Councilman Jackson ready for action after private swearing in ceremony
by Dan Blackburn
Raymond Jackson, newly elected to the Hermosa Beach City Council, took his oath of office May 28 in a private ceremony he said was “entirely” his idea.
The City Hall event was attended by family and few others, said Jackson. Several longtime city residents said they could not remember a similar ceremony being held without prior public knowledge.
“There was nothing nefarious about it. But with COVID-19 and all… I just wanted to hit the deck running,” Jackson explained.
He will participate in his first meeting on June 8.
Jackson bested a field of five candidates for a council seat vacated by Hany Fangary in December, following his family’s move to Manhattan Beach.
Jackson, a retired U.S. Army colonel, won a mail-in election concluded May 11. The L.A. County registrar certified the results last week. He will serve until Nov. 30, 2022.
“I said let’s just get it done. We’ll have a public ceremony once things open up,” Jackson said, referencing pandemic closures.
Agreeing that he is walking into a particularly volatile political environment in the community, Jackson said he can “hear both sides of an issue.” He also noted that social media has “given voice to many. now,” and as a result “we often hear from the vocal minority.
“I get it. I understand it. And I’m ready to get going.”
In a prepared statement, Mayor Justin Massey said of Jackson, “His demonstrated commitment to public service and history of leadership will be invaluable assets.” ER