Leo Jackson | Political pioneer, 83

Leo Jackson, 83, a former mayor of New London, Conn., who was credited as being the first black mayor in New England, has died.

Mr. Jackson died Sunday at his home in New London, John MacDougall of Byles Memorial Home said. The cause of death was not released.

Mr. Jackson's election by fellow city councilors in 1979 drew national media coverage. He even received a call from President Jimmy Carter, who won Mr. Jackson's endorsement in 1980 during a presidential primary election against Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.

Mr. Jackson, a Democrat, served a single one-year term as mayor but stayed on the City Council until 1993. The Springfield, Mass., native worked at a submarine factory in Groton for nearly 30 years.

- AP