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. was born on July 18, 1945. He is an American politician, a public servant, and a teacher from New York. Mr. Jackson is a member of the Republican Party. He has held important jobs like New York State Commissioner of Motor Vehicles and Mayor of Peekskill, New York. He also served on the Peekskill City Council. He made history as the first African-American mayor of a city in New York State.
Early Life
Richard Jackson was born in Peekskill, New York, on July 18, 1945.
A Career in Public Service
Mr. Jackson started his career as a mathematics teacher. He taught at Peekskill High School and later at Averill Park High School.
Serving Peekskill
Jackson became a member of the Peekskill City Council. He served three terms on the council. In December 1984, the City Council chose him to be the Mayor of Peekskill. This happened after the previous mayor, George Pataki, left to join the New York State Assembly.
When he became mayor, Richard Jackson made history. He was the first African-American mayor of Peekskill. He was also the first African-American mayor of any city in the entire State of New York.
Jackson was a Republican, and he won a full term as mayor in 1985. He was re-elected two more times. He won these elections by a very large number of votes. While he was mayor, which was a part-time job, he continued to teach math at Peekskill High School. He stepped down as mayor on April 24, 1991.
State Commissioner
In 1995, Governor George Pataki appointed Jackson to a new role. He became the New York State Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. In this job, he was in charge of all things related to vehicles and driving licenses in New York State. Jackson served as Commissioner from 1995 until 2000.
