District 7 City Councilor Tito Jackson declared he is running for mayor on Thursday at a press conference outside of the Haley House Bakery in Roxbury.
District 7 City Councilor Tito Jackson announced his candidacy for Boston mayor on Jan. 12, 2017 outside of the Haley House Cafe.
Jackson quickly released a cinematic youtube video about why he wants to be Boston's next mayor. The video tells his "story" and his "vision for our great city." Jackson will focus on fiscal responsibility, investing in public education, public safety and affordable housing.
"Fifty percent of families in Boston make $35,000 a year... and there are neighborhoods that are experiencing huge upticks in violence," said Jackson in the video. "We are allowing people in our country to dismantle what our country is about. I'm running for mayor of the city of Boston for all dreams of young people... I will ensure our government is run with integrity."
Previously, Jackson had been a supporter of Mayor Martin Walsh. And while Jackson hasn't exhibited any vitriol towards the current mayor, Jackson does believe he can help the city more than Walsh.
Jackson worked in former Governor Deval Patrick's administration as the Industry Director for Information Technology in the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development. He was then the Political Director on Patrick’s re-election campaign in 2010.
He first ran as an at-large city council candidate in 2009 and did not win. He won his current District 7 seat in a special election in 2011