By Andy Chappell-Dick
In this installment, Richard Johnson opens up from the Mayor's desk. As an elected council member, he was appointed mayor in 2018 when the previous mayor resigned. He won reelection to a full term in 2019, and is running unopposed for a second term.
What is your 20-second elevator speech for promoting Bluffton?
Bluffton is a great small town in which to raise your family or retire. We have a great school system, a university, along with some big town venues. A hospital, doctors, movie theater, bowling alley, golf course, library, numerous stores and restaurants. We have a retirement home, swimming pool, great organizations, numerous churches and EMS, Fire and Police departments.
What is your earliest Bluffton memory?
I was born and raised in Bluffton. In my younger days, on a Saturday night, you would go to town. All the stores were open, one would park on Main Street, and visit the stores and people. We would go into a newsstand and get a soda or an ice cream, or into the candy store for a candy treat. We could swim in the Buckeye, play ball at Harmon Field. We had no cell phones, no iPads. If you were fortunate enough to have a TV, you would watch Ed Sullivan, Bonanza or Lawrence Welk. Getting together with family and friends was a frequent thing to do, especially after church on Sundays.
What is your proudest accomplishment in government so far?
There are several accomplishments that I am proud of and happy to be a part of, but a highlight for me was when Jesse Blackburn was appointed Village Administrator, along with Kevin Nickel being appointed Village Clerk.
What has been your biggest struggle in government so far?
The year 2022 was brought together with a very tragic event, and that was the loss of one of our police officers, and dealing with all those who were affected by this tragedy, was stress on all elected officials and the residents of Bluffton and surrounding areas. Also we were dealing with Covid and all the safety issues that Covid created. It was quite a challenging time.
Do you hear from constituents on a regular basis? How do they contact you?
We have a great Council and work force in Bluffton If any of my constituents have a concern or issues on any matter, we either text, call each other and on occasion I stop at their homes to discuss their concerns.
You are running for reelection unopposed. What's your take on democracy in Bluffton?
I feel democracy in Bluffton is strong and going well. We have open communication between Council and myself. We each present our own views and opinions but the political party of each of us, never becomes part of our daily governing of the Village. I realize we have several people, including myself running unopposed. It's great to have people involved and wanting to run for office, but I also hope that running unopposed means people are satisfied as to how things are going.
Can Village government do anything about the housing shortage in town?
Village Council will need to change restrictions and policies, along with finding developers and land to build housing. Whether it be apartments, duplexes or single family dwellings. There are some potential developers looking into constructing housing in and around Bluffton. The economy and interest rates will also affect those developments.
Are local services adequately funded at current tax rates?
As of this year we have been able to adequately fund this year's projects and services. What the future holds remains to be seen, but be assured we will live within our resources and keep a 6-month reserve in holding to keep the Village up and running.
What are your top 3 priorities for another four-year term?
To continue to take care of our infrastructure. To keep our citizens safe and provide the best possible services, as we have come to expect. Run an effective government and use our resources in the best possible and effective way.
If Bluffton was a flavor of ice cream, what would it be?
Peach.
