The Clarion-Ledger newspaper is reporting that Jackson, Mississippi mayor Frank Melton died at 12:10am this morning. Scroll down for more on the controversial politician.
I am writing my comments in the mist of great saddness for the loss of our Mayor, the Honorable Frankd Melton. While I did not know him on a personal level, I knew him through the media/TV. Mr. Mayor addressed the social issues, the social ills of Jackson, MS, during his many commentaries - and from my point of view, he was on point. He stood up for what he believed was right. So when he announced that he would run for Mayor I knew that if my vote would help him win the election, then my vote he got. Mr. Mayor was a people's Mayor - he cared for all the people he represented. He offered hope for crime and drug ridden communities, specifically, Virden Addition - Ridgeway Street.
I grew up in Virden Addition. I watched this community go from being a safe environment to one deep in crime controlled by a few individuals who sucked the life of the community with unsavory and shady businesses. The apartment that Mr. Mayor attempted to clean up was once the home of some of the great citizens who struggled to survive the daily challenges of life. Families were raised in those apartments. Children went to school and graduated from High School and College. Senior citizens who did not work supported their neighbors by being the caregiver for their infant and toddler children. Neighbors who loaned you a cup of sugar and an onion and when the food was ready, you got a plate or a bowl of soup.
Slowly the area began to change in spots along, Mayes Street, Bailey Avenue, Sage Street, Ridgeway, Sears Street and some of the side streets in this once vibrant community. Drugs. Hurting women walking the streets soliciting "Johns" for money. Whites and Blacks roamed these streets participating in these unsavory activities. We had community meetings to address these issues to no avail. Fear was the main reason the folks who have lived in that neighborhood for all or most of their lives did not openly complain.
Then in walk Mr. Frank Melton - a hands on Man. A man who walked the talk. A man, by his action, said "...If I am your Mayor, I will work to element crime in your neighborhood." A man with a plan...a many who would attempt to rid communities of the activities that would keep a community from being a healthy environment.
Mr. Mayor, you did that. There are many of us who live in Virden Addition supported your efforts in cleaning up Ridgeway Street apartment. And for those of you who differ with my opion, I say to you tough and what have you done lately to improve living conditions in Virden additions and/or your community.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Mayor. You have left a powerful legacy. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers as they meet this challenge - you home going. I believe the place where you are now, you will not need a security vest or gun - but you will pause for a while as you rest in the arms of God.
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I am writing my comments in the mist of great saddness for the loss of our Mayor, the Honorable Frankd Melton. While I did not know him on a personal level, I knew him through the media/TV. Mr. Mayor addressed the social issues, the social ills of Jackson, MS, during his many commentaries - and from my point of view, he was on point. He stood up for what he believed was right. So when he announced that he would run for Mayor I knew that if my vote would help him win the election, then my vote he got. Mr. Mayor was a people's Mayor - he cared for all the people he represented. He offered hope for crime and drug ridden communities, specifically, Virden Addition - Ridgeway Street.
I grew up in Virden Addition. I watched this community go from being a safe environment to one deep in crime controlled by a few individuals who sucked the life of the community with unsavory and shady businesses. The apartment that Mr. Mayor attempted to clean up was once the home of some of the great citizens who struggled to survive the daily challenges of life. Families were raised in those apartments. Children went to school and graduated from High School and College. Senior citizens who did not work supported their neighbors by being the caregiver for their infant and toddler children. Neighbors who loaned you a cup of sugar and an onion and when the food was ready, you got a plate or a bowl of soup.
Slowly the area began to change in spots along, Mayes Street, Bailey Avenue, Sage Street, Ridgeway, Sears Street and some of the side streets in this once vibrant community. Drugs. Hurting women walking the streets soliciting "Johns" for money. Whites and Blacks roamed these streets participating in these unsavory activities. We had community meetings to address these issues to no avail. Fear was the main reason the folks who have lived in that neighborhood for all or most of their lives did not openly complain.
Then in walk Mr. Frank Melton - a hands on Man. A man who walked the talk. A man, by his action, said "...If I am your Mayor, I will work to element crime in your neighborhood." A man with a plan...a many who would attempt to rid communities of the activities that would keep a community from being a healthy environment.
Mr. Mayor, you did that. There are many of us who live in Virden Addition supported your efforts in cleaning up Ridgeway Street apartment. And for those of you who differ with my opion, I say to you tough and what have you done lately to improve living conditions in Virden additions and/or your community.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Mayor. You have left a powerful legacy. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers as they meet this challenge - you home going. I believe the place where you are now, you will not need a security vest or gun - but you will pause for a while as you rest in the arms of God.
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