Thursday was Vernon Jackson Day in Brundidge as Jackson was honored for his 20 years of dedicated service as a member of the Brundidge City Council.

Jackson will officially retire as the city council member from District 3 on Monday.

Brundidge Mayor Jimmy Ramage presented a proclamation declaring Nov. 1, 2012 a day in Jackson’s honor.

Ramage said that for two decades Jackson has contributed to decisions that have had a direct positive impact on the quality of life for the citizens of Brundidge.

“Vernon came on the council in 1988 and has been instrumental in helping secure employment opportunities for the citizens of Brundidge and surrounding areas at industries including Wal-Mart DC, Southern Classic Foods, Supreme Oil and Green Valley Chips.”

Ramage said Jackson has been the city’s representative on the Southeast Alabama Gas Board since 1988.

“That’s a very important position because of the procurement and selling of gas,” Ramage said. “Vernon has served on the South Central Alabama Development Commission’s Area Agency on Aging and has done a tremendous job there.”

Ramage presented Jackson a key to the city, which he laughingly said will allow him access to city hall between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Jackson said he takes pride in what the city has been able to accomplish over the past 20 years and is honored to have been a part of the city’s progress.

“When we lost Fruit of the Loom, that was devastating for Brundidge,” Jackson said. “It looked like we might have to be annexed to Troy. But we were able to attract industries that have provided jobs for the people in our area and that’s something that we can be proud of.”

Jackson said the city has good employees and he has enjoyed working with them.

“I’ve had a good working relationship with the city employees,” he said. “I’ve never tried to tell them what to do because they know how to do their jobs.”

He expressed hope that the city will be able resolve the ongoing landfill issue because of the potential the landfill has to be a money maker for the city.

“I hated to see the Antique City theme go,” he said. “It was a good idea for a long time but I’m sure we’ll find another direction to take.”

Jackson, laughingly, said that age was a factor in his decision to retire from the council but he will continue to have the best interest of the city at heart.

Linda Faust, city administrative assistant, said that Jackson was dedicated to his position in the city government.

“He is witty and has such a great sense of humor,” she said. “He is a dear friend and he will be missed at city hall.”