The race for Ward 4 Columbus councilman now fields four candidates.
Frederick Jackson, 32, became the third challenger to incumbent Marty Turner. The Allstate insurance agent officially entered the Democratic primary last week.
This marks the first time Jackson has sought public office.
“I talked to a couple of political leaders in our areas, such as pastors, and they vouched for me,” he said. “Being a native of Columbus, I decided to step up. Seeing the overall condition of our city, I wanted to step up and bring back family unity. I want to bring the city back together and bring the community back together.”
Should he gain a seat on the council, Jackson said he hopes to work with Columbus Municipal School District Superintendent Philip Hickman and his staff to improve the education CMSD provides to students.
He said he also hopes to continue supporting infrastructure improvement projects such as street and drainage work.
“Crime reduction is definitely a priority, and just being in support of our local police department,” he said. “For parks and recreation, I would encourage the department to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure quality recreation and cultural events throughout our city.”
Turner is seeking his second term on the city council. He also faces Democratic challengers Lavonne Latham-Harris, a cosmetologist and president of the Lowndes County chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and Pierre D. Beard.
No Republican has qualified to run for the seat.
The election qualifying period is ends at 5 p.m. March 3.
Primary elections are scheduled for May 2 and the general election is set for June 6.
Alex Holloway was formerly a reporter with The Dispatch.
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