Current Friday Harbor Mayor Ray Jackson is proud of the work he has done for the community over the past four years and is eager to do it again. He’s an open book, he says, who believes in hard work and has high expectations for the people around him. One thing that can’t be argued is that Jackson is someone who walks the walk: He’s willing to put in the work and will go to bat for what he believes in.

Background

It’s not hard to see where Jackson’s love of public service came from – it’s in his blood. His mother was involved in grassroots politics in Oakland during his childhood there.

“If you don’t know much about Oakland, it’s a grassroots cornerstone,” Jackson said. “She went to rallies, ran for government a couple of times, like the county seat. She was involved with a lot of organizations that dealt with uplifting young people and our community in Oakland. We were in flux at the time. And I gravitated toward that same road she went down. She paved the way for me.”

He was able to accompany her to events, meet people and hear how they related to each other. As a seventh grader, he was already getting involved as a community leader by working with an organization called Oakland Community Organizations, where he was able to speak from his generation’s perspective on the issues being faced at the time.

That position put him on the fast track to more public service. In junior high, he was elected to be on the Oakland Board of Education – the only student representative on a board of adults.

“We didn’t have the power to vote as kids,” Jackson said. “But we had a voice. My job was to bring that voice to the board and tell them our perspectives.”

Due to his position on the Board of Education in such a large district, Jackson was able to participate in initiatives and events with various politicians, including the mayor of Oakland, as well as community organizations. His public service continued through high school, where he served as student body president. Right after graduation, Jackson joined the military, where he served for 14 years between the Navy, Army and Air Force.

“The military taught me that you have to engage in the process in order to really glean everything out of it,” Jackson said. “If you don’t seize the opportunity, you’ll miss out. Life is just too full of stuff! I’d better maximize it to my fullest extent.”

He has countless stories about adventures he took on his travels around the world (France, Spain, Philippines, Australia, Thailand, Germany and Cuba, to name a few) with various military assignments, sharing that while others would stay in the bunks during free time, he was always out and about on his own, exploring and talking to people.

“I think the biggest thing is, I’m not afraid of people,” Jackson said, when asked why he thinks he has such a knack for connecting with others. “I’ve come to the realization that we’re all on this boat together. And what’s the worst thing that can happen? They say no? They don’t like me? That’s fine, I won’t put on airs. I am who I am.”

Jackson specialized in communications while in the military, a skill he has continued in his work in the public sector, helping people with phone and satellite services. It’s what brought him to Friday Harbor in 2010 – DirectTV needed someone who could handle the rural nature of the islands, and he was the right person for the job. Even on jobs that other technicians had struggled with, he was able to help the customer understand the problem and resolve the issue.

“I’m like Captain Kirk,” the self-proclaimed Trekkie laughed. “I don’t believe in a no-win scenario. If I’m going to do something, I’m going to do the full capacity.”

The diamond of San Juan Island

Jackson is brimming with wisdom – he has a lesson for every story and a quote for every situation. While his gregarious nature and willingness to chat are what’s most visible, underneath burns a dogged work ethic and determination to get what he needs. Jackson holds people to the same high standard that he keeps for himself and has little time for excuses.

The almost 60-year-old currently has three jobs and is working on his commercial driver’s license so he can add a fourth; he does what it takes and expects the same thing from his community.

The mayor likes to compare the island to a diamond – something residents have polished over time, and as a result, have brought more and more people here, resulting in increasing demands. Because it’s a diamond, Jackson says, certain facts are simply true whether people like it or not.

“The reason why things are the way that they are is because of where we are,” he said when asked about the young people on the island who are vocal about issues like affordable housing. “We live on a diamond. A diamond is expensive and it is rare. If everybody could afford a diamond, everyone would have one. It’s not the diamond’s job to live up to your standard. You must find a way to live up to the standards of the diamond.”

Jackson clarified that he offers this advice from a place of sincerity and not to discount anyone. He says that because only certain work will sustain people here, it’s the people’s job — not the island’s — to figure out what that is. He hopes to inspire the next generation to become carpenters, plumbers, electricians and mechanics. Stop looking for gold in a copper mine, he says.

“If we all left tomorrow,” he said, “it would still be a diamond. Orca would still breach, the bald eagle would still fly overhead, the salmon would still run, the water would be fresh and clean. All of these are the things the diamond brings with or without you. Now you have to find out what you need to do in order to live on the diamond. It’s nobody’s fault. It’s the diamond. The diamond demands that because it’s a rare thing.”

He knows this might not be a popular take, but Jackson stands by what he calls the “harsh reality” that a lot of young people on the island do not want to accept.

“If you don’t like that,” Jackson said with a smile, “I’m not the mayor for you.”

Things he’s proud of from his first term

Jackson has a collection of feathers in his cap from his first term. He and Town Administrator Denice Kulseth, whom Jackson hired, raised the pay of town employees, initiated an annual check-in process with each department and employee to address any issues and updated the Town’s vehicles and equipment.

He’s especially proud of his openness and transparency, Jackson says. Along with his “Sundays on Spring Street,” where he spends the afternoon each week mingling with people on the main stretch of town and checking its pulse, he has an open door to all employees and constituents and stands by that.

He also takes pride in being non-partisan.

“I’m not a Republican or a Democrat. I’m an American. Even more so, I’m an islander,” Jackson said. “Whatever works for the island, works for me. I’ll take advice from anyone. I don’t care what affiliation you have; if it works for the island, it works for me.”

One of his supporters, Friday Harbor business owner Bex Bishop, sees Jackson about three times a week and frequently has lengthy discussions about history, personal reflections and thoughts for the future.

“He listens to all points of view, and I appreciate that about him,” said Bishop. “He is also very charismatic and engaging. I want a mayor that listens, but more importantly, knows how to make action happen to address issues. I believe he does that.”

Response to criticism

Jackson stands by everything he’s done throughout his term and insists that the external criticism doesn’t match the internal reality. Affordable housing (specifically the Holli Walk project), water issues with the County and the infamous March 7 Town Council meeting are all subjects he speaks on willingly and without remorse.

“You can’t spend your life pointing fingers at people,” he said about those who have criticized his time as mayor. “It’s all right to protest, but know where you’re coming from before you do. Don’t be reactionary, be proactive.”

He explained that the way the town government works is that the Council creates the laws and codes people are angry about – he is simply executing them as part of his job. Jackson pointed out that some council members had been in their seats for extended periods of time and had run unopposed.

“I don’t see many people filling up the Town Council seats,” Jackson said. “If you want change, make change.”