Jackson launches bid for city council Ward 5 seat

Another challenger has joined what is now a three-way race for a soon-to-be-open seat on Rock Hill City Council.

Nikita Jackson Tuesday kicked off her campaign for the Ward 5 seat, and now faces Mildred Moore and Ann Morrison for the position that is being vacated by Osbey Roddey.

Roddey announced earlier this summer his intention to vacate the seat after 24 years in office. He said he was exiting politics to spend more time with his family and his church.

Jackson was introduced by York County Councilman William “Bump” Roddey, who has been silently promoting her candidacy prior to Tuesday’s announcement.

“Those are some great shoes to follow,” Jackson said, when asked about the possibility of filling Osbey Roddey’s shoes.

Jackson told reporters she would like to see more attention paid to S.C. 72 and S.C. 901, much like has been done with Dave Lyle Blvd. and Cherry Road.

“Really there was nothing to entice [businesses] to come to Ward 5,” Jackson said. “But with all of the economic development…[along] 901 and 72…That’s going to encourage investors to come to Ward 5.”

Jackson is a graduate of the city’s civics course, Inside Rock Hill and has previously volunteered with the City’s Weed and Seed Initiative.