On Monday, April 4, the Old Town City Council awarded Lee Jackson, a fourth-year political science student at the University of Maine, with a key to the city. Jackson was presented this key to honor his work around the Old Town community and his recent award for McDonald’s Crew Person of the Year.
“This is a tremendous honor and this is something, as chair, that I have never given out,” David Mahan, Old Town City Council president, said. “Lee is the first recipient of a key to the city of Old Town.”
Jackson received the McDonald’s ‘Crew Person of the Year’ award in mid-February. He was chosen out of over 20,000 employees in the McDonald’s Boston region. Only 25 employees in the nation received this award. McDonald’s selects these winners based on the employee’s hard work and commitment to the company.
“He received a thousand dollars from McDonald’s and Old Town restaurant owner Rich Hogan,” Mahan said.
Jackson grew up living in Old Town and currently serves as a member of the school board. Jackson is heavily involved in the community through volunteering at the Old Town YMCA and interning with Sen. Susan Collins.
After receiving this award, Jackson spoke to the attendees of the Old Town City Council meeting about his background and vision for the future of Old Town. Lee plans to remain in Old Town after finishing one more year at UMaine to complete a minor in Maine studies.
“I have been mentored through great organizations like the River Coalition and the Old Town Kiwanis, and provided with opportunities to serve others,” Jackson said.
Jackson is part of the River Coalition-Healthy Maine Partnerships board of directors and serves as chairman of the Penobscot County Republican Committee, which is part of the Maine Republican Party. In his speech, Jackson highlighted many changes he would like to see in Old Town.
“I really think with local leadership and regionalism, and some problems that all of the greater Bangor area is facing, the whole area can be put back to where we want it to be,” Jackson said.
In the past, Jackson has helped politicians such as Gov. Paul LePage and Sen. Collins during their campaigns as UMaine Campus Chair and the chair for several other towns.
“Over the past 100 years, what has made Old Town great is not a paper mill, or a sports championship banner and a parade or a lack of adversity,” Jackson said. “What has consistently made our community flourish is the countless number of citizens who refuse to rest in the face of a challenge.”
