Mayoral Staffers to Respond to Ladd, Stringfellow

Donna this is the problem we are only interested in exciting shows. Our community is falling apart and we want to be entertained.

#121853 | Author: mslink | Date: Apr 26 2006

I don’t know if the Three Stooges will be as funny on radio?

#121854 | Author: pikersam | Date: Apr 26 2006

If you are interested in some Harvey and Crisler bashing be sure to listen. You and I know that those staffers hate Harvey because he wouldn’t give them anything or let them tell him how to run the city. Imagine that.

#121855 | Author: jada | Date: Apr 26 2006

I don’t know about Heidel and Weaver, but Hickingbottom is a snake on every show I’ve ever heard him speak, particularly on WJNT when he occasionally calls in to drop a rumor bomb about Johnson and Johnsonites. The guy is shameless, and will not concede an inch in defending Melton’s more reckless moves since becoming Mayor.

#121856 | Author: Jeff Lucas | Date: Apr 26 2006

I’ll try to watch too. American Idol may get in the way.

#121857 | Author: Ray Carter | Date: Apr 26 2006

Yes, I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I don’t know why Melton hires someone to do/say that stuff, and I don’t know why radio shows allow him to appear. After all, they can be held responsible for defamatory statements he makes.

#121858 | Author: DonnaLadd | Date: Apr 26 2006

Since when is SUPERVISOR Doug Anderson and REPRESENTATIVE Jim Evans Mayoral Staffers. Are they working for the City of Jackson now? Are they under contract with the City of Jackson? And what does Bob Hickingbottom do for the City? Is he an employee of the City? Last I heard he just a “do-boy” for the City. This administration has proven beyond a doubt that they have no idea which direction we are heading. mslink…I disagree…this will be an interesting show because it will be interesting to see how much lower these individuals will go to downgrade the former administration and anyone that criticizes the current administration. It will interesting to hear them dodge the real issues that our city is facing to focus on rebuking everything that donna and eric had to say that wasn’t in line with what the current administration wants to hear. It will be especially interesting to hear all of thier flunkies calling in the show to make scripted comments on how well the current administration is doing. I just can’t wait They are a joke and unfortunately..we the citizens are the ones that are suffering.

#121859 | Author: seanbp | Date: Apr 26 2006

Since when is SUPERVISOR Doug Anderson and REPRESENTATIVE Jim Evans Mayoral Staffers. JWAP, read it again. They are not appearing tonight, according to the release. Now there are three PAID STAFFERS (or contractors) appearing.

#121860 | Author: DonnaLadd | Date: Apr 26 2006

Also, JWAP, don’t forget that anyone can call in. 😉

#121861 | Author: DonnaLadd | Date: Apr 26 2006

OK..when i saw those three names my eyes froze However, my comments remain the same for Mr. Hickingbottom.

#121862 | Author: seanbp | Date: Apr 26 2006

Understood. I’m not a fan of his, either.

#121863 | Author: DonnaLadd | Date: Apr 26 2006

i enjoyed you and eric last week on the show. in my opinion you’ll were fair and balanced in your discussion.

#121864 | Author: seanbp | Date: Apr 26 2006

I’m listening to the show right now. Ironically, city staffers who have been more tight-lipped about public information about any I have ever seen—including information about “positive” developments—are complaining that information isn’t getting out there. Somebody just said, “We put it out there. It’s up to the media to cover it.” Bullsh!t. These people need to go to work tomorrow and figure out WHO they work for it. It’s not Frank Melton. It’s the people of Jackson. If they mean a damn thing they’re saying tonight, they will stop violating the law and respond to EVERY ONE of our public information requests tomorrow. Fortunately, Charles Evers is pointing out to them that they don’t communicate with the public.

#121865 | Author: DonnaLadd | Date: Apr 27 2006

The optimistic view is that the city is in damage control, and is figuring out that they cannot continue operating in secret and with arrogance toward either the media or the people. They. Work. For. Us. Stephanie Parker-Weaver: “Normally, the media gives maybe a 30-second to a minute time on a story when they air it.” Yeah, not all the media.

#121866 | Author: DonnaLadd | Date: Apr 27 2006

Yeah, this is pitiful! I love the lady pointing out when Melton was stealing the water for the YMCA!

#121867 | Author: pikersam | Date: Apr 27 2006

Hiedel is out of touch too. He said the city had NO webpage. It used to have an active page until April of last year. They have enough know how to change all the pictures and delete all the direct phone numbers though!

