Mayoral write-in candidate Robbin Jackson shares vision for the City of Perry

PERRY — Life-long Perry resident Robbin Jackson is running for Mayor of Perry as a Write-In candidate. 

The Journal sat down with Jackson to get to know him better and understand his priorities for the City of Perry, if elected. 

Owen Jones: Tell me about yourself. 

Robbin Jackson: I’m 72 years old and a lifelong resident of the City of Perry. I’m the father of two children, grandfather of five children and a great-grandfather of two. I am currently employed at the Perry Perdue plant and have been there for almost 19 years. 

I also worked for the Houston County Board of Education, where I was employed as a substitute teacher. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Education and a Master’s degree in Guidance School Counseling from Fort Valley State University. 

I am a life member of the Houston County NAACP and also served as President. I also served as Vice President of the Houston County Southern Christian Leadership Conference. 

Jones: What is one thing the public doesn’t know about you?

Jackson: I am the one who brought the suggestion for the city to get the Georgia National Fair around the late 1980s. There was nothing much really drawing anyone to Perry throughout the year, so that was my suggestion. I would’ve liked to have a fairground similar to Disneyland or Six Flags or something that can bring people to Perry yearly. 

However, they didn’t do exactly as I wanted, but it’s not too late. [If elected], I can still 

make that suggestion so that later on in the future.  

Jones: When did you first get into politics? 

Jackson: I started in active politics in 1977 and ran for Perry City Council. During that time, it was about 70 percent white and about 30 percent Black, so it was kinda hard for Blacks to get elected. I saw a need for more Black representation [in the city]. 

Jones: How has your campaign gone so far?

Jackson: It’s going well. I’ve got signs out and am going around to various churches to spread the word that I am running again. 

I’m still running and trying to get the votes of the citizens of Perry, and I still believe that I can win. 

Jones: If elected, what are your priorities and how do you hope to achieve them?

Jackson: I have heard people complaining about the water bill, and they say it’s high because of all these complexes coming into the City of Perry. They pay for the packing and the pipes for the water to come through there. 

By doing that, they should share the cost with the citizens instead. 

We also see that there is a lot of taxation, or what the city calls fees, to accommodate growth. When I first ran, [growth] was one of the things [the city] was against because they wanted to be a little small community with little to no crime, which was the same thing I wanted [at the time]. Today, we are looking for a community without that crime, and we want a nice community for everyone to live in. 

I have enjoyed my 72 years here, and would like my daughters, grandchildren and my great-grandchildren to enjoy their time here as well. 

Jones: How do you feel about the city’s growth, and if elected, how would you ensure controlled growth within the city? 

Jackson: I do believe growth is important and there’s nothing wrong with that. With all that said, I feel like there’s a need for more police and firefighters as the city continues to grow.

Also, [I would like to see] more education for the citizens as well as even those with mental health issues. Maybe we can have a mental health facility for those that need help. 

As far as the homeless, we don’t have that big of a problem with the homeless as of yet, but I like what the City of Warner Robins is doing in getting a homeless shelter.

Jones: What would you like to say to the voters?

Jackson: When you write in that ballot, make sure to spell [my name] correctly, as you have to spell the name correctly to count it. Make sure you spell it as R-o-b-b-i-n Jackson. 

Jones: Any final thoughts? 

Jackson: Please get out and vote. Don’t just sit around and complain. Even though I am running as a write-in candidate, I am a certified and qualified write-in candidate, so if I get enough votes, I can win.