In an emergency meeting, due to Mayor Frank E. Melton’s recent “critical” health condition, the Jackson City Council voted 5 to 1 for Council President Leslie Mclemore to serve as acting mayor. Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes was the opposing vote.
Comments were made by City Administrative Officer (CAO) Robert Walker explaining the reason for coming before the council. He explained that it was a part of the city’s constitution. Based on the city statute (21-8-19), the action had to be taken “to assure the continuity of city government at this time based on the circumstances,” according to Sarah O’reilly Evans, city attorney.
Before the council voted on the item, spokesperson for the Mayor’s office gave an update on the Mayor’s condition. “In the recent reports from family just before this meeting, he is in guarded but critical condition,” said Goldia Revies, director of Constituent Services and Public Information. “Any further details will come later from the family.”
The motion to make McLemore acting mayor was made by Vice President Margaret Barrett-Simon, Ward 7 and seconded by Ward 4 Councilman Frank Bluntson.
Stokes repeatedly voiced concerns about the powers an acting mayor would have, particularly in regards to the removal of city employees. “I want some commitment from the president of the council that employees are not going to removed,” said Stokes.
Barrett-Simon said she believes McLemore is going to do the right thing. Bluntson concurred.
McLemore said he is a “safe bet” for the position because he is “not running anything.”
Melton, who has a history of heart problems, was taken to St. Dominic Hospital Tuesday night shortly after polls closed in the Democratic primary. No information about his condition has been released per the wishes of his family.
Melton, 60, lost his bid for a second term Tuesday, coming in third out of a 10-way race behind former Mayor Harvey Johnson and City Councilman Marshand Crisler. Johnson and Crisler will meet in a May 19 runoff to decide their party’s nomination.
Revies said Ellen Melton, Melton’s wife, has been in consultation with the mayor’s doctors this morning. Ellen Melton is a physician and flew in from the couple’s home outside of Tyler, Texas, last night.
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