In statement, Jackson says he will not run for mayor

City Councillor Tito Jackson confirms that he will not be a candidate for mayor. "Instead, I will run for re-election to be District 7’s Boston City Councillor," according to the statement. "The future is bright for Boston, from Dudley Square to Maverick Square to Kenmore Square and all the places in between." The full statement is available after the jump.

A Statement from Boston City Councillor Tito Jackson:

Since 1993, Mayor Menino has worked to connect neighborhoods, build business districts, ensure equal access to education and make Boston the cosmopolitan city it is today. On March 28th, the Mayor announced that he would not to run for re-election. The void he leaves will be great, and the person who fills it must be ready to build upon Mayor Menino’s work while fulfilling his or her own. In November, the people will elect a new vision and a new narrative for the City of Boston, its businesses, children, schools, and communities.

While my vision of Boston, past, present and future, is one of resonance and promise, I truly believe that my work in District 7 is not finished. I am honored to represent these neighborhoods, which include all of Roxbury, and parts of Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, the South End and the Fenway. Dudley Square, the geographic center and heart of Boston, is on the rise, and we need to support its transition. Dudley should be a destination, a cultural center. Corridors of economic development and diverse businesses should extend down Dudley Street to Upham’s Corner and on Washington Street from the South End to Jamaica Plain. Madison Park Technical Vocational High School could be the gem of the Boston Public School system. Right now, parents, teachers, administrators and civic leaders are collaborating to give the school the attention it deserves. Roxbury Community College has the potential to lift a community up. Its proximity to Longwood, Boston Medical Center, Dudley Square and Interstate-93 make it ripe for partnerships with institutions that need skilled workers. We have to continue building partnerships to curb youth violence. These young men and women need help, they need opportunities, and they need a push up. Schools, community centers and summer jobs should be safe havens. District 7’s diverse histories and people make it dynamic and full of promise. I am confident that through communication and collaboration we will push the district forward, and as goes District 7 goes the City of Boston.

Therefore, I will not put my name forward to be considered for Mayor of Boston in 2013. Instead, I will run for re-election to be District 7’s Boston City Councillor. The future is bright for Boston, from Dudley Square to Maverick Square to Kenmore Square and all the places in between. I look forward to the working with the next Mayor to make Boston better than it is today.