wars I &II. Marshand is a real law enforcement officer, and has been for over 20 + years. Marshand has honorably served the City Of Jackson. Marshand doesn't make it habit of getting arrested and making promises he can't keep. And, well----there's little frankie.

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2007-09-27T14:33:15-06:00

ID

114959

Comment

How can this clown call anyone an idiot? He has spent a lot of his time in court and yet someone else is an idiot. I have never seen anything like the likes of this man. I have read about a lot of mayor's in city, some have had some problems, issues. But this guy puts all of them to shame. I'm willing to bet he has been in court during his time is office more than any other mayor in the country. I mean in court for personal issues not in court for a problem in the city. Remember he is our problem in this city!

Author

maad

Date

2007-09-27T14:46:41-06:00

ID

114960

Comment

"Remember he is our problem in this city!" maad Amen, maad! Cliff, great points regarding Marchand. He is a "man of honor" and a "man of courage". Sorry he had to take this type of verbal abuse and I'm sorry the good people of Jackson have to see their Council Chambers defiled by somebody like Frank Melton. I keep hoping the scales will "fall from their eyes". Wonder what's happened to the woman who always spouted: "Leave Frank alone!" Have not heard her twangy voice in quite a while. Perhaps she saw the light?? He is a failure and an embarrassment and I would be more than willing to leave him alone if he would just LEAVE Jackson alone and go home.

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2007-09-27T16:46:02-06:00

ID

114961

Comment

If only Crisler would have said back: "Don't tase me bro'"

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-09-27T18:32:30-06:00

ID

114962

Comment

pike...only you! LMAO.

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2007-09-27T19:01:03-06:00

ID

114963

Comment

Just curious - does anyone know if the details of this budget - or last year's - are online anywhere? If not, does anyone know if there's a way to get a paper copy? I'd love to see as complete a breakdown as possible - income, sources of the income, expenses, the details of the expenses. This is public record information, right? If it's not available, isn't that a violation of the law? I read in the CL (I think) that the city's budget is somewhere around $330 million (that's assuming their information is correct). That's a lot of money to mismanage. Yet it's public money so has to be accounted for, right? How's it being spent? I'm still trying to figure out how you can overlook a budget 'hole' of over $3 million - and I'm also trying to figure out how you can have a reserve of only $7 mill (and consider tapping that because you've mismanaged what you've got). Doesn't it have to be more than that by law?

Author

lucdix

Date

2007-09-27T23:34:47-06:00

ID

114964

Comment

Still going back to the conspiracy theory on this one folks. Some of Franks backers desperately wanted a change and to get a white (affluent and VERY connected think the danks crew) person back in the Mayor's office and thought that only if the city was crippled would this happen. Thus Frank was backed to ruin the city. Or the other thought is a block in the city thought he could be controlled and everything spiraled out of control and nobody will admit wrong and stop the bleeding One thing is obvious, Jackson, my city, is close to the breaking point. He IS running us into the ground, costing us TOO much... and I am sick of it. Let's get rid of him. Damn the cost

Author

AGamm627

Date

2007-09-28T00:18:50-06:00

ID

114965

Comment

Isn't the city "self insured"? That is, the city of Jackson pays its own lawsuits out of that fund. So, another year of little frankie and there won't be any of that reserve left. All this while he brings lawsuits against the city with his erratic behavior. He wouldn't be allowed to continue in the private sector.

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2007-09-28T05:38:47-06:00

ID

114966

Comment

Now that is another story. Sheesh!!! I am still not over that one. The gall of that man. Gathering up law enforcement and a criminal to assist in this ordeal is beyond me. Does the man not have any idea what "due process" is? My sister, who used to have rental property in Jackson, would have been livid if he had done that to her property. I can't remember, are the owners of that property still in litigation with the city over that one? According to a reliable source, a civil suit was filed. I wonder when the case will be brought up in court.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-09-28T06:57:39-06:00

