Editor’s Note: The Santa Rosa Press Gazette will feature Milton City Council candidates running in the Nov. 8 election. We continue this multi-part series with current council member Mary Ellen Johnson, who seeks re-election for Seat 2 in Ward II while running against candidate Cara Schepper.
Tell us about yourself.
I am a lifelong resident of Milton, Florida. I love and appreciate Milton and its citizens because of many realities. Just to mention a few: its continuous and revealing history, stories written and told by the locals, caring and family-friendly relationships and values, the beautiful and resourceful Blackwater River, natural habitats, the sound of passing trains and architecturally significant buildings. Thus, observing these realities, I conclude that Milton is a special and unique place to live.
After graduating from T.R. Jackson High School, I obtained a degree in biology from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee. My first teaching assignment was at King Middle School and, afterwards, Pace High School. As I progressed in higher-learning experiences, I obtained advanced degrees (masters, specialist) in the field of Education Leadership and ultimately became an assistant principal at Holley-Navarre Intermediate School. Finally, a few years prior to retirement, I became science coordinator for the school district.
In addition, I have been involved with numerous volunteer activities and outreach programs (Milton Clean Community, Focus Group for the Riverfront Master Plan, Historic Preservation Grant Review, Habitat for Humanity, Family Resource, Bridges out of Poverty, Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation, University of Florida Extension Advisory Group and Minority Teacher Recruitment).
Currently, I serve the public as a city council member for Ward 2, Seat 2. I am the chairperson of the LEAP (Leadership, Education, Activities and Programs) Committee. This committee is made up of representatives and subject-matter experts from Locklin Technical Center, Pensacola State College, Santa Rosa County School District, Santa Rosa Housing Authority, Public Transportation officials, and Youth and Elderly Recreation Program officials.
What are you most proud of seeing the city council accomplish?
The establishment of the LEAP Committee. As chairperson, it is my philosophy that in order for the city of Milton to become successful and strong, there is a need to make more informed decisions regarding the future growth and stability of its citizens.
Therefore, it is important to engage local leaders in conversations for information gathering so as to increase an understanding of issues and options concerning academic achievement, job availability and preparation, housing, public transportation and recreational activities for youth and elderly populations.
In addition, I am proud to note the reorganization of the Milton Youth Council. There is a need for youth insight in public decision-making as well as to provide them with opportunities to develop leadership skills and learn how local government operates.
If re-elected, what would you like to see accomplished for the citizens of Milton?
Established recreational fishing opportunities along the Blackwater River, continued streets and road-paving initiatives, Locklin Lake restoration, expansion of the Guy Thompson Community Center for our growing population of youth and elderly citizens, improvement and expansion of Carpenters Park to include a splash pad for children, a proposed RV Park, Marina development, downtown business expansion and activities, Milton/Bagdad Riverwalk connection, continued respect for veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters, each city employee, and the efficient and rapid movement of traffic along Highway 90 and through downtown Milton.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Milton community center expansion, lake restoration among Johnson's priorities