[Editorial]  Mr. Melton, Please Step Down

William P. Butler

November 12, 2008

On the national level, we’re watching an extraordinary process—the American government is making a peaceful transition of power between two very different presidents, administrations and political parties.

Reports are that there’s palpable excitement in Chicago and in Washington—indeed, everywhere throughout the country. Whether you voted for President-Elect Obama or not, it seems we’re all curious to see what happens and what he can do—and how quickly—to deal with two wars and an economic crisis. Commentators have noted, for instance, that Obama’s visit to the White House came early for a transition while, at the same time, noting that the Obama transition team has been up and running for quite some time already.

Contrast that with what’s going on at the local level. As 2008 winds down, the news about our local government is dominated by yet another trial for Mayor Frank Melton, with yet another set of “silly season” moves by him and his attorneys. The latest—an accusation of federal prosecutorial misconduct—seem designed largely to sow doubts about Melton’s former bodyguard, now-retired police Sgt. Marcus Wright, who is set to testify against the mayor at his trial.

Now we find that the trial has been put off until the New Year, and that the judge may considerably narrow the options that Melton has to defend himself against the Federal charges.

When we look at the new day that the country is getting in Washington, it makes us feel that Jackson deserves a new day as well. It’s time for Frank Melton to step down as mayor.

The truth is, Melton has not been effective as mayor for his entire term—and certainly not since his federal indictment. He is unable to do what he set out to do—be a crime-fighting vigilante—and he doesn’t have the patience to sit for budget discussions or to oversee any sort of effective policy in the city. The hardest he’s fought for a budget item in a long while was to get the city to foot his legal bills.

Meanwhile, while the heads of Jackson city departments are soldiering on, the city has no real leadership. And now is the time for Jackson to be headed to Washington to see what kind of help we can get as the economy sours even in “recession-proof” Mississippi. Jackson needs help with the budget, its credit rating and its infrastructure. We need a city leader who is focused on good governance, not on manipulating headlines to taint his jury pool.

Mr. Melton, how about doing the one responsible thing you can for your legacy as mayor? Step down, have your day in court in January, and let’s leave the governance to someone who has the patience and constitution to see the job through.

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