#121868 | Author: pikersam | Date: Apr 27 2006

Mr. Evers: “The media is only going to report what they’re seeing and what is going on.” Marcus Ward: “I’m not going to tell the media how to do their job. (But) don’t continue this old tired game of tearing Jackson down.” (Didn’t this administration get there by “tearing Jackson down”? Just sayin’) Clara Spencer: “The media is needed. I’m not going to tell them how to report. … Mayor’s life been threatened when he went to Jackson Apartment. … He does not make decisions on how security should be placed. That comes from a higher-upper. … Saw vest or gun, saw that he doesn’t take it lightly when his or his family’s life is threatened.” (Then Mr. Evers pointed out that all famous people’s lives are threatened, and it doesn’t mean that we can all grab guns and go threaten little old ladies, or some such. Good for him.) Marcus Ward re police chief: “Shirlene Anderson is probably one of the best police chiefs this city could have gotten. … One of the strongest police chiefs we ever had. …” Charles Evers: “We don’t see her doing that.” (The point here, which I made last week, is how can you tell whether she does a good job? She doesn’t hold press briefings, she shows few leadership skills, she seems painfully shy. I just don’t see how this makes a good leader of police chief.) Caller: “All your guests are employed by Frank Melton. … They’re doing their PR work. … Saw mayor going to this lady’s house with that shotgun. … Those people who have on tonight, their check is signed by Frank Melton. … Anything negative they say about Frank Melton, they’ll be on the streets tomorrow.” Marcus Ward: “That doesn’t deserve the dignity of a response.”

#121869 | Author: DonnaLadd | Date: Apr 27 2006

They are so hung up on “past administration(s)” it is ridiculous. They seem quick to punt the problems to other people. They are in damage control as ladd says. But, this self inflicted wound is really deep. What is with Stephanie and Clara whispering over every caller?

#121870 | Author: pikersam | Date: Apr 27 2006

Whoa, they fell apart at the end, when someone said that lawsuits are coming because of all the constitutional violations. Talking at once: “Brang ’em on. Brang ‘ em on.” (Stephanie, I think.) Marcus Ward: “That’s why we have lawyers.” Gulp.

#121871 | Author: DonnaLadd | Date: Apr 27 2006

Agreed, Pike, they are a very political bunch. I think that was clear tonight. The thing that perhaps bugs me the most is that the person who is supposed to be in Washington lobbying for funds is going to call people back to talk about garbage problems. Mr. Ward seems to have a lot on his plate. Melton and Bluntson are there next Wednesday night. Mr. Evers has a good thing going. It would seem that we’re all forcing this administration to defend its actions and talk to the people. That’s an excellent step. ;-D

#121872 | Author: DonnaLadd | Date: Apr 27 2006

Oh, I should add that Mr. Evers may well be my favoriate Republican. (Sorry, Councilman.)

#121873 | Author: DonnaLadd | Date: Apr 27 2006

OK, they’re out, and I’m out. We taped it; will keep everyone posted on the factchecks. (It was interesting to note, by the way, that most of the calls were negative. I expected them to have a lot of folks from the adminsitration lined up to call in. Also, it seems that Mr. Hickingbottom did not show after all. Good. That wouldn’t have helped them any. I think his usefulness with the administration has worn out. Ta.)

#121874 | Author: DonnaLadd | Date: Apr 27 2006

Donna I think it was an entertaining show because it surely was not about any substance

#121875 | Author: mslink | Date: Apr 27 2006

I listened to the show until about 9:10. I couldn’t stand the bullsh!t anymore. Stephanie Parker-Weaver is just glad to be working. Marcus Ward is bright, but he is too young for this. Jimmy Heidel dosen’t really care as long as he gets the big bucks. The other lady is not a very good speaker. They danced around all of the issues. Frank taught them well. I can hardly wait until next week when Frank will be on the show. This administration is a perfect mirror image of the idiot that is in charge.

#121876 | Author: lance | Date: Apr 27 2006

I agree with lance. I had to turn the radio off.

#121877 | Author: seanbp | Date: Apr 27 2006

Any staff person crazy enough to let Frank go on any show should be fired immediately.

#121878 | Author: Ray Carter | Date: Apr 27 2006

For those of you who were listening, did anyone get the impression this group was very vain? They really think they are the best thing to hit Jackson ever.

#121879 | Author: pikersam | Date: Apr 27 2006

The Romans thought that about Rome, too.

#121880 | Author: Ray Carter | Date: Apr 27 2006

Speaking of the lawsuits how about how a few police officers decided to take a few popshots at the guy they arrested for stealing cars and purses. Link is to story – a video is included. I am very glad they caught this guy and he deserves whatever punishment he gets. But, after being caught and handcuffed it doesn’t mean three cops can each take a turn throwing a punch at him! Thanks for making him rich Melton and Shirley! Great leadership!

