Jeff Jackson in Ballotpedia.org political website

On Budget & Economy: Prepare citizens to compete in the new economy

A: Our state's greatest challenge is going to be making sure our citizens are prepared to compete in the new economy. In order to be successful in an economy that's increasingly digital, creative, and data-driven, we need to place a greater emphasis on public education, from early childhood to higher education.

Q: What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

A: Make decisions based mainly on evidence, don't be afraid of reasonable compromise, and don't kick people around for no good reason.

Q: What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

A: I recognize that other people know more than I do about their lives and their professions, and I try hard to listen to them before I form my own opinion.

On Education: Strengthen public education and early childhood education

1. Strengthen public education
2. Expand access to health care
3. Bolster broadbased economic growth

A: Early childhood education is an incredible opportunity to help our children reach their full potential and relieve working families of a major financial strain

On Government Reform: Need independent redistricting; current method is corrupt

A: Strong personal relationships with other legislators are indispensable. Debate all you want on the senate floor, but you better be able to walk over at the end and have a conversation.

Q: What process do you favor for redistricting?

A: We absolutely must implement independent redistricting. The current method - which my party used for far too long - is openly corrupt and to the extreme detriment of the state.

On Health Care: Expand access to health care because families struggle

1. Strengthen public education
2. Expand access to health care
3. Bolster broadbased economic growth

A: Early childhood education is an incredible opportunity to help our children reach their full potential and relieve working families of a major financial strain

Q: Is there a story that you've heard [during the campaign] that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

A: The personal stories you hear from parents about their struggle with the health care system in caring for their children are the ones that hit the hardest. The financial struggle that some families go through simply to stay healthy and not lose their homes should motivate every policymaker to work harder on that issue.