We sat down with former Portsmouth Mayor, Kevin E. Johnson to talk about politics and what’s next with his life.
Johnson said that while he may be retiring from the mayor’s office, he’ll still keep working. “I have too many kids and grandkids to stop working.” Johnson has four grown children and five still living at home.
Kevin says he wants to still serve the community. “I loved serving as a council member, serving as mayor. It has been one of the joys of my life, along with my kids and wife. I’ve been honored to serve.”
More Time With Family
He said there were multiple reasons he decided not to pursue re-election to his Third Ward council seat in the last election. “I’ve been down there close to 10 years. I’m a big believer that you need to turn over. I believe that you bring in fresh ideas and it’s time for that.”
Johnson says his large active family was another factor. “I want more time to spend with my children and with my grandchildren. I’ve missed some games and practices. I want to be more involved there.”
Johnson said he plans to stay busy with his job, his church, and other community activities and event. “I just won’t be councilman or mayor.”
Nearly a Decade of Service
Johnson was initially appointed to Portsmouth City Council back in 2013 when Third Ward Councilman Nicholas Basham stepped down. He subsequently was re-elected to the office. Johnson became Mayor four years ago when the mayor resigned.
Johnson said he made the decision to run for office after much discussion and prayer with his wife. “We prayed and we prayed earnestly. I didn’t know until the weekend before you had to turn in the petitions. We made the decision I was going to run. We have to go out and get names on our petitions.” Johnson said it snowed that weekend, and when he and his wife went door to door to collect signatures, residents kept inviting them into their homes. “We’re tracking snow into people’s houses. I’m thinking there’s no way I’m going to get elected after this.”
Kevin was on the ballot with another Kevin Johnson, Kevin W. Johnson. He remembers the paper did a story called “A Tale of Two Johnsons.”
Proudest Moments
Johnson said one of his proudest accomplishments on the council was among his first. “We went to the city manager form of government. I got to interview potential managers. It was an exciting time as we were going from a strong mayor to a city manager form of government. I still believe today it was a great decision.”
He also counts the purchase of the lots near Spartan Stadium as a win/win for all involved. The city offered money and trash pickup to Portsmouth City Schools in exchange for the property. “It was a real good deal to get this property. I’m hoping we’re going to do something here for the youth. That’s how I’d like to see it developed.” Right now, the property will be used as a staging area for the multi-million dollar renovations on the levy. “It can’t be used until that project is completed.”
Portsmouth Pulls Together
SCDN publisher Mark Craycraft recalled seeking Johnson’s advice on what to tell people when the city suffered multiple water main breaks and interruptions in service. He contacted Johnson right after church on a Sunday and Johnson helped pave the way to SCDN to do a live broadcast to direct citizens where to pick up water. “You helped facilitate that and work with the press to make sure everybody knew where to go. That wouldn’t have happened if it hadn’t been for you.”
Johnson refused to take all the credit. “I tend to think somebody else would have stepped up if I hadn’t. People are good-natured. That’s a servant’s job. That’s what Portsmouth is. Portsmouth is people who come together and are there for each other. We are a city of resolve. Through floods and economic depression, we always pull together. That’s Portsmouth.”
Voting Alone
There was more than one time when Johnson was the sole vote for or against an issue before the council. He says that’s because he puts principles over politics. “It was never personal. I always wanted to be civil whether we agreed or disagreed. I hope it can be said of the meetings that I presided over, that if you came to city council, you were treated with civility and respect.”
Advice Going Forward
As for advice to his successors, Johnson says he would tell new Third Ward Councilman Andy Cole that if there is anything he can do to assist him, he’d be glad to help. I would say to Andy, just do the best that you can do. When people reach out to you, make sure that you contact them back. Even those who don’t support you, you’re still working for them.” He said he’s confident Cole will do a good job.
As to the new mayor, he advised his successor to treat everyone with respect. “Just because you disagree with them or their politics, civility is still important. You’re representing our city. Remember that at all times.”
Kevin says he feels he’s leaving the city in a good place. “Our city is very strong financially. Stronger than we’ve been in many years. In 2013, most city departments were in the red. It was tough. City council got busy, they rolled up their sleeves. The voters approved a tax increase. A combination of all efforts got our city back to where it needed to be.” Johnson says the city is close to leaving its fiscal watch status behind. “This is going to require some good financial decisions and sometimes saying no when we want to say yes.”
Work Left to Do
He’s proud of the effort to strengthen code enforcement but thinks there’s still work left to do. “Our police and fire need to know that we support them. I feel like our city is strong.”
Going forward, Johnson wants residents to realize that Portsmouth is a great city to live in. “Any child can grow up and do what they want.” Johnson’s father was a disabled veteran and he grew up in the Wayne Hills housing project. “I learned at a young age to cut grass, shovel snow, take out garbage, and sell newspapers.” In the mid-1970s, Johnson was a familiar site hawking Grit newspapers in front of Kresge’s. He was able to attend college thanks to Pell grants. “I say that remind people that even if you’ve made mistakes in the past, your past doesn’t have to define your future. We live in a city where you can do about anything you want to do.”
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