Johnson runs for mayor to promote city

OTHELLO — Councilmember Kenneth Johnson is running for election to be the mayor of Othello because he loves the community.

“Othello is one of the best little cities in the northwest and it’s all because of the heart of the people who live here,” he stated. “In the 40 years that I’ve lived here, I have seen many people come and go, only to return and say they would not live anywhere else. I have watched a lot of community projects succeed because of the commitment that our townspeople show. I am a proud resident. I want my grandchildren to grow up with the same type of morals and beliefs our kids were raised with. What better a place than home, Othello. As mayor, I would be able to continue that same tradition that has been set forth by those before us.”

Johnson explained his experience as a leader will help him with the position.

He is in his eighth year of service to the council and was mayor pro-tem in the past. He serves the Adams County Development Council, Adams County Fair Board and was a volunteer firefighter for 26 years in Othello.

“I am very knowledgeable on the city’s budget,” Johnson stated. “I have also helped run a successful family business for 26 years here in Othello. I have learned so much about our community’s need to succeed because of my work with these several other organizations.”

He has several goals to improve the city.

“My goals are to continue pushing Highway 24 Industrial Park improvements, redoing Main Street, helping the Othello Port District with their newest Industrial Park Project, helping expand manufacturing so retail excels to promote continued growth of Othello,” Johnson stated.

He stated he does not foresee many challenges for the position because the city is doing well despite the state of the economy.

“I do not see our council facing any major challenges as mush as a need to just stay on top of things,” he explained. “With continued help of the council, we will be prepared to deal with things that may arise.”

Johnson stated citizens should vote for him because God, family and the community are his top priorities.

He explained how the city can encourage the construction of new homes.

“City growth and new homes go hand in hand,” he stated. “As the city grows, we need more housing to accommodate new people moving to our fine town. First of all, it is important that the city be pro-growth and aggressive in promoting our city as a great place to do business.”

Johnson stated the city leaders need to work with home developers to ensure the building process is easy and quick.

He stated attracting business to the city is important for the community to prosper.

“Prosperity beings more jobs ad shopping opportunities, which helps to keep our people in our town doing business,” he stated. “Business and people (are) a large part of what makes a community strong.”

Johnson stated it’s important for the city to budget money for advertising to attract others to the city to build the economy.

“We have seen results of this in the Sandhill Crane Festival and are beginning to see the same with the Coulee Corridor Project,” he stated.

He explained how the city is improving infrastructure.

“We are working on adding paved streets and sewer connections to (the) highway 24 industrial area,” he stated. “We have committed over $400,000 this year alone for street improvements. As mayor, I want to see to it that we continue to see this as one of our major commitments. Jobs, safety and beautification of our town is why people want to live here.”

Johnson stated the next project for the city should be obtaining access to natural gas. He explained having access to more natural gas is key to promoting the city.

“The current supply to the city is only a four-inch main supply and it is at its maximum capacity,” he stated. “We are in the first stages of trying to get this supply of gas increased. I would like to see us make it a priority to get this task completed within the next four years.”