Frank G. Jackson
Encyclopedia
Frank George Jackson is an American attorney and politician. He is currently the Mayor of Cleveland, Ohio
. He was elected on November 8, 2005, unseating incumbent Jane Campbell
and re-elected in 2009. He is the first sitting member of Cleveland City Council
to become mayor since Stephen Buhrer
in 1867.
, Jackson served in the United States Army
during the Vietnam War
. After his discharge, Jackson attended Cuyahoga Community College
where he earned an associates degree. He later attended Cleveland State University
(CSU), earning a bachelor's degree in Urban Studies and History and a master's degree in Urban Affairs. Jackson worked while putting himself through law school
at CSU's Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
.
, who had vowed in his campaign to clean up neighborhoods but had instead dedicated the bulk of his tenure to downtown development. Jackson's progress in Ward 5 aided his election to Council President in 2001, succeeding Michael D. Polensek
.
As Council President, Jackson became increasingly frustrated with the leadership of Mayor Jane L. Campbell
. As the 2005 mayoral election approached, Jackson announced his candidacy on April 7. During his campaign, Jackson said that if he "didn't restore hope to the ailing city within 200 days of taking office, [he] would consider himself a failure." He received endorsements from several notable Cleveland and Cuyahoga County politicians, including Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones
, County Auditor Frank Russo, County Treasurer Jim Rokakis, and most of his colleagues on City Council. In the October 4 mayoral primary, Jackson was the top vote-getter, ahead of the incumbent Campbell. Other candidates in the primary included former Cleveland Public Safety Director, James A. Draper; former Euclid
Mayor and businessman David Lynch; former Cleveland Councilman Bill Patmon
, and Municipal Court Judge Robert Triozzi, whom Jackson eventually asked to become his law director.
In the November 8, 2005 general election, he was elected mayor with 55% of the vote, while Campbell received 45%. At 11:25 p.m. (EST), she conceded to Jackson.
On January 2, 2006, Jackson was sworn in as Cleveland's 56th mayor at East Technical High School
on the city's East Side. Among those in attendance were Congresswoman Tubbs Jones and Bishop Anthony Pilla
of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland
. In his inaugural address, Jackson vowed to make Cleveland a city where we are "one people, one community, living and working together, with respect, justice and equality." He also promised improvements in the city's school system and better relations with Cleveland's neighboring suburb
s.
. On Election Day 2009, Jackson defeated Patmon by a large margin, with Jackson receiving 78% of the vote and Patmon receiving 22%.
Shortly after his inauguration, Jackson began working with the Cleveland Police Department. He introduced a new use of force policy that clearly states what previous versions only implied: "Excessive force shall not be tolerated." Mayor Jackson has restored the Cleveland Police Aviation Unit (helicopters) and the Cleveland Police Mounted Unit (horses).
He is a member of the Mayors Against Illegal Guns Coalition
, a bi-partisan group with a stated goal of "making the public safer by getting illegal guns off the streets." The Coalition is co-chaired by Boston
Mayor Thomas Menino
and New York City
Mayor Michael Bloomberg
. The Downtown Cleveland Alliance, along with help from Mayor Frank Jackson, created a Business Improvement District (BID) for Cleveland's central business district. The owners of buildings and businesses pay fees, which aid in funding the Clean & Safe Ambassadors, who clean the sidewalks and assist visitors when needed, security forces and other projects.
An advocate for regionalism for Cleveland-Cuyahoga County, Mayor Jackson, in his Election Day 2005 speech, said, "We are one Cleveland, we no longer have the luxury of city and suburbs separate."
He has been instrumental in a joint-tax sharing venture between the City of Cleveland and its suburbs. An example of how this agreement works: in July 2006, the Cleveland Cavaliers
announced that they would move their practice facility from the Quicken Loans Arena
to suburban Independence
. In the past, Cleveland would have lost money, but now Cleveland shares revenue with Independence. The Mayors of both cities agreed to this arrangement. Mayor Jackson supports a no-poaching or stealing of businesses from one community to another. A similar agreement was reached with suburban Shaker Heights
regarding a significant administrative office move by University Hospitals of Cleveland
.
