Alphonso Jackson

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Bush signs Rosa Parks statue bill.jpg
White House signing of Bill for Rosa Parks statue. The President is joined by, from left to right, Senator Richard G. Lugar, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Alphonso Jackson, Mrs. Laura Bush, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. Senator John Kerry and Senator Thad Cochran
HUD Press Conference about Chronic Homelessness.jpg
Secretary Jackson Announces Homeless Assessment to Congress

Jackson first joined the Bush administration in June 2001 as the deputy secretary and chief operating officer of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. As deputy secretary, Jackson managed the day-to-day operations of HUD, which had an annual budget of over $30 billion. After HUD Secretary Mel Martínez left the administration to campaign for the November 2004 election for a U.S. Senate seat in Florida, Jackson became acting secretary of HUD. He was nominated by President George W. Bush on August 28, 2004, to take that position on a permanent basis, and was unanimously confirmed by the Senate on August 31, 2004. Jackson was the fourth African American to hold that post. On March 31, 2008, Jackson announced his resignation, effective April 18 of that year.

HUD Removal from High Risk List

For the first time in 13 years, the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) removed HUD from the government's " high-risk" list. GAO's report recognized HUD's progress under Secretary Jackson's leadership in implementing management controls that led to significant improvements to HUD departments and programs.[ citation needed ]

Jackson stated, " HUD serves the nation best when all its programs are working effectively and efficiently. GAO's removal of a high risk designation shines a bright light on our efforts over the past six years to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and well." [17]

Reduction in homelessness

During Jackson's tenure at HUD, HUD announced an 11.5% reduction in the number of persons reported as chronically homeless by Continuums of Care (CoCs) during a one-day count. Over 1,500 cities and counties reported a combined decrease of over 20,000 fewer chronically homeless persons between 2005 and 2006. [18]

One important tool in this effort was HUD's first-ever Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress. This groundbreaking survey of homelessness found that 704,000 people nationwide sought shelter at least once in a three-month period. Through the data collection for the report, and the subsequent analysis of that data, HUD learned a great deal about the demographics of homelessness. Prior to the report, according to Jackson, HUD had a hard time figuring out if national or local programs were working and a tough time just trying to figure out where the homeless might be on a given night. [19]

Increase in minority contracting

Jackson increased minority, women, and small business contracting substantially during his tenure. In 2003, the year before Jackson was named secretary, 14 percent—or $134 million—of the Department of Housing and Urban Development's contracts went to black-owned firms, officials say. By 2007, black-owned businesses were receiving 25 percent of the department's contracts, or $195.6 million. Jackson promoted such statistics, saying that "a good bottom line with small and minority businesses helps to build a stronger America."

This accomplishment led to a federal investigation and caused some to think Jackson was wrongly targeted because of his efforts. Indeed, some of his supporters deride the scrutiny of his casual friendships as a racist effort to undermine a prominent black official and several respected black businessmen, noting that no one has been charged with a crime.

Representative James E. Clyburn of South Carolina, the No. 3 Democrat in the House, said he believed the investigation was fueled by officials determined to derail Jackson's efforts to expand affirmative action. "Is there something wrong with trying to make sure African-Americans participate in the contracting program with the American government?" asked Mr. Clyburn. [20]

On April 30, 2010, the Justice Department announced it would not be pursuing charges against Jackson. Jackson's lawyers noted that a lawyer at the Justice Department's public integrity unit told them that it was closing its investigation. One lawyer for Jackson stated that the Justice Department had been unable to find evidence that Jackson received any benefit in exchange for his office's recommendations and that "when that quid pro quo is missing, it takes away any motivation for improper steering." [21]

Local housing authorities

Philadelphia

In March 2008, The Washington Post reported on a series of emails in early 2007 between HUD assistant secretaries Kim Kendrick and Orlando J. Cabrera that suggested that HUD leadership sought to punish Carl R. Greene, the director of the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA). On the date these e-mails were sent, HUD notified the housing authority that it had been found in violation of rules requiring that 5 percent of housing be accessible to disabled residents. The department later argued that because the authority refused to acknowledge it was in violation and to agree to a specific remedy, it was in violation of a broader agreement that put $50 million in federal funding in jeopardy. Greene, who later was forced to resign from the Philadelphia Housing Authority due to numerous accusations of wrongdoings, asserted that the HUD actions were in retaliation against PHA because Greene had refused to turn over property to Universal Community Homes, a development company founded by Kenny Gamble; Greene said that Universal had not performed as promised. Gamble complained to Jackson about the situation in 2006. [22] [23]

