Senior to lead in 2010
“My leadership skills, coupled with President Obama’s election make me believe I can do it,” senior Christopher Jackson said. “People really do believe in change.”
Despite his tender age of 21, Jackson is gearing up for a 2011 run for the City Council seat of District 22, which includes parts of Decatur, Perry and Wayne townships. The incumbent for this district, Bob Cockrum, is in his 60s and president of the council.
“There is a big difference between the incumbent and I,” Jackson said. “My youth will make me a different kind of candidate than in the past. It will be an asset as much as a hindrance.”
On his recent 21st birthday, Jackson held the first fundraiser for his campaign, raising enough to reach his goal of $1,000. State Representatives Mary Ann Sullivan (D-Indianapolis) and John Barnes (D-Indianapolis) attended the event in support of Jackson.
As president of UIndy’s chapter of College Democrats, Jackson has organized events such as a policy debate with College Republicans and an event for the referendum to renovate Wishard Hospital in downtown Indianapolis.
“When you think of a politician, you think of someone who knows how to organize and lead people,” said Mustafizur Prodhan, junior international relations major and treasurer of College Democrats. With him [Jackson], he stands out with something else—integrity.”
As a city council member, Jackson plans to focus on investment in infrastructure, parks and public safety.
He said his campaign has gained support from his fellow College Democrat members, but he will not put his campaign into full swing until after the 2010 elections.
“Out of respect for 2010 candidates, I will not be fully starting my campaign until after their elections,” Jackson said. “I will attend fundraisers and canvas for the candidates I support.”
Although District 22 does not encompass the UIndy campus, Jackson said his election would serve the university community as well.
“If I am elected, I would represent the entire city, not just my district,” Jackson said. “The area around the university has gone down hill in recent years, but it has lots of potential. They are finally redoing Hanna Ave., for example, which is a great improvement.”
Prodhan agreed that all of Indianapolis would benefit from Jackson’s election.
“If he were to be a council member he would not only act for the people that voted for him, but he would act as a diplomat for all the people in his district,” Prodhan said.
Jackson grew up in Indianapolis, attending Decatur Central High School. But after attending University of California Riverside for one year, Jackson came back to his home city to attend school and hopefully lead a district.
“I plan on focusing locally now by holding neighborhood meetings,” he said. “I plan on being myself and not sugarcoating anything.”
By Kim Puckett | News Editor
