Jackson Mayor Fights to Get on Democratic Ticket

Mayor Frank Melton surrounded by reporters and aids at the Hinds County Courthouse

Circuit Court Judge Billy Joe Landrum will decide today whether Jackson Mayor Frank Melton's name should be placed back on the May 5th primary ballot for re-election. MPB's Lawayne Childrey was at yesterday's hearing and has this report.

The Jackson Municipal Democratic Executive Committee removed Mayor Frank Melton from the May Primary ballot because they say Melton filed for a homestead exemption on property taxes in Texas, not Mississippi. But during court proceedings Melton's attorney, John reeves said that Melton's legal residence had already been established.

“You were appointed by the state board of education two times by two separate Lieutenant Governors? “

“Yes Sir.”

“Are you aware as to whether or not you have to be a resident of the state of Mississippi to be on the board of education in the state of Mississippi?”

“Ah yes sir that is correct”

“And in fact do you know whether or not the state senate had to confirm you for those positions?”

“I was confirmed unanimously both times after the due diligence and a thorough background check.”

During cross examination Democratic Committee lawyer Dorsey Carson hammered Melton on questions that he supposedly answered in 2005 when he qualified to run for mayor.

“You don’t recall in response to a question about your homestead exemption you holding up a piece of paper and saying I just filed in Jackson?”

“Was it file to vote or what?”

“In response to a question about filing for homestead exemption”

“No sir I don’t remember any of that”

“You do not recall that?”

“ No sir I’m afraid you have been mislead. Were you at the meeting?”

“You don’t recall…”

“He said he did not remember.”

At several times during the proceeding Judge Landrum seemed annoyed with the line of questioning He is expected to fax his decision to both attorney's by 5 o'clock today. For MPB news, I'm Lawayne Childrey.