Candidate Q&A: Kevin Jackson

Name

Kevin Jackson

Party, Position Seeking

Republican Petitioning Candidate for Board of Selectmen

Background: 

• Connecticut native.
• Undergraduate: University of Colorado at Boulder – Leeds School of Management
• Economics and Business Management
• Graduate work: Yale School of Management
• Executive level Economics and Organizational Management

Family information:

Married to wife Linda for 20 years. Two children, Peyton 14, and Cooper 11.

Occupation: 

• The Jackson Group, 2004 — Present: Investment Banking, Private Equity, Investment Management, and Mergers and Acquisitions, Integration and Project Management
• JMS, 1997-2004, Senior Vice President: Investment Management and Investment Banking
• Trinity College, 1994-1998, Adjunct Professor: Organizational Management, Investment Management, Fundamental and Quantitative Analysis
• Advest, 1993-1997, First Vice President: Investment Management and Investment Banking

Political Experience: 

This is my first run for public office

Other Relevant Experience, Community Service: 

• Hartford Chamber of Commerce 1993-1997
• Board of Directors and Membership
• Granby Chamber of Commerce 1995-1999
• Board of Directors
• Business Network International 1992-2004
• 3 Term President, Vice President, and Treasurer
• Former Treasurer- The Granby Drummer 1995-1998
• Volunteer Ski Race Coach
• Valley Lodge No 36 A.F. & A. M.
• Recent volunteer building Press Box for Friends of Canton Football

Why are you running for office?

I’m running for the Board of Selectmen because I care deeply about the town of Canton. My goal is to continue to make Canton a great place to live and raise a family. I am looking forward to a cooperative environment, partnering with Canton’s residents, the towns governing bodies, and State and Federal officials in an effort to assure positive direction, budget constraints, and prudent fiscal oversight of taxpayer dollars. Together we will continue to improve the quality of life and services for the entire community.

What skills do you have that you could bring to the community?

Over the years I have proven to be an energetic and effective manager that is highly motivational and a person who drives innovation and best practice. I possess decades of experience managing complex tasks with multiple challenges confronting implementation and have patience with organizational dynamics.

If elected, what would be your primary areas of focus?  

Reprioritizing capital expenditures to maintain superior public safety, services, and improve the neglected elements of our infrastructure.

After reviewing the Capitol Projects Study Group recommendations, the 2003 POCD, and the recent Pavement Management Study, I will work collaboratively, immediately, and with diligence to bring to fruition the highest priorities these groups have identified.

Name something the town has done well over the past four years.

Kept the budget from expanding.

What is something the town could have done better during the past four years?

Maintained the town properties and roadways and encouraged a more business friendly environment.