UPDATED: Mayor Frank Melton ‘Still Alive,’ Spokeswoman Says

Wow. The story of frank melton just can't end. Looking forward to your follow-up...and the book.

All we know so far: Dr. Ellen Redd Melton, the mayor's wife, arrived sometime around 1 a.m.

Goldia Revies released this statement at 1:22 a.m.:

Mayor Frank E. Melton's wife, Ellen has arrived at the hospital and is in consultation with his doctors. We hope to provide another update by mid morning (05/06/09).

Thanks to everyone for your well wishes and please keep the Mayor in your prayers.

Goldia M. Revies
Director
Constituent Services and Information
City of Jackson
601-519-9130

Are we sure WAPT broke this first? I saw it on FOX 40 long before I ever saw it on any of the other channels.

Pretty positive. Tweet came fast, and they have footage of the ambulance on I-55. We got Tweet from them, and then a call from a source within minutes so following closely. Ledger had around same time as us.

Not that it matters this morning under the circumstances.

Okay!?

I want to know how everyone is feeling about this?

In all honesty?

I mean you have to feel sorry for him, but at the same time you have to do the math - needed a heart transplant - check, still continues to smoke - check, still continues to drink - check, was not taking medication for heart issues - check.

I don't know, I hate to be insensitive, but you should be responsible for your actions and the decisions you make.

It's a sad day for Jackson, because there were a lot of people that believe in him and love him and I wish he just would have capitalized on the opportunity that the citizens of Jackson bestowed upon him.

I hope he has a speedy recovery and he makes the most out of all the experiences he endured these past 4 years, it should definately make him a better man.

Baquan: Melton has never taken responsibility for his actions in his life, I'd bet.

The haze surrounding his real condition is silly, considering he'll be gone soon anyway.

Let's not kick a man while he's down. You don't have to like the man, but Melton is a human being who is gravely ill and deserves our prayers at this time. After all, you'd want someone to pray for you if you're ill. Karma can be a real ##### sometimes.

Melton passing away could be good for the City of Jackson and make things much easier, but even that is not enough reason for me to wish death upon any man. I would greatly appreciate Melton if he could remain healthy so that he could shed light on his experience as mayor to the next elected mayor. If nothing else, the new administration can certainly learn "what not to do."

I hope he has a speedy recovery, yet I also hope he stays out of city administration.

Ironghost - I feel you on that.

Golden Eagle - you are right as well.

But Eagle let me explain my gripe.

My girlfriend was pretty much in the same corner you are in. She was telling me that, even though you are not a Melton fan, that something may have truly been wrong with the man.

I have been a big skeptic when it came to some of Melton's antics. Like when he had the heart issues at first and they delayed the trial, but then a week a two after that, he was at the young mn's funeral from Murrah talking about how the feds were not going to get him.

Then the situation with his wife "driving" from Tyler, Texas - when her husband is on his death bed. That just really left me speechless!?

Like I said earlier, I hope the little fella recovers, because they are a boat load of people that love him - but please excuse me for being so insensitive to the situation.

Frank Melton has definitely lived life to the fullest. Regardless of how we may feel about him he was one of the most interesting characters Mississippi has ever seen.

I'm not sure of what Frank's status is right now, but the way this whole drama has unfolded is definitely made for TV drama.

Smoking killed my stepdad. He was an alcoholic that made my mother and my life miserable when drunk. They divorced twice. He was flawed and irresponsible and hurt many people.

I love him dearly and did not leave his side for a week as he lay dying in the VA Center here from the lung cancer he had inflicted on himself.

Right now is not the time to kick Mr. Melton. If he is dying, let's indeed allow him to do it with dignity.

Regardless of what you think of the person, pray 4 him if you can, otherwise just drop the comments... Eagle, you are so right about KARMA....

If he is dying, let's indeed allow him to do it with dignity.


I thought about that "die with dignity" statement you quoted Melton in your editor's note last week as events were unfolding last night. How that almost rang true.

