Frank Melton

Frank Melton, (1950- ) is the controversial and flamboyant mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, having been inaugurated on July 4, 2005, defeating the city's first black mayor Harvey Johnson, Jr.. His stated goals are to reform much of the city's infrastructure. Melton strives to tackle crime within the inner city, and is willing to go to extreme lengths to show that he is dedicated to that goal. These efforts include intrusion of roadblocks and periodical examinations of driver licenses, etc. Melton has also spearheaded numerous campaigns to capture perpetrators within the city, wearing a badge he received in a previous county position and often personally arresting suspects, although he holds no official jurisdiction to make arrests. On July 27, 2005 Melton fired the city's long-time fire chief, and demoted the police spokesman, Lt. Robert Graham, who had retained this occupation for 12 years. Melton has also recently asked that minimum amounts for bonds be raised to $500,000.00. He sent out a press statement requesting that all members of city boards resign, although he did not have the authority to fire them. He is also involved in a lawsuit where he is being sued by former employees of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics because, while director in 2003, he leaked a memo harmful to their careers that was later ruled mostly false by the state auditor's office. In a sworn written statement, he first denied leaking the memo; then days after taking office as mayor, admitted leaking it. There are those who have denounced Melton's actions as unethical, question his legal authority to commit such acts, or believe that his actions go beyond his powers as mayor. Many criticize him for being a "sound-bite mayor." Then there are others who are pleased to see him take a hands-on and vocal approach to addressing the city's problems.

Related Topics:
Frank Melton - 1950 - Mayor - Jackson, Mississippi - July 4 - 2005 - Harvey Johnson, Jr. - Roadblock - July 27 - Fire chief - Police - Bond

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