By Josh Bergeron

josh.bergeron@salisburypost.com

KANNAPOLIS — City Councilman Darrell Jackson on Thursday said he will not seek re-election.

Jackson, a business owner, had planned to run, but he said his businesses require his attention as he plans for expansion.

He first joined the council in 2013. His seat is one of three on the ballot in the Nov. 7 election. Also on the ballot is the mayor’s race.

“After much reflection, it is with regret that I announce I will not seek re-election to my seat on the Kannapolis City Council,” Jackson said in an emailed statement. “This has been a critical time in the life of our city as we have made decisions to create a new, long-term economic vision for the community.”

Jackson, who owns Lee Clothing in Kannapolis and Dan’elle Clothing in Concord, said he hopes to serve in public office again.

“My goal had been to seek re-election, but my business and its expansion requires most of my attention at the moment,” he said. “I will continue to be an active supporter of the downtown revitalization project in my role as business owner in the city, and I hope to return to a role in public service in the future.”

During his four years on the council, the city purchased downtown property with plans for revitalization. The City Council has started the process of building a downtown baseball stadium and a demonstration project that will include a parking deck, apartments and retail shops.

In his emailed statement, Jackson spoke about improvements in Kannapolis during his four years on the council. He mentioned new companies moving in, adding amenities to parks and greenways, building City Hall and police headquarters, and investing in infrastructure such as the water and sewer system.

“There are so many positives that are happening and will continue to happen as we work to make our city a regional economic hub,” he said. “I have been delighted to serve the people of Kannapolis and look forward to our future.”

With Jackson’s decision not to run, the City Council will have at least one new member after the 2017 elections. Incumbent council members Dianne Berry and Doug Wilson have filed for re-election.

Berry and Wilson will face at least four challengers in November. Filing ends at noon today.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.