Selma community leader and activist Eric E. Jackson announce Wednesday that he will be running for a seat on the Selma Town Council in the November 2015 elections.
Jackson, an adjunct History Instructor at Johnston Community College, ran unsuccessfully in the 2013 election.
In a statement Jackson said, “I feel that my qualifications in the community as a member of the Selma Development Partnership, as a former member of the Selma Appearance Commission, and a former member of the Selma Historic Properties Commission, have given me insight into how Selma can best be governed.”
“I think a fresh pair of eyes are needed in Town Hall. This is not a slur on the present council, but every few years some fresh ideas and perspectives are needed.”
Jackson said the Town of Selma should not rely on consultants for every project the town undertakes. “We pay or town administrators and department heads good salaries, and there are 4 council members and a mayor. We should rely on our judgment and the expertise of the staff, and not pay taxpayer money to outside consultants.”
Jackson said he has plans to revitalize the Downtown Selma Business District. “We need to act boldly. I propose a public private partnership to get help get business downtown, also make sure that events and programs are encouraged that embrace all the citizens of Selma.”
Jackson also wants the reorganization of Citizens Advisory Committee made a top priority, calling it “the backbone of any thriving community.”
He also called for more transparency. Specifically he said the citizens of Selma can only get a one page summary sheet of the Selma Town Budget. He feels like the entire town budget should be made available to any citizen of Selma wishing to see it. “…you have to beg for a copy of the budget and then you cannot take it out to look at it. If a citizen wants to see where his tax dollars are going the information should be provided.”
Jackson has been a resident of Selma for 10 years. He holds a B.A. Degree in English/Communications from Campbell University and a M.A. in History from North Carolina State University.