A federal judge later ruled for HUD that Jackson did not treat Philadelphia differently than other local housing agencies. [23] On October 16, 2008, the Philadelphia Housing Authority signed a ten-year agreement with HUD. PHA said that over the next four years, it would make sure 760 units of housing were upgraded to be fully accessible for people with disabilities. [24]

Government contracts

On April 28, 2006, Jackson spoke at a meeting in Dallas and addressed the subject of government contracting. He recounted that a prospective HUD contractor had made a "heck of a proposal" and was selected upon the basis of that proposal, but upon thanking Jackson for being selected the bidder, mentioned that he did not like President Bush. As a result, Jackson said, the bidder who had criticized Bush did not receive the contract: "Brother, you have a disconnect—the President is elected, I was selected. You wouldn't be getting the contract unless I was sitting here. If you have a problem with the President, don't tell the secretary." Jackson told the crowd, "He didn't get the contract. Why should I reward someone who doesn't like the president, so they can use funds to try to campaign against the President? Logic says they don't get the contract. That's the way I believe." [25]

After Jackson's comment, Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) called for an investigation and Jackson to resign. [26] The investigation found "no evidence that a contract was canceled, rescinded, terminated or not issued." [27]

Countrywide Financial loan

In June 2008, Conde Nast Portfolio reported that Jackson, along with several other politicians and government officials, including former Cabinet Secretarys, Donna Shalala and Henry Cisneros, Senators Chris Dodd and Kent Conrad, United Nations Ambassador Richard Holbrooke had all received below-rate loans from Countrywide Financial as part of the company's "V.I.P." program. One loan was issued to refinance Jackson's townhouse in Virginia, while another was for the purchase of a vacation home on a South Carolina golf course. Jackson denied knowledge of any discounts on the loans. [28]

According to the financial writer, David Fiderer, the source for the "Portfolio" magazine article, a former Countrywide employee, offered no written backup and made up some facts to bolster the story. Portfolio, desperate to uncover a "scandal", took his word for it. In fact, there was written documentation disproving the assertions. But since the employee did not reveal that information, Portfolio was able to maintain plausible deniability. Nothing in the paperwork suggested that anyone was paying a below-market interest rate on his loan. "The Countrywide Lineup." [29] [30]

The US Senate Select Committee on Ethics found in 2009 that there was "evidence on the record that the discounts offered to V.I.P.s and F.O.A.s were not the best deals that were available at Countrywide or in the marketplace at large." The committee further noted, "participation in the V.I.P. or F.O.A. programs did not necessarily mean that borrowers received the best financial deal available either from Countrywide or other lenders." The report concluded, however, that the V.I.P. program did seem to have an appearance that the program offered discounts to participants. [31]

