In the wake of the mayor's requests for resignations, some are asking if he went too far.

"I think it is always appropriate to start off with the toughest position you can take," said Melton.

The mayor says most likely all of the members of Jackson city boards and commissions who he asked to resign will keep their jobs. He didn't want to single anyone out, so he sent letters to everyone. He says this was a reality check.

"This isn't about politics. This is not about friendship. This is about performance and accountability," said Melton.

At least one person asked to resign reportedly called the mayor's request an insult. Melton says he hand wrote some of the letters but many found out through the media.

"At the end of the day the facts are the facts, whether they find out personally or though the media," said Melton.

In his final days as mayor, Harvey Johnson appointed dozens of people to jobs they would be able to hold longer than Melton would be in office. The mayor says it is very important the new city council and the new administration have a say and hold the members accountable.

Nearly 250 members of Around 30 Jackson city boards and commissions were asked to resign in a letter from Mayor Melton on Thursday.

"Many of these people will be reappointed. They are good and decent people, but I just think they need to be appointed by the new city council and new administration," said Melton, stressing his request is mostly a formality.

Many commissions and boards are turning to their attorneys, asking if Melton has this authority. "Preliminary reports show that he does have the authority to request resignations," said City Council President Marshand Crisler.

Board and Commission members typically are appointed by the Mayor and approved by City Council before beginning their term for a pre-determined number of years.

But depending on the board, state law says forced resignations can only be brought about through formal charges and hearings. The Jackson Public School board released a statement saying Melton has no authority over its board members once in office.

Board President Ann Jones wrote in the statement that, "The purpose of public policy is to provide continuity and stability for the operation of the school district and to allow some layer of insulation or protection from the political process."

Jones continued by writing that J.P.S. board members will follow their own conscience in reacting to Melton's request.

Other boards are talking with their attorneys to determine whose authority must be served.

This includes the Airport Authority, the Civil Service Commission, the School Board, the Redevelopment Board, and the Election Commission. T

The news release says that resumes will be accepted and considered for any reappointment to a board.

Melton says that the action was quote "to assure that the necessary policies and programs are initiated."

Mcnulty took office in October 1998.

Chief McNulty told WLBT, quote, "The mayor has not talked to me about it and it is better that Inot comment."

Mayor Melton says the reason he fired McNulty is that he wants things done differently.

The Mayor did say that Captain Todd Chandler will serve as acting chief.

Chandler has been a member of the Jackson Fire Department since June 1, 1985.

He is the Captain of Rescue Eleven on Terry Road.

"I'm respectfully asking the city judges to set a $500,000 minimum bond on anyone using a weapon to hurt another person," Melton said.

Melton, three weeks into his new job, wants to add judges and turn the municipal court into a seven-day-a-week, 24-hour operation. He'd prefer judges to set bonds for anyone accused of using a weapon to hurt someone — rather than a court clerk looking at a bond schedule.

Municipal court processes all arrests made in Jackson. Misdemeanor charges can go to trial, but those facing felonies get preliminary appearances and initial appearances before being transferred to Hinds County Court or the appropriate jurisdiction.

It is distressing to learn that with investors and developers ready with a plan, the city itself apparently had not followed through on applying for a grant to the federal department of Housing and Urban Development for environmental cleanup and assessment of the property.

While a potential developer had thought the city was to apply for the grant last fall, nothing has been done. An administration spokesman said the application was to be delivered to HUD Monday.
Melton's threat to do something in 30 days or tear it down is probably just that because it would take action by the Council and other legal hurdles.

However, the push to the city's own personnel to get on with it is a welcomed and overdue action.

A $35 million plan for apartments, retail space and a restaurant in the historic old building is on the table awaiting city action. If it's achieved, the city would benefit mightily.

Mayor Melton says he knows personally of suspects paying to have records and warrants erased at Municipal Court Services. He says a system of case files and documents are in need of being converted to an electronic process. Sitting Judge Dr. Gayle Lowery has been appointed to Deputy Director of Court Administration to oversee the court's cleanup. Mayor Melton is also requesting city judges set a half million dollar bond for anyone using weapons to harm another person. "There are others over there who are allegedly doing the same thing now, and I am going to give Dr. Lowery a chance to go over and access the court. We're also gonna have a comprehensive audit done of court services."

Earlier this week Melton said he would issue an executive order to evaluate, close down and tear down a local apartment complex. While the complex is a haven to crime, and is in need of repairs and security officers, it is not up to Melton alone, to decide when an apartment complex can or should close.

There is a process to be followed and Melton should brief himself on city rules and regulations before he opens his mouth. This would eliminate having to apologize at a later date, and it would ease the fears of the people that live in the places he wants to condemn.

During his first week in office, Melton also made the bold declaration of closing a local nightclub, that closure didn't happen because there is a procedure that must be followed.

A pool of blood had dried on a green lawn chair Sunday evening. A trail of blood looped around the driveway at 5642 Brentwood Drive, ending near the home's front yard.

Luis Torres, who was about 23, died about 3:30 a.m. after he was stabbed in the chest, Hinds County Coroner Sharon Grisham-Stewart said.
Torres was found lying in the driveway.