Johnson announces run in city mayor race

A strong background in business and public service is part of the experience Richard Johnson will bring to the table when he asks voters for support in the upcoming November election for City of Tecumseh mayor. Johnson announced his candidacy on Monday.

Currently in the middle of serving his second term on Tecumseh City Council as mayor pro tem, the 62-year-old Johnson believes his background and common sense approach makes him qualified to help the city deal with its challenges and assist in reaching its opportunities.

“Our biggest challenges involve budgeting in the face of revenue fluctuations and cuts from the state,” Johnson said. He credits Tecumseh’s sense of community that has helped the city meet the challenges.

He said council’s foresight to develop the business and technology campus is one example of being poised to seize future opportunities for local jobs and the economy.

Among city assets, Johnson praises city employees who gave up pay raises to help ease the city’s tightening budget. “Their action speaks volumes, it’s part of this sense of community in Tecumseh,” Johnson said. “I also hold our city manager, Kevin Welch, in the highest regard,” noting Welch’s performance as manager as well as his volunteer service in the community.

Johnson is a 1965 graduate of Tecumseh High School. He is married to wife Susan (Whitney). After high school, he served 4 years in the Navy during the Vietnam War, two and a half years overseas. He later attended the University of Toledo.

His extensive business background includes 40 years in computers and 10 years of restaurant ownership. He is currently owner and CEO of the Evans Street Station.

City Mayor Harvey Schmidt will be stepping down in November as he pursues election as State Representative. Johnson joins fellow councilman Gary Naugle in an electoral race for mayor.