ZEBULON - Almost every concern raised as Representative Darren G. Jackson answered questions in Thursday's meeting at town hall revolved around the citizens' notion of "we're having to cut expenses - what is government doing to cut expenses?"

Jackson said it was "very obvious" that question would be a primary topic as he took to the spotlight. He said he is aware of this feeling as much as anyone, noting his law practice in Zebulon is just like any other small business - it's been slowing down over the last year and a half.

"I think everyone's had to tighten up," Jackson said. "I think in general, the state government can't go out and get a second job, and they do have certain things they do that short term, yeah you could just cut them, but I think in the long term we would pay for that."

Whether the concern was for small business, education or funding for the mentally or physically impaired, Jackson stood behind his local connection, his ability to hear and see the needs in eastern Wake County, and his willingness to continue to do what he feels is right for its citizens.

He said those at Thursday's meeting in Zebulon with children with disabilities, like the many that came to the meeting in Knightdale, were a good example of those truly aware of budget cuts because they knew what services and programs were being offered, and knew what 40 percent cuts were going to do.

"A lot of people don't. A lot of people just think, 'Hey we'll cut the fat out of state government,'" Jackson said. "People like that put a real faith on it and I hear those stories. I think if people could come participate and hear those stories for themselves maybe they'd be more willing to understand. They may not agree with the decisions I make or we make, but at least maybe they'd understand why we make them."

Jackson, an East Wake High School graduate who took office in January, said if people show up and want to participate then they are given the opportunity through these meetings. He said historically he feels like eastern Wake County has not been well organized politically, and because of that there is a feeling that voices aren't heard - whether at the county level, in the school system, with county commissioners or at the state level. In his mind, all he can do is give citizens the opportunity to be heard, and that's his goal. If they take advantage of it, he said it's great.

"My plan as long as I'm in office is to do these as often as I can," Jackson said. Thursday's meeting marked the third he's held this year. Such sessions have already been held in Knightdale and Wendell, and he may hold one in Garner at a later date.

After running for this seat of representative in the 39th district in 2002 and not being elected, Jackson said it's been a long time coming.

"I know as long as I'm here I will speak up for eastern Wake County and I hope people know that," he said. "Nobody's going to agree with you 100 percent of the time, and there's a lot of people who are just going to disagree with you no matter what you do, but I've had several people - and I've actually saved their emails - that say 'thank you, you and I disagree, but you've heard me out, you've answered my questions, and that's all I can really ask of my representative.' And that's what I want to do."