Melton plans tactic to keep board post
Frank Melton, who faces Rick Whitlow in the June 7 general election for mayor of Jackson, said, if elected, he plans to ask for a “waiver” of a state law that would require him to resign his position on the state Board of Education.
State law says none of the nine members can be an elected official. If Melton wins the election he would take office on July 1.
“This is one of the most important boards in the state. I just can’t give it up,” Melton said. Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck reappointed Melton, who has served on the board since 1992, to a nine-year term in 2001.
Ben Thompson, Tuck’s chief of staff, said Melton has not contacted Tuck’s office requesting help in staying on the board. Nor has he talked to Gov. Haley Barbour, said spokesman Pete Smith. “If the situation occurs, it would have to be addressed by the Legislature,” Smith said.
The Legislature has been in special session since last Wednesday. Lawmakers come back into regular session in January, six months after a new mayor takes over in Jackson.
Clarion Ledger
5/24/5
