Frank Lewis
PDT Staff Writer
One of the area’s most active leaders has decided to run again. First Ward City Councilman Kevin Johnson has decided to seek reelection.
“I got my papers (petitions) yesterday (Monday), and I’ll be starting tomorrow (Wednesday), going door to door, getting signatures.”
Johnson said he needs 50 signatures, but prefers to get at least 100. He is hopeful the newly-organized City Council will move the city forward.
“I’m meeting with (new President of Council) Steve (Sturgill) tomorrow (Wednesday), just for a sit down,” Johnson said. “I think he has some great ideas, and he’s picking up on my wanting us to have a Council committee structure, because we never really have enough time at these Council meetings to get in depth with the issues with our directors.”
Sturgill told Council Monday night he would like to see at least four Council committees on which Council members would sit.
“I would like to have an economic development committee,” Sturgill said. “With some things that are going to happen over the next year, I think this would give us a chance to sit down with the county and the village of New Boston and take a proactive role in things that we can do to try to save the taxpayers’ money, and quit the duplication of services.”
Sturgill said he would also like to see an Enterprise Funds committee and a General Fund committee.
“I’d like to have a legislative committee as well, to continue Mr. Johnson’s work to try and look at some of these ordinances and things that we may want to change, as a way to move forward.” Sturgill said. “And last but not least, I would like to continue with the building committee.”
Johnson said he recently met with Portsmouth Police Chief Robert Ware, and he said he would like to have more meetings with department heads.
“But we can’t do that unless we establish a committee structure that allows us to just focus on one thing and get something done,” Johnson said.
Johnson recently sent the message to First Ward residents by e-mail and Facebook, inviting them to an event this coming weekend.
“I have been honored to serve you these past three years on Portsmouth City Council,” Johnson said in the message. “After much deliberation I have decided to run for reelection. Therefore I need a minimum 50 signatures to get on the ballot. And I need your help. Please consider stopping by my home to sign my candidate petition this Saturday, Feb. 2, from noon until 3 p.m. at my home; and perhaps enjoy a glass of wine and meet others from the ward.”
Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 252, or at flewis@civitasmedia.com
What ever happened to the City Charter requirement that council members are not to work "directly" with the Department Heads but work through the Mayor and presumably the City Manager next year. They honored that so much that in the public council meeting they reported, mostly Albrecht, as a part of their Ward report, that they forwarded "service requests" to the dept. heads or mayor?
Committee's: Their current committees required by the City Charter are not and have not been functional for years, like the Civil Service Commission (CSC)that forced Gampp out when we had that yet to be settled USDA SOGP Gampp-gate, etc. That CSC situation set the PPD back a couple of years, etc.
The financial committees ought to be a hoot and continue when they get a city manager with an elected Auditor and Solicitor, etc.
Stay tuned...........forget the TV reality shows, we got one in the city government. And the county ought to become a hoot the way they are talking, etc.