All, its powerful to look at the names of members on the site right now (see bottom) holding a vigil of sorts here for Mr. Melton. I suspect most of your hearts are as heavy as mine, regardless of whatever he's done. The whole thing is so tragic, and thank you for waiting with us here for confirmation of his condition.

Donna- I really hope you write a book about this. This true life story has more layers than any novel I've ever read!

A Shakespearean character and a Shakespearean ending if true.This is surreal.

I think in times like this you have to point out the positive qualities in someone that you beg to differ with on numerous occasions.

I liked Frankie when he was the man at WLBT - I got a kick out of the bottom line. Because he was Joe Private a.k.a Bruce Wayne. A rich black guy in the south, battling wits with some of these white conservatives in their own back yard.

He called it like he seen it.

But I think he lost sight, when he took over in public office. You have to be flexible, sensible and understand that now you are in position - you have to look out for everyone's best interest and not just yours or a select few that are close to you.

I just had to get that previous stuff off my chest, because his upside is tremendous. I cannot lie, I was exteremly critical of him because being a black man in Mississippi, with a title, is a serious responsibility.

You want to approach things methodically and with good reason. Not just because you have a title and are finacilly secure.

We already have enough stigma's stapled to our backs and with Melton as mayor, I seen our political capital digressing in a state - where it is almost non-existent (i.e. Gary Anderson in statewide elections). If Frank Melton can't even handle Jackson, then why elect another black to something bigger and with more responsibility.

That was my main reason of why, I was being so critical of Melton's administration. It was a launching pad for the likes of Gary Anderson, to maybe one day put a black Senator back in Washington out of a state such as Mississippi. Where the ratio of blacks in a state is the highest in the nation.

Hey, I have been getting a boat load of text messgaes - that Frank did just pass away!?

My favorite thing about Melton is his sense of humor. When I was around him, he kept me laughing even when it was inappropriate.

Great philanthropist. As I said from day one. He went into places and helped people that other public officials would think they were above. And thats the thing with people whos hearts are "generally" in the right place...It never ends up looking like that. Sad.

Baquan it is up to us, the new generation of young, talented, educated black men in Jackson to assume the reigns and show some gumption as leaders giving the younger something to look and strive to. I gladly accept the challenge.

I signed on to the JFP web site last night at 7pm to follow the coverage of my hometown’s election. The best way I can describe the last 16 hours is “surreal.”

'Kaze - Here, Here, Brother! Here, Here!

Good point!

Huff Post is featuring the above story.

Ladies and Gentlemen, one last time:

Special Op/Ed to The Clarion-Ledger
September 19, 2006


"Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud, doesn't behave itself inappropriately, doesn't seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth."

- Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians, 13:4 - 6

I remember when I first fell in love with you. You were giving your annual speech at the Southern Christian Youth Services "Bottom Line for Kids" benefit, and you spoke on three character traits which all our children must have in order to succeed as productive citizens of our world:

Faith in God.

Dedication to family.

Service to the community.

I watched in awe as you moved a room of 300 adults to tears with your passion and commonsense language.

Then there was the day I was driving downtown one summer day and cut through Farish Street. There you were, all dressed in white with a pith helmet, shorts and a whistle. You were leading a group of 30 kids "pied piper-style" across the street in front of the Farish Street YMCA. You called out to me and I commented how you looked like an angel.

When you decided to run for office, you contacted me and asked if I would consider helping. We met and discussed your platform, and I was particularly taken by your understanding of our need to form cooperative, collaborative relationships with local, county and state officials, as well as the business community.

You spoke passionately about the need to bring real economic development into Jackson, to repair streets and infrastructure, and to address housing and urban decay.

And, of course, you wanted to address the overwhelming crime problem head-on and make a marked difference in your first year in office.

On that day, Frank, I pledged my unwavering commitment to you and the ideals of this platform. You will remember I was a big proponent of the idea to provide work-force training for our inner-city youth via a creative partnership with the AFL-CIO.

