MELTON: TRIAL CONTINUES; JACKSON STALLS

Jackson Mayor Frank Melton is back in federal court this week,
continuing the ongoing legal and personal battles that have marked
his administration.

Jury selection begins today for the trial of Melton and his former
bodyguard, Michael Recio, who are charged with civil rights
violations in connection with the destruction of a duplex on
Ridgeway Street. The house was partially destroyed by
sledgehammer-wielding youths while the mayor and Recio allegedly
looked on. Melton claimed it was a drug house.

Another bodyguard, Marcus Wright, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge
and is expected to testify against them.

The trial was delayed once due to Melton's ongoing health issues. He
and Recio could face 25 years in prison.

Melton's time in office has been one disaster after another. His
current legal and health issues have further made him irrelevant in
most ongoing city policy issues, but at the same time have almost
shut down city administration and policymaking at a time when more is needed.

He has refused to step aside to the detriment of the city and,
unfortunately, there is no easy way to remove him.

Regardless of the outcome of the trial, Jackson will be limping to
the city elections in the spring, when hopefully new leadership can
get the city running again. As it is, the mayor is occupied.