Jackie Clarkson

Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson (born 1935) is a prominent Realtor and Democratic politician from New Orleans. In November 2007, she won a seat on New Orleans's City Council as a Member at Large. [ [http://www.nola.com/elections/index.ssf/2007/11/clarkson_wins_atlarge_council.html Clarkson wins at-large Council seat, Frank Donze, Times-Picayune, November 17, 2007] ] Clarkson is also the mother of American Academy Award-nominated actress Patricia Clarkson.

Background

She represented District C on the New Orleans City Council from 1990 to 1994 and from 2002 to 2006, as well as District 102 at the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1994 to 2002. The boundaries of District 102 are roughly the same as the Algiers neighborhood (also known as the Fifteenth Ward) in New Orleans. Those of District C include Algiers, as well as the Vieux Carré or French Quarter neighborhood.

Before Hurricane Katrina

During her second tenure on the council, Clarkson advocated a cleaner and safer French Quarter and attempted to restore the Jackson Square Artists Colony, established by the Constitution of the 1920’s. A number of her constituents were enthusiastic about her efforts, whereas others, especially street performers and tarot readers, were rather apprehensive. Others were alarmed of her proposal to eliminate public space in the name of safety.

After Hurricane Katrina

Clarkson ran for Councilmember at Large in 2006, but she lost in the general election, often called the runoff in Louisiana, against Arnie Fielkow, another Democrat and former Executive Vice President of the National Football League's New Orleans Saints. She possibly faced disgruntlement related to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Or perhaps constituents wanted someone new, and not a career politician whose tenure exhibited doubtable benefits. Mayor Ray Nagin won re-election only after facing a much tougher challenge than expected before the hurricane, and half of the council members who ran again were defeated.

The resignation of Councilmember at Large Oliver Thomas in 2007 over bribery charges enabled Clarkson to return on New Orleans City Council.

Election History

Councilmember, District C, 1994

Threshold > 50%

First Ballot, February 5, 1994

State Representative, 102nd Representative District, 1995

Threshold > 50%

First Ballot, October 21, 1995

Councilmember, District C, 2002

Threshold > 50%

First Ballot, February 2, 2002

Councilmember at Large, 2007

Threshold > 50%

First Ballot, October 20, 2007

First Ballot, November 17, 2007

Footnotes

References

* City of New Orleans : http://www.cityofno.com/
* Louisiana Secretary of State : http://www.sos.louisiana.gov/
* New Orleans Times-Picayune: http://www.nola.com/weblogs/bourbon/index.ssf?/mtlogs/nola_bstdiaries/archives/2003_05.html

External links

* [http://www.jackieclarkson.org/ JackieClarkson.org] Campaign website