SOME OF MELTON'S COMMENTS RAISE QUESTIONS, EYEBROWS

THUMBS DOWN: To Frank Melton, Gov. Ronnie Musgrove's appointee as director
of the state Bureau of Narcotics, who has said and done some things recently
that have raised both questions and eyebrows.

Speaking nearly two weeks ago at the Mississippi Economic Council, Melton
told the audience he needed to check everyone's driver's license before he
left. Though the comment - which was made in reference to roadblocks
conducted a day earlier by the MBN - drew laughter from the crowd, it
prompted state Attorney General Mike Moore to say, "It's going to be a
particular challenge on our part of make sure that we keep Frank between the
lines of the law."

At the same meeting, Melton said he is undergoing training through the
Jackson Police Department to earn certification, which is required by state
law to participate directly in law enforcement activities. A few days later,
Jackson Police Chief Robert Moore said that Melton is not undergoing
training.

Melton, former CEO of Jackson's WLBT-Channel 3, has brought greater
visibility to the Bureau of Narcotics.

However, he needs to learn that his statements will be taken seriously - and
that his words and actions will be scrutinized by the public.