Neal Jackson has announced his candidacy for election as At-Large member of the Queen Anne’s Board of County Commissioners. Jackson resides near Church Hill.
“I am stepping up now,” Jackson said, “to offer new leadership to the people of this county. I have spent a professional lifetime developing solutions for people and organizations, often in complex and challenging settings. Now I’d like to bring those skills to our county.”
Formerly a member of the County Ethics Commission, Jackson says he is particularly interested in making sure that the County Commission operates transparently. “Let’s have open windows on local government. Residents should know that their views are sought and respected, that county leaders treat everyone fairly.” Jackson, a Democrat, says he will represent all the people in this county – and is committed to local, non-partisan governance, working with residents to shape the future for QAC.
“We need to ensure that county government at all levels adheres to the highest ethical standards,” says Jackson.
Concerned about the narrow focus on real estate development as the principal economic activity beyond agriculture, Jackson said, “We need economic diversity in our county, more good jobs, more local businesses. Building more houses, pad restaurants, or strip malls, while many stores stand empty, does not promote a sustainable economic future. That’s putting the cart before the horse. Citizens want control of their own communities, and we need leaders who serve everyone, not just developers.”
Jackson, who was a partner in a law firm in Washington, DC, also served for eleven years as vice president and chief legal officer of a large public media corporation. “Its budget exceeded that of Queen Anne’s County,” said Jackson. “I’ve dealt with big numbers and big issues. I know I can help lead our county to a better place…one that serves all citizens,” then added, “I will bring fresh ideas to our government.”
Efficiency of government operations is a cornerstone of his governing philosophy, Jackson asserted. “I have been known as a frugal manager my entire professional life. I believe in squeezing the most good from limited resources. I want to keep taxes low and allow for a government just big enough to carry out the tasks that the people want performed . . . no bureaucratic waste or abuse will be allowed under my leadership.”
Born in North Carolina to a farm family that lost its land during the Great Depression, Jackson was educated in the public schools of Raleigh, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a scholarship student, and at the law school of Georgetown University in Washington, DC. He and his wife first bought property in Queen Anne’s County in 2002. “I’ve wanted to live here for more than thirty years, from the first time I looked out over the land and water of this county from a duck blind. It was a stunning experience, and I swore that one day I would live here. Having now dug my roots firmly into this soil, I want to help make this wonderful place even better,” Jackson stated
“There is a lot we need here – economic strength, environmental sanctuary, the best schools we can afford, prosperous agriculture – and my leadership can help get us there,” he added.
“I don’t claim to have all the answers to our challenges. In managing large and small organizations, I have learned that listening is as important as taking action. That’s why I have adopted the campaign slogan: Listen . . . then Lead. This slogan is not just for my campaign – as commissioner, I pledge to live by it.”
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