Jackson, Miss., Mayor Moves to Settle Newspaper's Suit

By: Jackson Mayor Frank Melton has asked his attorney to discuss a settlement of a public records lawsuit brought by The Clarion-Ledger newspaper.

Melton also proposes putting attorney Dale Danks Junior in charge of the public records process to ensure each request receives a response.

Any lawsuit settlement would have to be approved by the city council and then by a judge.

The newspaper this week sued Melton and other city officials for failing to respond to a range of requests.

Melton had admitted tearing up some of the paper's requests.

Under the law, public officials have 14 working days to respond to a request. If they deny the request, they must provide specific reasons in writing for their denial.

Danks said the city needs to refine its public records procedures to expedite the responses.

Danks says Melton would agree to a consent decree that if the newspaper determines the city has failed to follow public records laws, it could bring the issue before a judge.

The judge could hold the city in civil contempt and impose fines.