Franky Jackson has been the mayor of Italy for 14 years and he is ready to retain his place as mayor for many more. He was born and raised in Italy and has always had a heart for Italy.

When asked what he accomplished during his terms of office, Mayor Jackson replied, “We have had new growth in businesses. All the businesses on exit 386 and I-35 have been developed. Before there was only a Texaco and Dairy Queen there. We now have two banks instead of only one. We have Citizen’s National Bank and First State Bank of Rice. We now have the Family Dollar store that will be opening soon, the Dollar General store and Taco Bell is coming soon.”

He went on to say, “We now have a new water system, a new water tank and a new sewer system. You should see that there is a reduction in the fading of your clothes and Dean Carroll has been working tirelessly on getting our water to be of a better quality. We have three water tanks that combined will hold a million gallons of water. The new sewer system will service a population of sixty five hundred people. Having the new businesses in town has made what we bring in on sales tax go from $30,000 to $300,000.”

Mayor Jackson is a long time standing member of the Mount Zion AME church of Italy, and has served on the Trustee Board.

He has also served on the Park Board, EDC Board, Higher Education Board, Board of Adjustments for Italy and also served on the steering committee for Joe Barton.

When asked why he would like to continue as Mayor for the City of Italy, the Mayor responded, “I have always had a heart for Italy. My only concern is what is best for Italy, that is my main focus. I think Italy has some of the most caring people I have ever met. When one hurts in this town everyone hurts and the citizens band together in times of trouble because we are a family.”

“Taking care of the city and it’s citizens and doing what is best for them is what it is all about for me,” explained Mayor Jackson.