About Chris D. Jackson
Chris D. Jackson (born November 22, 1986) is a county commissioner who
represents the second district in Lawrence County. Elected in August 2006 at
the age of 19, Jackson is the youngest person ever elected to public office in
Lawrence County.
The son of Roger and Judy Jackson, Chris has lived in Loretto, Tennessee all of
his life. He attended South Lawrence School is a graduate from Loretto High
School. He is currently a senior at the the University of North Alabama, majoring
in political science and government and minoring in criminal law. Jackson is also
a member of the Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society at the University of
North Alabama.
Since taking office in September 2006, Jackson has been a leader on many of
the big issues that face Lawrence Countians. For instance, he has been an
instrumental player in addressing the jail problem that has plagued Lawrence County for years. He was an early advocate for the construction of a temporary jail facility, a move which has saved Lawrence County taxpayers over a million dollars by brining back all inmates which were being housed out of county. Further, he has been an advocate for establishing local faith based initiatives to help address root problems of crime in the community.
Jackson has also made education a top priority for the county. Upon taking office, Jackson became a leader in the effort that provided Lawrence County schools with over $1 million worth of new technology . In 2008, Jackson was a vocal leader in the movement to remove harmful, mold-filled portable classrooms from the county.
The issue of energy efficiency has been a major focus for the county commission under Jackson's leadership. Jackson sponsored and passed legislation that required all county buildings to have energy efficiency lighting. Recently, Jackson made sure that the issue would be at the forefront of county government for years to come when he sponsored and passed legislation which created the county Energy Efficiency Committee. The new committee, chaired by Jackson, is compromised of some of Lawrence County's best and brightest citizens and has an established goal of saving the county tax dollars by making the county more energy friendly.
Commissioner Jackson has also focused on other important issues such as ensuring fairness in the tax code, making the county commission more accountable, running water line extensions, addressing illegal immigration and ensuring citizens' safety and security by investing in and supporting law enforcement and emergency management services.
He is a member of the People for the American Way's Young Elected Officials Network and describes himself as a progressive moderate, aligning many of his views with those of the Democratic Leadership Council.
Jackson works fulltime at the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department as the Administrative Clerk. He resides in Loretto where he is an active member and past vice president of the Lions Club.
Committees: Commissioner Jackson serves on the following committees:
- Energy Efficiency (Chair)
Jackson was also appointed to the Public Records Commission in December 2006.
