The following is from Jacqueline "Jackie" M. Jackson, a Democratic candidate for Mayor of Richmond. According to the Richmond Times Dispatch, Jackson, 37, was "an outspoken critic of Mayor L. Douglas Wilder while she was on the City Council" (she lost her council seat in 2006 to Reva Trammell). Another Richmond mayoral candidate is former Doug Wilder aide Paul Goldman, who is welcome to blog on this site as well. The election is this November.
A week ago on the steps of Richmond City Hall in front of friends, supporters, and the media, I, Jackie Jackson, formally announced my candidacy for Richmond Mayor.Since mid February, when rumors began to circulate about my bid for Mayor, people began to tell me about the potential and promise that Richmond has to offer, but they also talked about the healing that needs to take place in order for our community and our government to move forward.
As the next Mayor, I will instill a spirit of compromise, collaboration, and common sense to City Hall. I realize that "business as usual must come to a stop!" The infighting, name calling, and personal grudges among the city's leaders is getting old. It is a disruptive and outdated form of politics that has held the city and its citizens back from getting to the next level.
I will bring a new style of leadership along with my six years of experience as an elected official to the Mayor's office. My vision for transforming the city will include a three-pronged approach centered on unifying the City and built on the cornerstones of:
1. Education - accountability for the Richmond Public Schools will be my #1 priority. It starts by collaborating with school administrators, teachers, parents and most importantly students, to cultivate schools that are "models of excellence" in public education throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. It also entails working on one accord with the School Board and City Council to make sure that resources are allocated responsibly.2. Economic growth - enhancing the employment landscape by working with companies to make Richmond a home for new and expanded business operations and by increasing opportunities for entrepreneurship. It also includes ensuring that services in neighborhoods accompany the new houses being built. Grocery stores, cleaners, restaurants, street lights, drainage solutions, etc need to be included in neighborhood development.
3. Affordable Housing - expanding affordable housing opportunities by reducing the cost for obtaining the "right to build", removing any barriers to obtaining permits, and bringing residents and developers together in the planning process to enhance the quality of life in neighborhoods throughout the city
In the coming months, I will travel the city to share my vision with the residents. I will share with you my commitment to sensible leadership and fiscal responsibility. I will also discuss my plans to partner with local and regional officials at every level of government thus optimizing Richmond's potential for success.
Most importantly, I am looking forward to engaging in a dialogue about how the community can collectively commit to improving the city government, enhancing the quality of life for all residents and creating model schools of excellence that equip children with the tools needed to compete and succeed in the 21st century.
I want to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me by phone, email or in person.
Jackie J
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