Our vision was to rebuild the city with youth trained in well-paying jobs as apprentices to the construction trade. The work would be funded by a national retirement trust managed by the unions. It was so simple, so perfect and so right: young men from the inner city getting a opportunity to learn a lifelong trade, at above average pay.

Best of all, their work efforts would rebuild the very communities from which they came! This was economic development, social justice and civic pride all wrapped into one!

The campaign was hard, but you won. You won because of the ideals we espoused - the ideals that made me fall in love with you, the ideals which were so right for Jackson. I loved you, Frank ... and I loved these ideals.

But true love means letting go, especially when letting go will restore health and well-being to the parties in the relationship. Frank, I have to let you go - I just don't see the ideals we agreed to as being those you have chosen to promote as mayor.

I have to let you go because I love the city more than I love you.

And so, Frank, I ask you that in respect for true love - if you love this city as you say you do - please let us go.

Move on with your life and let us move on with ours. It is time, and it is the right thing to do.

- Jeff Good

I think his heart was always in the right place.

okay people, rumor has it - that Frank is brain dead.

which could be possible, considering how long he went without oxygen last night, on his way to the hospital.

only time will tell.

hopefully, it is only a rumor and the little fella comes out cussing and fussing later.

I've heard Melton speak, and yeah, he can be interesting. His actions as Mayor, however, speak more about his character than all of his speeches.

I clicked on JFP's Mayor Bunch link below and must ask, where on earth have I been not to have realized how convenient you, JFP, have made it for your readers to access your paper? The flip version of this week's issue, The Mayor Bunch is absolutely amazing!!! You can click through, zoom, and read the entire volume. I hate to sound so out of touch, and please don't laugh, but how long has JFP offered this wonderful, flip version service? Thank you! I love it!!!

blu_n_a_redstate - it's been a minute bruh since they started providing that

Y'all crack me up. Thanks, blu. It's probably been about a year, but just glad you've found it!

Where you been anyway? We've missed you.

It's a relief knowing that Melton is alive for now. Rumors have been rampant all morning about him passing away. I was going to mention that earlier, but I thought it was improper to do.

Any thoughts on who might make for a good interim mayor? Might grand dame Barrett-Simon take it up until the election is settled?

Stokes should be interim mayor.
He hasn't had a chance to run things.

I have been around--Working hard. Just out of touch with JFP's terrific technology --DUH. I always read JFP, FAITHFULLY!!! I regularly pick up the hard copies too. Just had not stumbled upon the flip version you provide online--IT'S OFF THE CHAIN!!! I'm hooked! And thank you, baquan for that update. Keep me straight, bruh.

Jeff Lucas - let me give you this little analogy, in regards to Stokes!

Would you put some one that has Bulimia Nervosa in the middle of a chinese buffett!?

Do the math!

Nice post (or re-post) Jeff. First time reading it. Back in '06 I wasn't too concerned about the politics of Jackson. I will be praying for Frank. I sent out over 1000 invites for my Grand Opening at the Downtown locale.....he actually showed up, shook my hand, and wished me the best of luck. Other dignitaries, whom were "leaders in the downtown revitalization," were no-shows. So it meant a lot to me that he came. His policies and the way he ran this city is a topic that I'm not focused on at this point in the day. Hang in there Frank.

My prayers are with our Mayor. It all just seems like something in a movie, the way the events are occurring. The Mayor's office should be more forth coming considering he is a public offical.
I remember the last time I saw Frank, he looked sickly but still had that giant sense of humor. So if he could be in the place he was and smile we all can now think of something positive about him that makes us smile. May God Bless Frank E Melton.

We had a power outage, so I'm coming in a little late on this. About 30 minutes after the lights came back on, someone called me and said that Melton passed away. I came straight to this site to see what was going on, and I'm glad I did. Thanks to the JFP for not spreading rumors - not like you ever would. :)

If he pulls through this, I hope he has an epiphany and realizes how he should be living his life.

Would you put some one that has Bulimia Nervosa in the middle of a chinese buffett!?

Do the math!