The newest member of the Jefferson City Council was sworn-in Thursday morning at City Hall.

Darren Jackson has been a teacher for 20 years. He’s taught American history, English and American government for the past 11 years with the former East Greene and Greene County School districts. Prior to that, the Aplington, Iowa native taught high school language arts and social studies classes in Missouri. He’s also previously served on the Grand Junction City Council. Jackson says he teaches his students that a citizen’s right is to vote, but views serving in local government as being more important as to why he wanted to be on the Jefferson City Council. He told Raccoon Valley Radio he wants to continue to see Jefferson grow and to be a part of the decisions that help to do that.

“I can’t imagine a town Jefferson-size that has more going for it. I want to be a part of its continued growth and its continued advancement. When I have friends and relatives come visit, I am the biggest cheerleader. We’re always driving around and I’m showing them this or that (and) going up into the bell tower and doing all of these things. They probably would just like to sit and relax sometimes but I’m always trying to show off Jefferson. That’s one thing, I want to continue with the improvement.”

Jackson was appointed to fill a vacancy at the most recent Council meeting on April 23rd. He will fill the vacancy until the November general election, at which point the elected individual will serve the remaining term until 2021. However, the deadline to submit a petition for a special election is May 7th.