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Jackson: “I used to drive around with a chainsaw and hedge clippers. I look forward to getting back to that.”
As his chief administrative officer; requires alder approval. Former Hamden mayor has been working for Gov. Lamont.
That choice is former Hamden Mayor Scott Jackson.
If confirmed by the Board of Alders, Jackson would assume one of the three top “coordinator” jobs in city government. The CAO oversees line departments like police, fire, and public works.
Sean Matteson currently holds the position. The CAO serves at the pleasure of the mayor, as do the other coordinators, who oversee economic development and community services. That means Elicker can pick his own people for those positions, as long as he wins Board of Alders confirmation. He can also pick a chief of staff.
The department heads who report to those coordinators have four-year terms, and they all have two years remaining on those contracts. That means Elicker cannot simply come in and replace any of them, although some positions are vacant.
Scott Jackson served as Hamden’s mayor from 2009 to 2015. Then he went to work for state government: first on intergovernmental policy in the Office of Policy and Management, then as commissioner of labor. He currently serves as commissioner of revenue services. In 2014 he chaired Gov. Dannel Malloy’s Sandy Hook Commission investigating the 2013 school massacre.
In describing his decision to leave state government, Jackson wrote to the governor that he sees the CAO post as “an opportunity to continue my public service in a role that allows me to engage in a more hands-on fashion with communities of need in New Haven, as well as re-initiate conversations around regional efficiencies in which I engaged as a municipal leader earlier in my career.”
“His background working in so many different facets of government and in particular his expertise gained running the City of Hamden will serve the City of New Haven well in his role as Chief Administrative Officer,” Elicker said of Jackson in a release issued Friday. “I look forward to answering any questions the Board of Alders may have about Scott as they work through the approval process for his appointment.”
Jackson subsequently told the Independent that he enjoys the nuts and bolts working directly with people through local government.
“I used to drive around with a chainsaw and hedge clippers,” Jackson said. “I look forward to getting back to that.”
Board of Alders President Pro Tem Jeanette Morrison said it’s too early to say whether she’ll support Jackson.
“I’m willing to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. I’m looking forward to the vetting process so I can get to know about Scott or any person that’s selected,” Morrison said Friday. “I’m looking forward to working with everyone that is chosen for the new administration. As long as their goal is to do the best for the city of New Haven, then I am very happy with their selection.”
The alders originally rejected Sean Matteson when Mayor Toni Harp nominated him to serve as CAO. Matteson subsequently won confirmation on a second try — and has since earned the respect of his former alder critics.
“Sean was good. Sean really took our requests very seriously, regardless of what department it was,” Morrison said. “And he produced.”
Elicker told the Independent that his decision to choose Jackson was in no way a knock on Matteson’s performance. “I think Sean has served the city well and has put his heart into the work he’s done,” Elicker said.
Gov. Ned Lamont, meanwhile, is already starting to look for Jackson’s replacement. Jackson submitted this letter of resignation, effective Jan. 16.
“Scott will bring many talents to Mayor-Elect Justin Elicker’s incoming administration, and I appreciate the service he has provided our administration and our state,” Lamont stated in a release.