Youth programs: Annual budget is key to plan

The Clarion-Ledger Editorial, 7/9/8

Jackson Mayor Frank Melton has been single-minded about the need for summer youth programs, defying the City Council to stop him from diverting funds to youth.

Over the July 4 holiday, Melton hosted about 50 boys and girls he had invited over for a barbecue as a reward for their participation in the Jackson Police Athletic League’s summer program.

He has threatened to hire young people ages 14 to 21 because, he said, the city lacked enough summer programs for youth. The Council last month turned down his request for nearly $1 million from the city’s financial reserves to hire 900 youth.