#121881 | Author: pikersam | Date: Apr 27 2006

Pikersam, Sorry, I don’t feel bad for the guy. He been robbing people Byrum left and right. Then he ran on the cops when they closed in on him. Maybe they shouldn’t have punched him like that, but he pretty much asked for it.

#121882 | Author: CentralMSDawg | Date: Apr 27 2006

CentralMSDawg, you can’t be a good police officer and beat up people unnecessarily. I understand the temptation though. I would have a hard time as an officer not roughing up a child molester, rapist, or abuser of old people. I can even understand an office wishing some criminals would make the wrong move so they can shoot them. It is wrong, legally and morally, to abuse the position and job.

#121883 | Author: Ray Carter | Date: Apr 27 2006

I listened to the show as well, and I agree with Lance regarding the bullshit being spewed, (although I didn’t turn off the program). The caller that made the comment regarding Melton signing the “staffers” checks was absolutely correct. How telling was it that some of the “staffers” mumbled and grumbled in disgust When any mention of the previous administration (namely Harvey Johnson) or a challenge was issued against Melton’s effectiveness. As for the media only choosing to report the negative about Jackson, I not buying it and I’m sick of hearing this from Councilpersons, as well the Mayor and his staff. It seems as if Mr. Adam Lynch’s featured report this JFP issue discredits Melton and his administration’s purported billion dollars in investments. This is exactly the type of issues I would have liked Melton to have been confronted with during the series of interviews with you Ladd.

#121884 | Author: K RHODES | Date: Apr 27 2006

CentralMSDawg’s comment about “… he pretty much asked for it” (referring to the young African-American with the alleged tremendous criminal history being abused by policemen after he was captured and handcuffed) gave me a pain in my stomach. These are the type of issues that continue to make our City look bad. Let’s arrest criminals. I’m all for that; however, when a person is in handcuffs – police should not become judge, jury and executioner. FM has set the tone for this type of behavior and we will pay the price. When those four poster-adults for idiots were on the Charles Evers’ show making comments, i.e., Bring ’em on and That’s why we have lawyers, speak to the level of ignorance, arrogance and disregard for the rights of others. The group tried so hard to blame the past adm. for everything! S. Parker Weaver made the statement that, “Frank told them what he was going to do and I love what he is doing.” These comments only give reinforcement to FM who is already out of control. Frank has the same authority as all other mayors but, breaking the law is not a part of his job discription. Someone needs to tell him that. This group won’t because of the salaries they refuse to give up. I understand that it is common knowledge in the FM Camp, “SPEAK UP AND BE PUT OUT.” Sad, Sad, Sad. PS. Marcus Ward is suppose to be the “billion-dollar man” who can exceed the previous lobbist ability to bring home the bacon. Has anyone smelled anything cooking in his kitchen yet???????????

#121885 | Author: justjess | Date: Apr 28 2006

This is exactly the type of issues I would have liked Melton to have been confronted with during the series of interviews with you Ladd. He was, K. That’s the reason I asked Adam to do the “factcheck” stories, which we’re not finished doing yet. Non-journalists may not understand the art of doing a Q&A interview — you ask open-ended questions and allow people to talk. Then you follow up on what they tell you, as needed.

#121886 | Author: DonnaLadd | Date: Apr 29 2006

“Non-journalists may not understand the art of doing a Q&A interview” Well Ladd, how lucky we “non-journalist” are to have you provide us with that understanding. 😉 In regards to what I said, I only meant that I would like to see Melton confronted with some facts during the unconscionable instances he makes unsubstantiated and fabricated statements. I’m sure given Melton’s cantankerous nature, especially with the media, that had you done so in confronting him he would have ended the series of interviews, but in my view confronting him would have been well worth it. Moreover the JFP is doing a terrific job!

#121887 | Author: K RHODES | Date: Apr 30 2006

“that had you done so in confronting him” That should read consistently done so, given you had your moments

#121888 | Author: K RHODES | Date: Apr 30 2006

I’d love to see a real debate between the pro-Melton and anti-Melton forces. Y’know, like the ones Melton himself dodged in last year’s campaign. All of this one side this week, the other side next week stuff is cool (I just wish I had time to listen), but for once I’d like to see Higginbottom directly taken to task for the things he says, or Stringfellow directly challenged about the things he writes, Meet the Press-style.

#121889 | Author: Jeff Lucas | Date: Apr 30 2006