"Worst Mayor in America" back on Dem Primary ballot

The Worst Mayor in America won one in court today.

Embattled Jackson Mayor Frank Melton is back on the ballot for the May primary.

Melton faces federal civil rights charges related to a sledgehammer attack on a duplex he considered a crackhouse. But the Jackson Democratic Municipal Executive Committee said it removed Melton's name from the party primary ballot because he's not a Jackson resident.

Melton challenged the decision, arguing he had lived in Jackson since 1984 and providing Circuit Judge Billy Joe Landrum with utility bills and other documents to support his claim.

Landrum, appointed by the Mississippi Supreme Court to hear the case, agreed today and ruled that Melton had "overwhelmingly rebutted the presumption that his residency is in the county and state where his homestead exemption is filed."

Although Melton maintains a home in Tyler, Texas, Landrum said it was clear that he lives in Jackson.

Melton's residency became an issue because he listed his Texas home as his homestead exemption on his federal income tax return.

In a 2007 article, Reason Magazine name Melton as "The Worst Mayor in America." Why? Beside the sledgehammer attack, which was warrantless, Melton flagged down a bus filled with high school kids, because he needed hugs. Just a few months ago, Melton declared that the problem of youths wearing saggy pants was "much bigger than the Constitution."

Jackson can do better than Melton.

Related posts:

Mistrial declared in trial of "The Worst Mayor in America"

Jury deliberates in trial of "The Worst Mayor in America," Frank Melton

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