Linda T. Johnson

Johnson, 57, is running for mayor in Suffolk

Opponents: Andrew B. Damiani, Michael J. Debranski, Roger A. Leonard, Dwight A. Nixon, Thomas A. Powell Jr., Deborah Wahlstrom (write-in)

Years in city: Has lived in Sleepy Hole Borough and city for 45 years

Education: Bachelor’s degrees in journalism and English from Westhampton College at the University of Richmond; numerous courses taken for real estate

Occupation: Realtor for 22 years; affiliated with Long & Foster for the past 10 years

Family: Married to Jesse J. Johnson Jr.; son, Jesse J. Johnson III

Civic involvement: Before becoming a City Council member, worked with the PTA, band parents, was a civic league president and teen youth leader. Since being on council and as mayor, been a part of civic activities throughout the city.

I have a record of success. Suffolk is financially well-managed, taxes are low, schools are improving, there are thousands of new jobs, the city is responsive and open to concerns expressed by the citizens, and the quality of life for Suffolk families is better than ever.

The top priority is to be good stewards of the people's tax dollars. I am absolutely committed to keeping taxes low, spending focused on true core services like education, public safety and fire services, and parks and recreation while maintaining our sound fiscal practices.

Educating a workforce for the 21st century is absolutely critical to Suffolk's future. We must invest in public education, lifelong learning and work with state and federal agencies to make sure we have job training so that our citizens have the skills to succeed in the workplace.

The city needs to develop by creating better paying jobs and preserving open spaces and parks. Controlled growth means ensuring that we have the infrastructure planned or in place as the city grows.

Appealing to the General Assembly for our region's fair share of state money. I also support efforts that can generate efficiencies from regional cooperation while never forgetting that Suffolk's taxpayers' best interests always come first.

I consistently hear that the best approach is raising the statewide gas tax and placing tolls at key places to generate revenue for road construction and maintenance. However, during this economic crisis I don't believe there is much support for raising taxes.

The corridor will be improved probably with a bypass and with financing from the commonwealth, the port, the City of Suffolk and perhaps federal road funding. It will require a true collaboration on all parts.

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