It was announced that Mayor Jackson will head for Japan in September of 2011 to study a system that converts garbage into electricity as the city awaits state permission to build a $150 million plant employing such technology.
passed a bill that will eliminate residency rules passed by local voters. This included the amendment to the Cleveland municipal charter that restricted city workers from living outside the city, approved by voters in 1982. Ohio Governor Bob Taft
signed the bill by the House on January 31. In response, Mayor Jackson and law director Triozzi threaten to take the issue to court. Jackson contended that if the city's residency restrictions are overturned, Cleveland would suffer the ill effects of city workers fleeing the city, and its related effects on the economy and city safety.
"This is about the issue of home rule
," Jackson said at a City Hall news conference. "They are attempting to usurp our constitutional rights, and we are defending our rights." He then threatened to fire any city worker that attempted to move out of their district of employment. The Cleveland Fire Fighters Association Local 93 and four individual union members filed a complaint on January 30 with the 8th Ohio District Court of Appeals to block any actions that Jackson, Triozzi, or the city might take on the matter. The police and fire unions are against the residency requirement, considering it a matter of personal choice.
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
. He was elected on November 8, 2005, unseating incumbent Jane Campbell
Jane L. Campbell
Jane Louise Campbell, is an American politician of the Democratic Party who served as the 56th and first female mayor of Cleveland, Ohio from January 1, 2002 to January 1, 2006.-Personal details:...
and re-elected in 2009. He is the first sitting member of Cleveland City Council
Cleveland City Council
Cleveland City Council is the legislative branch of the government of the City of Cleveland in Ohio. Its members are elected from 19 wards to four-year terms. The number of council members has decreased over the years...
to become mayor since Stephen Buhrer
Stephen Buhrer
Stephen Buhrer was the Democratic mayor of Cleveland from 1867 to 1870. Buhrer was born near Zoar, Ohio, in Tuscarawas County to Johann Casper and Anna Maria Miller Buhrer. His father died in 1829 and Buhrer was entrusted to the Society of Separatists until he was old enough...
in 1867.
Early life and education
Jackson grew up in the neighborhoods of Kinsman and Central. After graduating from Max S. Hayes High SchoolMax S. Hayes High School
Max S. Hayes High School is a public high school located in Cleveland, Ohio. It is part of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.-Name:...
, Jackson served in the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
during the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
. After his discharge, Jackson attended Cuyahoga Community College
Cuyahoga Community College
Cuyahoga Community College is a two-year college in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Founded in 1962, Cuyahoga Community College is the oldest, and largest community college in Ohio with a Fall 2009 enrollment of 31,024. * http://www.tri-c.edu/news/Pages/20100823a.aspxIn August of 2010, the college reported...
where he earned an associates degree. He later attended Cleveland State University
Cleveland State University
Cleveland State University is a public university located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. It was established in 1964 when the state of Ohio assumed control of Fenn College, and it absorbed the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1969...
(CSU), earning a bachelor's degree in Urban Studies and History and a master's degree in Urban Affairs. Jackson worked while putting himself through law school
Law school
A law school is an institution specializing in legal education.- Law degrees :- Canada :...
at CSU's Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
The Cleveland–Marshall College of Law is the law school of Cleveland State University, located in Cleveland, Ohio. The school traces its origins to the founding of Cleveland Law School in 1897 which, in 1946, merged with the John Marshall School of Law, founded in 1916, to become Cleveland–Marshall...
.
Early career
Jackson entered politics with the influence of former Cleveland Councilman Lonnie L. Burten. He passed the Ohio bar exam and started his legal career as an assistant city prosecutor. In 1989, Jackson won a seat on the Cleveland City Council for Ward 5. As Councilman, Jackson spearheaded efforts to bring in approximately a half billion dollars of community investments, working to clean up and stabilize his ward. He fought for the redevelopment of Arbor Park Place, the construction of the only Home Ownership Zone in the city, and worked with the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) as it began to rebuild its estates. Jackson became an active critic of then-Mayor Michael R. WhiteMichael R. White
Michael Reed White is an American politician of the Democratic party and was the 55th and longest-serving mayor of Cleveland, Ohio encompassing three four-year terms, from 1990 to 2002...
, who had vowed in his campaign to clean up neighborhoods but had instead dedicated the bulk of his tenure to downtown development. Jackson's progress in Ward 5 aided his election to Council President in 2001, succeeding Michael D. Polensek
Michael D. Polensek
Michael D. Polensek is a City Council person in Cleveland, Ohio. He presently represents Ward 11 in Cleveland City Council. He was first elected to council in 1977 and represented what was Ward 26...
.
