RIPR Political analyst Scott MacKay breaks down this election with reporter John Bender
Kevin Jackson, the longest serving member of the Providence City Council, lost his seat by an overwhelming majority in a recall election Tuesday.
Nearly 2000 residents of Providence’s third ward cast ballots in the election. More than 90 percent favored unseating Jackson. The votes were split over three precincts in city’s East Side, here’s a breakdown:
- At Christ the Redeemer Church on Hope St. 890 voted to recall and 68 opposed.
- At Summit Commons, an elderly center on Hillside Ave, 721 voted for the recall, and 34 against.
- There was very low turnout at the Vincent Brown recreational center, also on Hope St. where 161 people voted to unseat Jackson and 56 people voted against.
- There were 43 mail ballots: 41 for, 2 opposed.
The recall effort was sparked after Jackson was indicted on pending charges of making personal use of campaign cash, and embezzling $127,000 from a nonprofit youth sports group he founded, the Providence Cobras.
Following his defeat, Jackson, a Democrat, said he was surprised by the lopsided vote.
“I was surprised by the numbers, but they we’re organized,” said Jackson. “From day one, have been organized, had a Facebook campaign, had all that. Had the money they raised and all that, so that in a sense doesn’t surprise me, but, you know, they were well organized.”
He expressed disappointment with the results.
“We’re going to move on from that,” said Jackson. “We’re going to cherish the 22 years we had, and the things we accomplished in the community. We’re going to continue to be involved in the community. And just work with groups and people that would need my assistance, and things that they’re doing in the community, so I’m always going to be there for them.”
Jackson said he’ll continue with his day job, working at a methadone clinic, and hopes to return to coaching youth sports. He first got interested in local politics while working with student athletes in his ward in the early 90s. He was first elected to the council in 1994.
“We’re pleased,” said Kammerer, a resident of Ward 3, who spearheaded the recall effort. “We also think it’s too bad that it got to this point, and we are hoping to send a message that voters anywhere in Rhode Island can hold their elected officials accountable.”
Kammerer, a Warwick school teacher and former political organizer, said Jackson never properly answered to residents for charges he faces.
“I think this has demonstrated that for the last year, he hasn’t been listening to his constituents, and he hasn’t been communicating with us regularly and having meetings in the ward,” said Kammerer.
Throughout the day Tuesday, Ward 3 residents offered a variety of reasons as to why they were voting.
Resident Robert Howe has lived in Ward 3 for more than two decades. He said he voted to recall after learning about Jackson’s pending charges.
“If officials can’t keep themselves straight, it’s bad for our reputation as a state, and it’s bad for our ability to get useful things done,” said Howe.
His wife, Laura Howe, expressed similar sentiments, and said she was also upset that Jackson supported the controversial politician Vincent “Buddy” Ciani in his 2014 mayoral bid.
Standing outside her polling place, resident Susan Dearing said she voted to recall Jackson. Though Dearing said she recognizes the view of those who say Jackson brought social services to the area, and helped school children get into sports.
“He certainly has done some good things, I certainly acknowledge that,” said Dearing. “But my sense is that politicians need to be accountable, and this is one way to show that voters care how they behave.”
Jackson’s supporters cherish him as a voice for the historically diverse East Side community, which some feel is fast disappearing.
“The East Side’s changing, daily,” said Marie McLeod, who grew up in Jackson’s ward. She said she thinks gentrification is pushing people of color out of the neighborhoods.
“At one time, Camp Street was all black, now it’s becoming all white,” said McLeod who voted to keep Jackson. “If he doesn’t stay in office, I don’t think the East Side will stay the same. And we want someone who’s been in office and someone who knows us.”
When asked, after the vote, what he hoped from a new Councilman, Jackson said he hoped they would protect the ward neighborhoods from pricing out lower-income residents.
Following the vote, Providence’s two leading politicians offered very different statements.
“The residents of Ward 3, and the entire City of Providence, deserve to be represented by elected officials who are held to high ethical standards,” said Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza through a spokesperson. “Tonight’s special election proves that this is something we will insist on in our city.”
Providence City Council President Luis Aponte was a supporter of Jackson’s and mentioned the politician specifically in his statement.
“During his 22 years as Councilman, Kevin Jackson served as one of the Council’s strongest advocates for education and equality, and fought tirelessly to provide our vulnerable communities with better opportunities,” said Aponte. “We thank Councilman Jackson for his many years of service. The residents of the third ward have spoken, and Council will move quickly to set a special election as prescribed by the City charter and state law.”
It remains unclear whether Jackson would be allowed to run in a special election after the recall, but Jackson said he has no desire to run again.
Recall organizer Patricia Kammerer said she’s not yet sure if her group will throw their support behind any new candidate. Already, Providence School Board member Mark Santow has emerged as a candidate for the soon-to-be open seat.
The Providence City Council must schedule a special election within the next 30 days. Jackson must vacate his seat by the time the votes are certified, likely next week.
This post has been updated.