Media appearances

See also

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References

  1. ↑ "Jackson Resigns as HUD Secretary". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
  2. ↑ Brennan, Carol. "Jackson, Alphonso R." Contemporary Black Biography. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. October 1, 2012
  3. ↑ Elder, Larry (March 31, 2009). What's Race Got to Do with It?: Why It's Time to Stop the Stupidest Argument in America. St. Martin's Griffin. pp. 92–93. ISBN   978-0-312-54147-7.
  4. ↑ "Central and South West Corporation Announces Structural, Leadership Reorganization - Free Online Library". Archived from the original on January 4, 2014. Retrieved November 9, 2012.
  5. ↑ Brennan, Carol. "Jackson, Alphonso R." Contemporary Black Biography. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. October 1, 2012
  6. ↑ "Hampton University : Center for Public Policy". www.hamptonu.edu.
  7. ↑ "Profile: Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Alphonso Jackson - ABC News". abcnews.go.com.
  8. ↑ "Alphonso Jackson | Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs".
  9. ↑ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on April 13, 2021. Retrieved April 22, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  10. ↑ "About". Fords Theatre. Retrieved May 26, 2021.
  11. ↑ Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. "Alphonso R. Jackson, CEO, A.R. Jackson Advisors LLC and Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to Receive 2018 Horatio Alger Award". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved May 26, 2021.
  12. ↑ "International Advisory Council". United States Institute of Peace. Retrieved May 26, 2021.
  13. ↑ "Academy of Achievement 2006". achievement.org. Archived from the original on October 31, 2012. Retrieved October 31, 2012.
  14. ↑ "Washington University in St. Louis Founder's Day" (PDF). wustl.edu. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2012.
  15. ↑ "MSNBC's Matthews is Founders Day speaker - The Source - Washington University in St. Louis". wustl.edu. September 16, 2004.
  16. ↑ "Alphonso R. Jackson, CEO, A.R. Jackson Advisors LLC and Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to Receive 2018 Horatio Alger Award". Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans. December 5, 2017. Archived from the original on December 25, 2017. Retrieved December 24, 2017.
  17. ↑ "'GAO RECOGNIZES HUD'S MANAGEMENT REFORMS, First time in 13 years no HUD programs on GAO's "High-Risk" list"". Archives.hud.gov. Retrieved May 26, 2021.
  18. ↑ "HUD Secretary Jackson Announces Reduction in Chronic Homelessness", November 7, 2007
  19. ↑ "Prepared Remarks for Alphonso Jackson Secretary of Housing and Urban Development at the Press Conference about Chronic Homelessness - HUD". Archived from the original on June 13, 2011. Retrieved March 30, 2011. "Prepared Remarks for Alphonso Jackson Secretary of Housing and Urban Development at the Press Conference about Chronic Homelessness"
  20. ↑ Swarns, Rachel L. (April 18, 2008). "As HUD Chief Quits, a Look at Close Ties". The New York Times– via NYTimes.com.
  21. ↑ "No Charges for Ex-Head of Housing Under Bush", New York Times, May 3, 2010
  22. ↑ Leonnig, Carol D. "HUD E-Mails Refer to Retaliation", Washington Post, March 12, 2008.
  23. 1 2 "Former Housing and Urban Development director 'not surprised' by Carl Greene's troubles" August 26, 2010|By John Shiffman, Inquirer Staff Writer
  24. ↑ Lin, Jennifer. "HUD-PHA agreement ends the agencies' feud After the federal agency threatened its funding status, PHAs director said it was retaliation." Philadelphia Inquirer Philly.com October 17, 2008
  25. ↑ Christine Perez, "HUD secretary's blunt warning: Alphonso Jackson says deal was scuttled after contractor admits not liking Bush", Dallas Business Journal, May 5, 2006
  26. ↑ "Senator demands resignation of Housing Secretary after 'don't like Bush' dispute" Archived March 18, 2012, at the Wayback Machine , Raw Story, May 9, 2006
  27. ↑ "Probe Finds Jackson Urged Favoritism in HUD Contracts". Washington Post. September 22, 2006.
  28. ↑ "Startups News". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
  29. ↑ "Senator Dodd's Accusers: Lying Liars and the Reporters Who Enable Them". Huffington Post. July 28, 2009.
  30. ↑ Daniela Altimari "More fallout from AP story on Sen. Chris Dodd's mortgages - Capitol Watch". Archived from the original on January 19, 2013. Retrieved October 4, 2012."More fallout from AP story on Sen. Chris Dodd's mortgages" "Hartford Courant" July 28, 2009
  31. ↑ , August 7, 2009 United States Senate Select Committee on Ethics
  32. ↑ "Press Release: Partnership to Create "Green" Public Housing | News & Media | William J. Clinton Foundation". Archived from the original on March 19, 2012. Retrieved March 30, 2011. William J Clinton Foundation, New York, NY, January 7, 2007
  33. ↑ YOUR WORLD WITH NEIL CAVUTO, August 24, 2005
  34. ↑ Kudlow's Money Politics, March 22, 2007
  35. ↑ Archived September 19, 2014, at the Wayback Machine University of Miami October 4, 2012
  36. ↑ "Secretary Alphonso Jackson | HOPE Global Financial Dignity Summit". Archived from the original on March 6, 2014. Retrieved March 3, 2014. Operation Hope Atlanta, GA, November 13, 2013
Alphonso Jackson
Alphonso Jackson official portrait.jpg
13th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
In office
August 31, 2004 –April 18, 2008
Political offices
Preceded by United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
2004–2008		Succeeded by
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded byas Former US Cabinet Member Order of precedence of the United States
as Former US Cabinet Member		Succeeded byas Former US Cabinet Member
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