WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Melton Candidacy Challenged

Melton Candidacy Challenged

By Roslyn Anderson
roslyn@wlbt.net

Controversy is brewing surrounding the candidacy of Jackson Mayoral candidate Frank Melton.

Monday night a challenge of his qualifications was presented to the Jackson Municipal Executive Committee.

Jackson resident Laveree Jones presented copies of homestead paperwork to executive committee members from the Hinds County web site.

She said, " I also have a copy of the application for homestead exemption for Smith County Texas in the name of Frank Melton."

Jones and Jackson resident James Rice are challenging the candidacy of Democratic Mayoral candidate Frank Melton, citing that Melton did not file homestead exemption in Hinds County, instead currently filing in Smith County Texas.

James Rice said, "What I want is the committee to bring Mr. Melton back and explain these discrepancies. If there are challenges other challenges then explain them."

Jones said, "If we continue to overlook these kinds of things the democratic party will continue to be weak and weakened."

Melton's attorney Sarah O'Reilly Evans said the challenge violates state statutes that require opposition petitions be submitted no more than 10 days after the filing deadline.

Evans told the committee, "Nowhere in Mississippi law does it say you've got to have a homestead exemption request to run for office. He has met the requirements. This committee has certified him."

Melton campaign coordinator Bob Hickingbottom said, "This is an act of desperation. It's 11th hour desperation. These guys they're scattering. They fledging and they have nothing else to do better than try to disrupt our campaign. We've got the momentum."

Executive committee chairman Claude McInnis said Melton told the committee that he had Hinds county homestead exemption during their March 9th meeting.

McInnis was asked if he asked Melton if he filed homestead exemption in Hinds county.

The chairman said, "Yes I did ask that question."

A reporter asked, "How do you feel about learning this today?"

McInnis replied, "I learned in politics almost anything can be said and will be said."

The executive committee tabled the discussion and ended the meeting following the challenge.

They say they will seek a legal opinion from the Attorney General's Office.

The Jackson Municipal Democratic Executive Committee has not scheduled their next meeting to resolve the issue.

Melton's attorney says the committee does not have jurisdiction to hear any petition in opposition to any candidate.