2005 Cleveland mayoral election
Jane L. Campbell
Jane Louise Campbell, is an American politician of the Democratic Party who served as the 56th and first female mayor of Cleveland, Ohio from January 1, 2002 to January 1, 2006.-Personal details:...
. As the 2005 mayoral election approached, Jackson announced his candidacy on April 7. During his campaign, Jackson said that if he "didn't restore hope to the ailing city within 200 days of taking office, [he] would consider himself a failure." He received endorsements from several notable Cleveland and Cuyahoga County politicians, including Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones
Stephanie Tubbs Jones
Stephanie "Tubbs" Jones was a Democratic politician and member of the United States House of Representatives. She represented the 11th District of Ohio, which encompasses most of downtown and eastern Cleveland and many of the eastern suburbs in Cuyahoga County, including Euclid, Cleveland Heights,...
, County Auditor Frank Russo, County Treasurer Jim Rokakis, and most of his colleagues on City Council. In the October 4 mayoral primary, Jackson was the top vote-getter, ahead of the incumbent Campbell. Other candidates in the primary included former Cleveland Public Safety Director, James A. Draper; former Euclid
Euclid, Ohio
Euclid is a city in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, United States. It is part of the Greater Cleveland Metropolitan Area, and borders Cleveland. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 48,920...
Mayor and businessman David Lynch; former Cleveland Councilman Bill Patmon
Bill Patmon
Bill Patmon is a member of the Ohio House of Representatives who has represented the Tenth District since 2011.-Career:Patmon grew up in Cleveland and graduated from Eastern Michigan University. Patmon was a member of Cleveland City Council from 1990 to 2001, and served as the chairman of its...
, and Municipal Court Judge Robert Triozzi, whom Jackson eventually asked to become his law director.
In the November 8, 2005 general election, he was elected mayor with 55% of the vote, while Campbell received 45%. At 11:25 p.m. (EST), she conceded to Jackson.
On January 2, 2006, Jackson was sworn in as Cleveland's 56th mayor at East Technical High School
East Technical High School
East Technical High School or East Tech is a secondary school under the operation of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District in Cleveland, Ohio.-History:...
on the city's East Side. Among those in attendance were Congresswoman Tubbs Jones and Bishop Anthony Pilla
Anthony Pilla
Anthony Michael Pilla is a bishop of the Catholic Church in the United States. He served as auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland from 1979 to 1980 and Bishop of Cleveland from 1980 to 2006.-Biography:...
of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland
Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland is a Roman Catholic diocese in Ohio. It was erected on April 23, 1847 by Pope Pius IX. The diocese lost territory in 1910 when the Diocese of Toledo was erected by Pope Pius X, and in 1943 when the Diocese of Youngstown was erected by Pope Pius XII...
. In his inaugural address, Jackson vowed to make Cleveland a city where we are "one people, one community, living and working together, with respect, justice and equality." He also promised improvements in the city's school system and better relations with Cleveland's neighboring suburb
Suburb
The word suburb mostly refers to a residential area, either existing as part of a city or as a separate residential community within commuting distance of a city . Some suburbs have a degree of administrative autonomy, and most have lower population density than inner city neighborhoods...
s.
2009 Cleveland mayoral election
Frank Jackson in April 2009 announced his bid to run for another term. In the September 2009 primary Jackson garnered the most votes; in second place was former Cleveland City Council member Bill PatmonBill Patmon
Bill Patmon is a member of the Ohio House of Representatives who has represented the Tenth District since 2011.-Career:Patmon grew up in Cleveland and graduated from Eastern Michigan University. Patmon was a member of Cleveland City Council from 1990 to 2001, and served as the chairman of its...
. On Election Day 2009, Jackson defeated Patmon by a large margin, with Jackson receiving 78% of the vote and Patmon receiving 22%.
As mayor
On December 1, 2005, he announced that he would appoint the city's first point person for regional issues. On December 15, Jackson announced the appointment of his former opponent Triozzi as law director (under the city charter, the law director becomes mayor if the elected mayor is out of the city, resigns or becomes incapable of serving). From the former Campbell administration, Darnell Brown retained his position as the city’s chief operating officer. Valarie McCall, who had previously served as Clerk of City Council, was appointed chief of government affairs.Shortly after his inauguration, Jackson began working with the Cleveland Police Department. He introduced a new use of force policy that clearly states what previous versions only implied: "Excessive force shall not be tolerated." Mayor Jackson has restored the Cleveland Police Aviation Unit (helicopters) and the Cleveland Police Mounted Unit (horses).
