Richard Ernest Jackson Jr. (born July 18, 1945) is an American politician, civil servant, and educator from New York. A Republican, Jackson has served as New York State Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, Mayor of Peekskill, New York, and as a member of the Peekskill City Council.
Richard E. Jackson | |
---|---|
New York State Commissioner of Motor Vehicles | |
In office February 14, 1995 – 2000 | |
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[1] | |
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 |
He is the first African-American to serve as mayor of a city in the history of New York.
Jackson was born in Peekskill on July 18, 1945.[2]
Jackson began his career as a mathematics teacher at Peekskill High School.[1] Jackson later taught calculus at Averill Park High School.
A three-term Peekskill City Councilmember, Jackson was appointed Mayor of Peekskill in December 1984 by a unanimous vote of the City Council when the previous mayor, George Pataki, stepped down to serve in the New York State Assembly.[2][3] Upon assuming office, he became the first African-American Mayor of Peekskill.[2][3] According to The New York Times, Jackson was also the first African-American mayor of a city in the State of New York.[2][a] A Republican, Jackson won a full term as mayor in 1985; he later won re-election to two successive terms with the largest pluralities in the city's 51-year history.[1] He continued to teach mathematics at Peekskill High School while serving in his part-time mayoral post. Jackson stepped down on April 24, 1991.[1]
In 1995, then-Governor Pataki appointed Jackson to the post of New York State Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. Jackson served as Commissioner from 1995 to 2000.[8]