Frank G. Jackson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frank Jackson
|
|
|---|---|
_(a).jpg) |
|
| 57th Mayor of Cleveland | |
| In office January 2, 2006 – January 2, 2022 |
|
| Preceded by | Jane L. Campbell |
| Succeeded by | Justin Bibb |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Frank George Jackson
October 4, 1946 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S, |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Edwina Jackson |
| Education | Cuyahoga Community College Cleveland State University (BA, MUP, JD) |
Frank George Jackson was the 57th Mayor of Cleveland, Ohio. He was born on October 4, 1946. He served as mayor from 2006 to 2022. He was first elected on November 8, 2005, winning against the person who was mayor before him, Jane L. Campbell. He was re-elected three more times in 2009, 2013, and 2017. With four full terms, he is the longest-serving mayor in Cleveland's history. In 2021, he decided not to run for mayor again.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Frank Jackson's father was African American and his mother was Italian American. He grew up in the Central and Kinsman neighborhoods of Cleveland. After finishing high school at Max S. Hayes High School, he joined the United States Army. He served during the Vietnam War.
After leaving the Army, Jackson went to Cuyahoga Community College. He earned an associate degree there. Later, he attended Cleveland State University (CSU). He earned a bachelor's degree in Urban Studies and History. He also got a master's degree in Urban Affairs and a law degree from CSU.
Starting His Career in Politics
Frank Jackson got into politics with help from former Cleveland Councilman Lonnie L. Burten. After becoming a lawyer, Jackson started working as a city prosecutor. In 1989, he won a spot on the Cleveland City Council for Ward 5.
As a Councilman, Jackson worked hard to bring a lot of money into his community. He helped clean up and improve his ward. He supported projects like Arbor Park Place and the city's only Home Ownership Zone. He also worked with the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority to rebuild housing areas.
Jackson became a strong critic of the mayor at the time, Michael R. White. Mayor White had promised to improve neighborhoods but focused mostly on downtown. Jackson's success in Ward 5 helped him become Council President in 2001.
Serving as Mayor of Cleveland
Winning Elections for Mayor
2005 Mayoral Election
As Council President, Jackson felt that Mayor Jane L. Campbell was not leading the city well. So, he announced he would run for mayor on April 7, 2005.
Many important politicians in Cleveland supported him. This included Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. In the first round of voting on October 4, Jackson got the most votes. He was ahead of the current mayor, Jane Campbell. Other people also ran for mayor in this primary election.
In the final election on November 8, 2005, Frank Jackson won with 55% of the votes. Jane Campbell received 45%. She accepted her loss that night.
On January 2, 2006, Jackson officially became Cleveland's 56th mayor. His swearing-in ceremony was at East Technical High School. In his speech, Jackson promised to make Cleveland a city where everyone works together. He also promised to improve the city's schools and relations with nearby towns.
2009 Mayoral Election
In April 2009, Frank Jackson announced he would run for mayor again. In the first round of voting in September 2009, Jackson got the most votes. Former Cleveland City Council member Bill Patmon came in second. On Election Day 2009, Jackson won by a large amount. He received 78% of the votes, while Patmon received 22%.
2013 Mayoral Election
Jackson said he would run for a third term on June 29, 2013. Only one person challenged him for mayor, so there was no first round of voting. The challenger was Cleveland businessman Kenneth Lanci. On Election Day 2013, Jackson won again. He received 66% of the votes, and Lanci received 34%. After finishing this term, Jackson became only the second Cleveland mayor to serve three terms.
2017 Mayoral Election
On November 7, 2017, Jackson won his fourth term as mayor. He beat councilman Zack Reed, who had come in second in the first round of voting. This made Frank Jackson the first mayor in Cleveland's history to serve four terms.
His Time as Mayor
On December 1, 2005, before he became mayor, Jackson announced he would appoint someone to focus on regional issues. On December 15, he chose his former opponent, Robert Triozzi, to be the city's law director. The law director becomes mayor if the elected mayor cannot serve.
Darnell Brown stayed as the city's chief operating officer from the previous administration. Valarie J. McCall, who was the Clerk of City Council, became chief of government affairs. Soon after becoming mayor, Jackson started working with the Cleveland Police Department. He introduced a new policy about how police use force. It clearly stated that "Excessive force shall not be tolerated." Jackson also brought back the Cleveland Police Aviation Unit (helicopters) and the Cleveland Police Mounted Unit (horses).
He was part of the Mayors Against Illegal Guns Coalition. This group works to make communities safer by getting illegal guns off the streets.
See also
- List of mayors of the largest 50 US cities
