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Home » 2020-11-03 election » City of Conroe » Conroe City Council Place 5 » Frank Jackson

Frank Jackson
Party R
Website www.electfrankjackson.com
Born Houston
Education High School
Occupation Music Entertainment / Sales & Mkt
Religion Christian
Marital Married
Children 3

Frank Jackson

declared

Frank Jackson is a proud, native Texan - born in Houston and raised in Conroe, Texas.  He is a devoted husband, loving father, talented musician and a successful businessman. He is happily married to his wife, Belinda “Bel” Morales-Jackson.  They have three daughters and four granddaughters.

Frank Jackson is an accomplished businessman and entrepreneur with a successful track record spanning 30 years.  His career started out in the music business as an aspiring musician in the early 90’s.  In 1998, Frank used his acquired knowledge of marketing and sales distribution to help develop and grow the Texas Music Chart with Shane Media Group.  He became an integral part of the marketing, distribution and retail sales of the second generation of The Texas Music Scene.  Frank Jackson played an essential part in developing and distributing Texas Music artists like Randy Rogers, Pat Green, Cory Morrow.  He organized and implemented a marketing plan to promote sales in retailers such as Wal-Mart, Warehouse Music and many other independent music stores.  During the first year, retail sales for these Texas music artists grew by over 290%!

In 2003, Frank joined Smith Music Group as the Vice President of A&R. The Smith Music Group is well known for creating and distributing the Live at Billy Bob’s Texas series. Frank has negotiated live performance and recording agreements of numerous national and Texas musical acts including Randy Rogers, Stoney LaRue, Joe Diffie, Charlie Daniels Band, Cory Morrow, Mark Willis, and Tracy Byrd. Thanks to Frank’s efforts the Smith Music Group now distributes over 700 albums and over 8000 tracks to all digital service providers world-wide, such as Amazon, Apple Music, Facebook, Pandora, and Spotify.

Frank Jackson not only has a heart for the artist but has also developed a true, authentic understanding of the world of an artist, including the hard work which goes into pursuing and attaining dreams.  His work ethic, personal experiences as a musician, creativity, hard work and determination set him on a successful path to help build the Texas Music Scene that we know and love today.

Frank and Bel Jackson share a passion for their community.  In 2018, Frank and his wife started to develop Conroe’s first Food Truck Park located in Downtown Conroe with an anticipated opening in 2021.  The Table at Madeley will bring new business, jobs and sales tax dollars to The City of Conroe.

Frank Jackson believes in giving back to his community.  He is a music worship musician and oversight leader at The Vineyard Church in Conroe. On occasion he finds himself presiding over memorial services or weddings.

In 2018, Frank worked with the City of Conroe to designate Conroe as the 7th Music Friendly Community under the direction of Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Music Office. He was awarded the 2019 “Committed to a Conroe” Award by the Conroe Convention and Visitors Bureau.  Frank currently volunteers as the Chairman of The Conroe Music Advisory Council and a is volunteer member for the Travel Advisory Council in Conroe, TX.

Frank’s mission, love and commitment to the community is simple: Have a passion to serve, work hard and have a voice for the community…

Frank Jackson is “Quite FRANK-ly Committed to Conroe!”

Questionnaire

General

Have you ever been arrested? Ever had any tax liens? If so, start & resolution dates?

NO.

What are the 3 most pressing issues in your city and what is your preferred solution to each?

1. Business Friendly Conroe

As a small business supporter I want to making it easier for the citizens and others to bring or open a business in Conroe by creating a clear and comprehensive guide to doing so, and providing the support through the development process.  We also want to help create an initiative performance based grant programs which helps new business preserve and re-develop run down property meeting the new downtown renovation standards.

2. Tourism & The arts

Conroe has several venues, Theaters   and art galleries in our historic downtown and across the city. By focusing on these assets and attracting new events and cultural arts performances center to the area provides a great opportunity to grow our tourism and increase revenue for the city an create a better quality of life for the citizens of Conroe. 

3. Funding public safety

I completely support our police and fire fighters and first responders. Public safety is a must for and city to grow and prosper. I would say it needs to be a priority to meet or exceed the national standards for a city of 100,000 population. When the standard is met it will make our first responders and citizens safer as well as make Conroe retain and attract new recruits.

 

 

Why are you running for this position?  What are the three main attributes that make you the most qualified for this position?

I am Running to bring authenticity, new thoughts, new visions and the same common sense we use at home to City Hall.

1. Committed to Conroe. (Worked with state and city to designate a Music Friendly Community 2018)

2. Private business leader for 20+ years (oversaw transition from 100% physical business to 90% streaming, Understand technology)

3. Quite frankly fiscally responsible (I will make tough decisions as in my own life and be budget minded to spend tax revenue wisely and always look for ways to save money).

How do you feel about inner-city MUDs and why?

Not a fan of the double taxation. However, MUDs allow developers to get reimbursed for laying infrastructure for new developments. I would consider suggesting that a home buyer is aware of what they are getting into prior to purchase. If MUDs didn’t exist we would have less new developments or homes that would price people out of ownership.

How can the operation of your city government be made more efficient and cost effective?

