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Paula Johnson, Washington Ward 1 alderperson, highlights community ties and plans for Washington Plaza
Summary
Alderperson Paula Johnson, sworn in in May, said a tornado that affected her community prompted her to run for office. In an interview she described her volunteer work with local schools, her priorities—promoting the comprehensive plan and developing Washington Plaza as a second town hub—and urged residents to engage with city government.
Paula Johnson, who was sworn in as alderperson for Ward 1 in May, said she was motivated to run for city office after a tornado affected her and her neighbors. "I first started becoming aware of city politics after the tornado," Johnson said. "Like a lot of people, I wasn't all that aware of what was happening until it really started to affect me personally."
Johnson said community and school involvement shaped her decision to seek office. She described years of volunteer work with band boosters at Washington Bridal School and the high school, and ongoing involvement with the Penguin Project. "I've always liked to serve," she said, adding that her family returned to Washington in 2004 so her children could attend local schools.
Johnson identified schools and the small-town feel as strengths she wants to support. "We have fantastic, dedicated, devoted administrators and teachers," she said, and noted that Washington offers strong athletics, academics and music programs that let students find activities that interest them.
On city priorities, Johnson highlighted seasonal events and long-term planning. She said she is "so excited about the Christmas tree at Washington Plaza" and noted the city is celebrating its bicentennial. Johnson urged residents to review the comprehensive plan, which she said was "voted in by the previous council," as it lays out short-, medium- and long-term visions for parts of town.
Looking toward development, Johnson described a vision for Washington Plaza as a complementary gathering place away from the square: "This vision of Washington Plaza as being a second location in Washington where people can gather…we can really feel that same community that we get at Rovin Ramble on the square," she said, adding the goal is sensible growth that can help stabilize property taxes by attracting the right businesses and residents.
Johnson said the learning curve on the council has been steep: "I have definitely been surprised…by how much there is to learn," including a lot of reading and follow-up questions. She also noted that the current council and mayor are mostly new and that the group is learning to work together: "So much of the council is new. The mayor is new. We're all learning together."
She encouraged residents to contact her with ideas or concerns; her cell number and city email are listed on the city website, and she said she also accepts texts and Facebook Messenger messages. "If you have questions, if you have concerns, we really do care," Johnson said, urging people to attend meetings and stay engaged.
Johnson closed by stressing representation: "We are residents of Washington. We want this to be a great city to live in." The interview did not include formal motions or votes; it focused on Johnson's background, priorities and outreach to constituents.