He is a member of the Mayors Against Illegal Guns Coalition
Mayors Against Illegal Guns Coalition
Mayors Against Illegal Guns is a coalition of over 600 mayors who support a number of gun control initiatives that the group calls "commonsense reforms" to fight illegal gun trafficking and gun violence in the United States...
, a bi-partisan group with a stated goal of "making the public safer by getting illegal guns off the streets." The Coalition is co-chaired by Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
Mayor Thomas Menino
Thomas Menino
Thomas Michael "Tom" Menino is the mayor of Boston, Massachusetts, United States and the city's first Italian-American mayor...
and New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
Mayor Michael Bloomberg
Michael Bloomberg
Michael Rubens Bloomberg is the current Mayor of New York City. With a net worth of $19.5 billion in 2011, he is also the 12th-richest person in the United States...
. The Downtown Cleveland Alliance, along with help from Mayor Frank Jackson, created a Business Improvement District (BID) for Cleveland's central business district. The owners of buildings and businesses pay fees, which aid in funding the Clean & Safe Ambassadors, who clean the sidewalks and assist visitors when needed, security forces and other projects.
An advocate for regionalism for Cleveland-Cuyahoga County, Mayor Jackson, in his Election Day 2005 speech, said, "We are one Cleveland, we no longer have the luxury of city and suburbs separate."
He has been instrumental in a joint-tax sharing venture between the City of Cleveland and its suburbs. An example of how this agreement works: in July 2006, the Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They began playing in the National Basketball Association in 1970 as an expansion team...
announced that they would move their practice facility from the Quicken Loans Arena
Quicken Loans Arena
Quicken Loans Arena , is a multi-purpose arena, in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, United States....
to suburban Independence
Independence, Ohio
Independence is a city in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 7,133.-Geography:Independence is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land....
. In the past, Cleveland would have lost money, but now Cleveland shares revenue with Independence. The Mayors of both cities agreed to this arrangement. Mayor Jackson supports a no-poaching or stealing of businesses from one community to another. A similar agreement was reached with suburban Shaker Heights
Shaker Heights, Ohio
Shaker Heights is a city in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, United States. As of the 2010 Census, the city population was 28,448. It is an inner-ring streetcar suburb of Cleveland that abuts the city on its eastern side.-Topography:Shaker Heights is located at...
regarding a significant administrative office move by University Hospitals of Cleveland
University Hospitals of Cleveland
University Hospitals is a major not-for-profit medical center in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. Case Medical Center is the primary affiliate hospital of Case Western Reserve University - a relationship that was first established in 1896...
.
It was announced that Mayor Jackson will head for Japan in September of 2011 to study a system that converts garbage into electricity as the city awaits state permission to build a $150 million plant employing such technology.
Residency
On January 18, the Ohio House of RepresentativesOhio House of Representatives
The Ohio House of Representatives is the lower house of the Ohio General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Ohio; the other house of the bicameral legislature being the Ohio Senate....
passed a bill that will eliminate residency rules passed by local voters. This included the amendment to the Cleveland municipal charter that restricted city workers from living outside the city, approved by voters in 1982. Ohio Governor Bob Taft
Bob Taft
Robert Alphonso "Bob" Taft II is an Ohio Republican Party politician. He was elected to two terms of office as the 67th Governor of the U.S. state of Ohio between 1999-2007. After leaving office, Taft started working for the University of Dayton beginning August 15, 2007.-Personal background:Taft...
signed the bill by the House on January 31. In response, Mayor Jackson and law director Triozzi threaten to take the issue to court. Jackson contended that if the city's residency restrictions are overturned, Cleveland would suffer the ill effects of city workers fleeing the city, and its related effects on the economy and city safety.
"This is about the issue of home rule
Home rule
Home rule is the power of a constituent part of a state to exercise such of the state's powers of governance within its own administrative area that have been devolved to it by the central government....
," Jackson said at a City Hall news conference. "They are attempting to usurp our constitutional rights, and we are defending our rights." He then threatened to fire any city worker that attempted to move out of their district of employment. The Cleveland Fire Fighters Association Local 93 and four individual union members filed a complaint on January 30 with the 8th Ohio District Court of Appeals to block any actions that Jackson, Triozzi, or the city might take on the matter. The police and fire unions are against the residency requirement, considering it a matter of personal choice.
External links
- Profile at Cleveland's official website (archived 20 December 2008)
- Office of the Mayor of Cleveland official website