Improving the software that operates permits and inspections to a cloud-based and texting technology.

 

Do you feel that City of Conroe police and fire is adequately funded?  Explain.

Conroe must be able to recruit, retain and compete with cities of the population size in both compensation and benefits. Currently, the four men to truck with fire fighter is not up to state standards and in regards to police for a city of 100k . We should have close to 225 officers and currently have 128 with 20 over hires for 148 total. It's imperative we fund these departments and secure and acquire real-estate for future stations.

Our fIrst responders are key to providing a quality of life the citizens expect. If we don't have public safety we don't have a city!

This council position pays $7,200/yr. Do you think this amount should be increased, decreased or even, like The Woodlands Township, receive no compensation at all?

I believe serving is our duty as an Americans. Not sure when or why compensation is considered for these positions. In my opinion it invites career politicians whose only motivation is being elected.

Do you support term limits for the council?  If so, how many terms? Which current Magnolia board member do you identify with the most and why?

Absolutely! Two four year terms max + opportunity to run for Mayor with same limits. The last thing this city of 100k needs are more recycled incumbents! If you look at the last 20 years several past council members have 12-16 years of service. 

What are the advantages/disadvantages of Economic Development Partnerships?

Advantage to take 1/2 cent for sales tax to invest and incentivize business to come to Conore, providing jobs and opportunities for citizens. The Disadvantage is sales tax goes up.

How do you feel about private property rights, with respect to City ordinances?  Which one take precedence?

Priviate property prevails so long as safety is top priority.

What's your position on the SJRA and Lonestar Groundwater boards?  Explain.  Where do you stand on the GRP (Groundwater Reduction Plan) Contract and why?

As much as I believe in being a responsible user of natural resources, I feel the agreement was manipulated by dubious scientific information. However, since that time LGW board was elected by the public.  I'm hoping for a resolution that is best for the citizens of Conroe. At this time I support the city lawsuit as we reach to find resolve in the matter.

Where do you stand on the GRP (Groundwater Reduction Plan) Contract and why?

As much as I believe to being a responsible user of natural  resources . I feel that agreement was manipulated by dubious  scientific information giving by LGWD. However, since that time LGC board was voting on by the public and I'm hoping for partnership with them in the future. At this time I support the city lawsuit as we reach to find resolve in the matter.

Budget

Do you feel that City of Conroe employees are adequetely funded? If not, please explain

It's my understanding that they recently received a 20% raise. With that being said I believe that is fair compensation currently.

Should salaried employees be paid overtime?  And if so, should their be a limit and how much?

I'm not in favor of overtime for salaried employees.

Will you vote to increase or reduce the annual city budget?  Why?  What major changes will you propose in your city’s budget?  Why?

I support being financially responsible to vote on any budget. Tax revenue go up, so does the budget.

What is the current budget surplus and should any of it be returned to the residents, pay down debt or retained in a rainy day fund and if so, how much and why?

I'm not aware of the current surplus but any surplus should go to debt and rainy day fund. 

Taxes

What is the Sales Tax Rate for the City of Conroe?  Property Tax rate?  How much of the revenue is derived from each? Do you think it would be a good idea to broaden either or both of them to increase revenues?

Sales tax rate is 2% in Conroe the maximum local sales tax allowed. That collected $33,218,351 on a proposed 2020 budget.

Property Tax rate is 0.4375 that collected $29,325,949 on the proposed 2020 budget.

I don’t' think we should broaden them to increase revenue. I think you increase revenue by creating more private business and growing tourism in Conroe.

Ethics

Are you now or have you ever done business with The City of County and/or a Conroe/county official and if so, the nature of that relationship?

In 2019 I signed a 5 year land lease for 1700 SQT of land that is adjacent to future Food Truck Park, The Table at Madeley development on 316 Madeley St.

In this role, you'll be representing both residents & organizations. In the event of a conflict with the Woodlands Development Company and/or the Economic Development Partnership, how would handling this situation?

Enter in a public relations manner as to promote the city first without issuing fines, gather the facts, seek resolutions to resolve what is best for all parties.

List Civic, Political or union organization or individuals to whom you have contributed time or money (past five years).

Pres. Trump, Sen John Cornyn, Raymond Mcdonald, Clyde Vogel, Conroe Fire Fighters 

Have you and/or any of your family members been employed by or working under contract to any taxing entity in your jurisdiction?

NO

Other

Do you support or oppose creation of Improvement Districts and Economic Development Districts? Why or why not?

I do support the Improvement dist & Economic development. These programs stimulates economic growth in the City of Conroe and provide a better quality of life for the citizens. 

Do you agree with Conroe's Pro-Tax Sharing (Abatement) policy?  Why or why not and what changes would you make? 

I do agree with Conroe's Pro-Tax Sharing (Abatement) policy. I would consider a way to add small business to this but legally I don't think its possible under state law. In lieu, I would seek to find or allocate funds for small business in form of low interest start up loans or grants for improving existing run down property.

How long have you been consistently voting in elections? For which parties candidates? List all the elections you have voted in for the past 3 years (2014-2016).

ALL CIty, County, State & National