Johnson hopes to improve Othello

Wants to promote the city

OTHELLO — Ken Johnson is running for Othello City Council position five because he wants to make some improvements.

"I want to get back on the council," Johnson said. "I've seen some areas that need to be changed."

He wants to diversify economic development within the community.

"I think we need to be more aggressive," Johnson said.

He wants to promote the city to bring large businesses to the area.

More business means more people live in the city and spend their money in Othello, he said.

He said he can't do it by himself.

"It takes a good working council," Johnson said.

He served six years on the council in the past and has been a business owner and leader in the community, Johnson said.

He said although he hasn't served the council for a few years, he attends the meetings and is familiar with the issues.

Running against his opponent will be challenging, he added.

"Who I'm running against is a person that's been on there a long time and is very well respected," Johnson said. "When I was on council I looked up to him."

He hopes citizens will vote for him because he does not have a personal agenda and wants to serve the city.

"I think I will represent the people and their decisions," Johnson said. "Take a good look at the growth of the community and see how (you) want it to go. Hopefully a vote for me would be a vote for the future of Othello and its growth."

He is interested in providing more recreation activities for youth.

Funding budgeted for the since closed Boys & Girls Club could be used for a similar program to give youth something to do during in the summer, he said.