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One of Jacksonville’s city councilors was recently elected to represent Onslow and surrounding counties at the state level, fighting for the needs of the local municipality.
Jacksonville City Councilor Brian H. Jackson was honored by his peers with an election to represent District 2 on the North Carolina League of Municipalities board of directors.
Jackson was elected to Jacksonville City Council in 2017 and will serve a term with the NCLM from 2021 to 2023.
Other local representatives included Mayor Dontario Hardy, extraordinary member, of Kinston.
The NCLM has worked for over 100 years to represent the interests of towns and cities across the state through collective efforts with state and federal governments. District 2 comprises the municipalities of Onslow, Jones, Craven, Carteret, Pamlico, Beaufort and Hyde counties.
Outlining its position, the league is working to develop different policies relating to the towns and villages that each member represents. Recently elected, Jackson added that he was thrilled to bring his passion to the region that gave him so much to grow up here.
“A lot of the issues in the district are the same, even on the east coast we all face similar issues,†Jackson said. “One of the things is how to support each other. We’re going to push for better infrastructure and things of that nature.”
This support starts at the local level.
From growing up in the area to joining the Navy and then attending UNC-Wilmington to earn a BS in Business Administration, Jackon experienced the tight and interwoven community that eastern North Carolina has to offer.
His passion for building a strong government at all levels is worn on his sleeve, a passion one could feel just by talking to him for several minutes. When he thinks of the municipality he doesn’t think of the government – he thinks of the people
“I don’t think we realize the real harm we suffer when it comes to individuals during the pandemic. We need to have good communication with state and federal governments and where the rubber meets the road,” he said. Jackson added.
the possibilities are limitless
Equity issues are normally viewed in two ways; either there is a lack of funds or the funds may be misused.
It can also be seen across race, gender, and social class, which Jackson says he takes into account whenever the topic is brought up when creating opportunities at the local level.
Jacksonville, like the other towns of Onslow and District 2, shares a unique character when it comes to cultural diversity.
Families across the country and even around the world have made ENC home at one time or another, a home that Jackson says can offer endless possibilities to its residents.
As these families settle in, the children need to acclimatize to the area. Adding things like summer employment programs and bringing in businesses to help those who want to work will have strong long-term applications.
As a liaison with the Jacksonville Department of Parks and Recreation, Jackson explained that the council had considered building a skatepark, however, liability insurance was a hurdle they didn’t quite have to. actually managed to overcome.
“I was watching kids skateboarding the other day and thought it would be nice if we had a skatepark in Jacksonville,†Jackson mused. “For them, using parking lots or the side of the road is dangerous.
While at present there are no concrete discussions regarding said park, recreational opportunities were the example Jackson portrayed for the diverse community.
Infrastructure remains a daunting task not only for Jacksonville but for the district.
Jackson remembers the discussions about which streets should be paved by citizens, but a bigger issue lurks underneath. The city of Jacksonville has worked over the years to update the pipes under the roads that affect the roads in the long run.
Lobbying for the neighborhood
One of the most important responsibilities of the League is to represent the municipal point of view before the General Assembly, the United States Congress and the administrative authorities responsible for making the rules.
Former city councilor and current state senator Michael Lazzara has served alongside Jackson since his move to Raleigh last year. Having this partnership locally will undoubtedly spur positive results for the district, although sometimes the two may agree and disagree.
“His leadership and the type of person he is, he offers a different perspective,†added Jackson. “It’s going to be great for cities in North Carolina because there are a lot of cases where we don’t have people who have broken up at the municipal level.”
At the end of his tenure in the league, Jackson’s overall goal is to secure a brighter future for the younger generation currently rising through the ranks.
While cities like Jacksonville have shown they are also making strides in securing opportunity, the district appears to be in good hands for the next several years.
Journalist Trevor Dunnell can be contacted by email at tdunnell@jdnews.com. Please consider supporting local journalism by signing up for a digital subscription for as little as $ 1 per month. JDNews.com. Subscribe now
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