ID

114967

Comment

AGamm, You are right: He cost us way too much in direct mis-spending and also in not bringing in money. When you dispense with your grant writers, replace your producing lobbiest (in D.C.) with a boy-man, return PILOT money to donors, refuse and return money to the County, piddle around and lose development grants, etc. then you are not only failing to spend money properly you are not bringing in money you should. Some of the questions which still have not been answered and a review of the City's Budget will not show include: 1. Is Bob Higginbotham (Mayor's Political Operative) still employed or otherwise paid for by the City of Jackson? 2. Is it legal, ethical or even desirable for the tax-payers of Jackson to furnish 24 hrs. per day protection to the D.A. Elect? Remember, this is a county position, not City of Jackson. 3. Is Jane Sargent still being paid $150,000.00/year? What is she doing and how many hours per week is she working? 4. The dangerous people who may have threatened Melton have never been named. Are these people still viable that have made these threats? Has the FBI or the State Investigative force been contacted regarding these threats? What progress has been made toward apprehending these people and how many are there? What is the reasonable expectation of the disbanding of the protection corps surrounding our Mayor? I, for one, am sick of paying to protect this foul-mouthed, paranoid, sick man.

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2007-09-28T11:17:07-06:00

ID

114968

Comment

Today's C-L poll question: Should Mayor Melton stop — and apologize for — using foul language in public? 83.1% said yes when I voted. What's with the other 16.9%? His faculty and staff?

Author

golden eagle

Date

2007-09-28T12:30:56-06:00

ID

114969

Comment

I'm a part of that 16% who say "NO" the mayor should not "stop - and apologize for - using foul languare in public." IT's not his language that got the City in trouble: It is his behaviors and lack of experience. So, the hell away with the C-L and their little moral/ethical survey. The poll for the C-L should have been taken 3 years ago when they learned of melton running for mayor. They knew him and all of the illegal and unethical crap he was involved in. The C-L stood by this man: Now they want to kick his a$$.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-09-28T12:42:35-06:00

ID

114970

Comment

The District Attorney's position is a State position...not a county position.

Author

xxgreg

Date

2007-09-28T13:50:56-06:00

ID

114971

Comment

The District Attorney's position is a State position...not a county position. They're elected by the county, so one could argue it's a county position that's largely (but not completely, if I understand it correctly) funded by the state. No?

Author

Todd Stauffer

Date

2007-09-28T13:53:07-06:00

ID

114972

Comment

In the majority of other judicial districts of the state, the districts are made up of multiple counties. The first district for example has SEVEN counties within a single district. Because of the population of Hinds County (like Jones County, for example) there is a single county within the district. The majority of people think that the district attorney's job is a county position, but obviously this is wrong. It would be nice if a major news outlet (maybe the state newspaper.....Nah!) would due a little educating on this subject and others relating to Civics 101, but don't hold your breath. Most of those people don't know the facts either.

Author

xxgreg

Date

2007-09-28T14:17:38-06:00

ID

114973

Comment

People don't want to know the facts...thats why we have this incompent mayor in this positions and voted out the an experience DA who we knew would do her job. And voted for Franks boy to continue this madness. Frank is going to break this city and I justing watching the us go straight to the bottom. Smith want do anything but what he says, and Jim Hood is afraid to touch the Mayor. Therefore when I see politician like Chrisler, McLemore, Barrett and even Faye stand against this mad man and do their jobs; I see excellant and not puppets.

Author

BJM

Date

2007-09-30T18:03:43-06:00

ID

114974

Comment

The city council selectively enforces its own restrictions on what can and can't be said in council chambers. The mayor's abuse went unchallenged, yet citizens have been silenced for simply criticizing council members during the open forum portion of council meetings. And I don't mean calling them 'goddamn idiots' as Melton did, but simply complaining that they don't attend neighborhood association meetings or that the mayor's bully tactics are a form of official corruption. As Rex noted above, council rules prohibit "personal" and "impertinent" speech, but of course impertinence is in the eye of the beholder. Apparently profane insults from the mayor are tolerable, while honest criticism from citizens about the failings of their elected representatives is not.

Author

Brent Cox

Date

2007-10-02T15:19:18-06:00