Election Day 2023: Contractor Ben Jackson Seeks Seat In Legislature

FREEPORT, NY — Ahead of the 2023 elections, Patch is once again helping to inform residents before going to the ballot box with our annual candidate profiles.

Name

Ben Jackson

How old will you be as of Election Day?

62

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://www.benforCountyLegisl...

What city or town do you live in?

Freeport

What office are you seeking?

Nassau County Legislative District 6

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

6th Legislative District

Party affiliation.

Republican

Education.

Some College

What is your occupation?

Contractor

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Wife, Jennifer Jerome, Son, Ben Jackson, Stepdaughter, Sofia Jerome

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Appointed the Freeport Site Plan review board, the Freeport Landmarks Planning Commission and the Freeport Zoning board

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

To improve the quality of life in my district.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is \_\_\_, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Cost of Living, high taxes. I intend to hold the line on taxes

What needs to be done to address water quality issues on LI?

be more aggressive on offenders of environmental issues and clean-ups

What do you think can be done to help improve our infrastructure, highways, etc?

I will seek grant money to improve our Infrastructure and roads

How would you plan to help local business owners, who are struggling because of high rents, inflation and labor shortages?

I would be a voice for all the policies coming from Albany and Washington that are detrimental to businesses. I would get businesses to get together to help each other as I have done for 3 years as chamber president. I would keep an open door policy to listen and help resolve issues businesses have.

What is your stance on the current migrant situation affecting New York? And migrants were to be directed to shelters on Long Island, how would you prepare/plan for that?

I believe in immigration. That is what this country was built on. Open borders have made us susceptible to crime and drugs by letting unvetted migrants into this country. In addition, it isn't fair to the migrants because we do not have the ability to house and support them. This is clear by Mayor Adams' flip-flop on NYC being a sanctuary city and President Biden's complete reversal to restart building the wall. I also don't see how we are pumping money into this program with homeless Americans, especially veterans. I am against this plan as it stands and I think we need to close the borders and go back to vetting who is coming into this country.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I will be a voice for my constituents. some of the concerns they have are crime, anti-police policies like defunding the police, Raise the age, and cashless bail which have clearly caused crime to increase. I will have an open-door [policy and I am willing to listen and act on the concerns of the residents of my district.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

I do not care to bad mouth my opponent. I just know I can do better.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Taxes and crime seem to be the most prevalent on the minds of the residents. we also have quality of life issues. people not maintaining their homes over occupancy to name a few. infrastructure is very important issue that needs to be addressed but carefully to keep a balance on the tax levy and spending

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have run a successful business for 43 years. I am president of the Freeport Chamber of Commerce. As president, along with my board, we have increased our reserves by 100% and membership by 50%. we have also worked hand and hand with our Mayor to deal with any and all issues that arise. We have also teamed up on events like the Nautical Mile festival, The Fourth of July Fireworks, the Fall Fire expo, the Christmas boat parade, etc.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My father told me, 'Don't complain about something unless you are willing to do something about it'. That is part of the reason I am running.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am a hard-working guy. The only promise I can make Is I will work hard for my community as I always have.