Frank Melton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frank Melton
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Melton at a Democratic political rally in Jackson
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| Mayor of Jackson, Mississippi | |
| In office July 4, 2005 – May 7, 2009 |
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| Preceded by | Harvey Johnson Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Leslie B. McLemore (interim) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 19, 1949 Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | May 7, 2009 (aged 60) Jackson, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Ellen Melton |
Frank Ervin Melton (March 19, 1949 – May 7, 2009) was a mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, a city in the United States. He served as mayor from July 4, 2005, until his death on May 7, 2009. Melton was an African American leader. He won the election against the city's first black mayor, Harvey Johnson, Jr.. Melton received 63 percent of the votes in the Democratic primary election. He aimed to reduce crime, help the city's economy grow, and improve city buildings and roads.
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Early Life and Education
Frank Melton was born in Houston, Texas, on March 19, 1949. His parents were Herbert and Marguerite Haynes-Melton. They were active members of their church in Houston.
Frank was a popular student and a disciplined quarterback for his high school football team, the Booker T. Washington Eagles. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. Later, he moved to Nacogdoches, Texas, to study at Stephen F. Austin State University. He earned a bachelor's degree there. While in college, he worked for the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation. He was the Director of Recreation at the Lufkin State School.
Starting His Career
After college, Frank Melton began a career in broadcasting. He first worked as a Sports Anchor for KTRE TV in Lufkin, Texas. In 1977, he became the general manager of KLTV TV. He moved up in the company and later became president of Buford Television, Inc.
In 1984, he became the Chairman and CEO of WLBT TV Inc. This company was in Jackson, Mississippi. He held this important position until 2002.
Melton also worked for the government. He led the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics for 14 months. This was after Governor Ronnie Musgrove appointed him in December 2002. When a new governor, Haley Barbour, took office, Melton left this role. He also served as the director of the Governor's Criminal Justice Task Force.
Frank Melton was also a board member for several national organizations. These included Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI) and the NBC Affiliates Board of Directors.
Helping the Community
Frank Melton was very involved in his community. He served on the board of directors for United Way. He was also on the board for the Jackson Chamber of Commerce.
He taught classes at Jackson State University. He often gave speeches at high schools and universities in the city. He wanted to inspire young people and help them succeed.
Becoming Mayor
When Frank Melton became mayor, many people liked his direct approach to solving city problems. He often wore a Jackson Police Department badge and carried a gun. He wanted to show he was serious about fighting crime.
Melton was a member of the Mayors Against Illegal Guns Coalition. This group was formed in 2006. It included mayors from across the country who wanted to reduce gun violence.
Re-election Attempt
Melton decided to run for mayor again in the 2009 election. However, on March 17, 2009, a committee said he could not be on the ballot. They said he did not meet the city's rules for living in Jackson. He had filed a homestead exemption for a home in Tyler, Texas, where his wife lived.
Melton then filed a lawsuit to get his name back on the ballot. On March 26, 2009, a judge ordered that Melton could run for mayor again. The judge said Melton showed enough proof that he lived in Jackson. This proof included his Mississippi driver's license, utility bills, and voting records.
On May 5, 2009, Melton lost his bid for re-election. He came in third place in the vote count.
His Final Days
On the night of the election, Frank Melton was taken to the hospital. His security driver found him unresponsive at his home in Jackson. He had suffered a cardiac arrest, which is a serious heart problem.
Frank Melton passed away shortly after midnight on Thursday, May 7, 2009. This was less than two days after he lost the election. His wife, Dr. Ellen Melton, was with him. He died at St. Dominic Jackson Memorial Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi.
