Youngest, first black mayor in Hamden

Hamden (WTNH) - Voters made history in Hamden last night electing the town's first African-American Mayor. But Scott Jackson was the chief administrative officer to the previous Mayor.

He's now ready to take on the top spot himself.

Scott Jackson, 37, is very busy these days. He and his wife have two sons; three and one years old. They've just moved into a new home. And last night, Jackson was elected Mayor of his hometown of Hamden.

"Born and raised in Hamden, about a mile from here, in fact, my mother still lives in the house where I grew up," said Mayor-elect Jackson.

His mom was by his side as the returns came in; Jackson became Hamden's first African-American mayor. He is also the first Arican-American mayor of a suburban town in Connecticut.

He sat down with News Channel 8 to share his vision for the future. With a $175-million budget here, there are fiscal challenges ahead. Jackson won't say he'll never raises taxes but he is focusing on strategic spending cuts and he's looking to energy conservation efforts.

"We've kicked off some tremendous energy efficiency programs that will save us six-figures down the line," said Mayor-elect Jackson.

Money is to be invested back in schools, libraries and parks here. He also wants to bring in more business known for its big box stores.

Jackson said Hamden needs to work with others in the region and highlight the opportunities here. He wants to replace all these empty parking spaces with commercial space, small, local businesses in-between the national chains.

"We have to market ourselves as a business-friendly town, now we can provide a lot of reasons for businesses to relocate to Hamden," he said.

And crime? He favors prevention programs and community-style of policing.

"I like to say there are a million ways that you can ruin your life before the age of 15, we have to stop that," Jackson said.

Scott Jackson is also the youngest mayor ever elected in Hamden.