FRANK MELTON? BOTTOM LINE ISN'T VERY HARD TO FIND

In Frank Melton, Gov. Ronnie Musgrove named an intriguing choice to lead
Mississippi's drug-fighting efforts.

Melton, a colorful television executive and commentator for nearly three
decades, is the new director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.

A native of Houston, Texas, Melton will go from being an arm-chair
quarterback in the peanut gallery to the locker room to suit up and then be
a key player in the game.

Melton's an underdog, given his lack of game experience. It's been
well-documented that he doesn't have any law enforcement experience or
training, something many believe is essential to running a multi-million
dollar drug-fighting operation.

Or is it? Kurt Warner was bagging groceries before he led the St. Louis
Rams to two Super Bowls.

Lou Gehrig languished on the New York Yankees' bench before Wally Pipp took
a day off and Gehrig played his way into the baseball Hall of Hame. And
Johnny Terry, a dropout, was a Jatran bus driver before he started a
multi-million dollar business.

They just needed an opportunity.

He has style, substance

It's the same for Melton, 52, who should prove to be an outstanding choice
to head the MBN. Musgrove showed some innovation and courage with this
appointment.

Melton has a lot of style, which can be seen every Tuesday evening on The
Bottom Line, his weekly commentary on WLBT-Channel 3. His use of billboards
to identify and put drug dealers on display in the city was an interesting
and effective tactic.

His speeches, especially those addressed to youth and young adults, are
effective. And he has been generous with his time and resources to various
causes, including Jackson State University and the Farish Street YMCA.

At the Y, it's clear that Melton also has substance. He has organized a
summer camp that gives instruction in swimming and other physical
activities. It also provides classroom instruction for computers and other
academics, including the Bible.

And everyone has to pay something, which is based on one's ability to pay.
Melton doesn't believe in a free lunch.

It's also impressive to watch all of the people who engage Melton in
conversation, from small talk to seeking his assistance with a problem. His
passion for helping people is transparent.

Legitimate questions

That's why Melton, his passion coupled with his vision and his management
skills, should be an excellent fit for the MBN.

His confirmation should not be a slam dunk. There are legitimate questions
about his appointment, as there should be with most nominees.

Melton must address these and put to bed any uneasiness about his
qualifications for the post.

It is clear that his positives far outweigh any negatives he may have, and
he should be confirmed and supported.

Melton, by nearly any measure, is a good businessman and surely will
surround himself with a team of experts.

His job will mostly be to manage and motivate these individuals, who will
be charged with executing his policies.

Melton isn't doing this for the money or for career development. He's not
going to take a salary and he was a pioneer in the broadcasting industry.

The bottom line is that he cares, about our community and our youth.
Fighting drugs has always been one of his soap boxes.

And Mississippi should be grateful that Melton has been afforded the
opportunity to use his gifts and skills to make a real difference.