Richard E. Jackson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard E. Jackson
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Jackson in 1995
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| New York State Commissioner of Motor Vehicles | |
| In office February 14, 1995 – 2000 |
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| Governor | George Pataki |
| Preceded by | Patricia B. Adduci |
| Succeeded by | Raymond P. Martinez |
| Mayor of Peekskill, New York | |
| In office December 31, 1984 – April 24, 1991 |
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| Preceded by | George Pataki |
| Succeeded by | Vincent C. Vesce |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Richard Ernest Jackson Jr.
July 18, 1945 |
| Political party | Republican |
| Profession | Politician, teacher |
Richard Ernest Jackson Jr. (born July 18, 1945) is an American politician, civil servant, and teacher. He is from New York State. As a member of the Republican Party, Jackson held important roles. He served as the New York State Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. He was also the Mayor of Peekskill, New York, and a member of the Peekskill City Council.
Jackson made history as the first African-American to serve as mayor of a city in New York State.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Richard Ernest Jackson Jr. was born in Peekskill, New York. His birthday is July 18, 1945.
Richard Jackson's Career
Jackson began his career as a mathematics teacher. He taught at Peekskill High School. Later, he also taught calculus at Averill Park High School.
Serving Peekskill City
Jackson was a Peekskill City Councilmember for three terms. In December 1984, he was chosen to be the Mayor of Peekskill. The City Council voted for him unanimously. This happened when the previous mayor, George Pataki, left to join the New York State Assembly.
When Jackson became mayor, he made history. He was the first African-American Mayor of Peekskill. According to The New York Times, he was also the first African-American mayor of any city in New York State.
Mayor of Peekskill
Jackson, a Republican, won a full term as mayor in 1985. He was re-elected two more times. He won with the most votes in the city's 51-year history. While serving as mayor, he continued to teach math at Peekskill High School. Being mayor was a part-time job for him. Jackson stepped down from his mayoral role on April 24, 1991.
State Commissioner Role
In 1995, Governor George Pataki appointed Jackson to a new position. He became the New York State Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. In this role, he was in charge of all things related to vehicles and driving licenses in the state. Jackson served as Commissioner from 1995 until 2000.
