Cedric Johnson is a retired educator. He is one of three candidates for councilor from Ward IV.



Phoenix: Why are you running for City Council?

Johnson: The philosophy of a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has inspired me to get involved as a candidate for the City Council of Muskogee. Too often we hear complaints of what is not being accomplished. I see this as an opportunity to do something to solve the many problems rather than do nothing. Also, I see an opportunity to be a representative of Muskogee as well as being able to serve the people of our fair city.



Phoenix: Why are you qualified to be a city councilor?

Johnson: I feel that I am uniquely qualified to serve on the council due to my accomplishments of having been a part of helping to guide Muskogee through some challenging changes.

I was a member of the group of citizens who moved Muskogee from an ethnically divided city to a city of ethnic inclusiveness. I was a part of increasing viable employment opportunities for minorities in Muskogee. These changes in employment included the utility companies, the city of Muskogee, and including the federal institutions of Muskogee.

Up to that time, the most a person of color could hope for was a low-level position. I played a role in bringing about full integration of public places, as well an integral part in completing the desegregation of the public schools of Muskogee.

These changes did not come easily, however. Through communication rather than demonstration, we were able to accomplish these tasks. Because of my experiences of having worked with diverse groups of people, some who did not agree with me, I have no doubt as to my qualifications to serve on the City Council of Muskogee.



Phoenix: What do you want to accomplish if elected to the council?

Johnson: As a member of the council I will be able to move Muskogee forward from an economic standpoint, and social and cultural standpoint. Working together we can reach these goals by emphasizing the city’s strengths while working on its weakness.

Muskogee has educational opportunities superior to other cities its size. Muskogee has two private schools, the public system, Connors State College, Bacone College and Northeastern State University.

Northeastern Oklahoma, in which Muskogee is strategically situated, is very scenic and is easily accessed by superhighways and waterways and is close to an international airport.

Also as city councilor, I will seek to bring about a faster response to the concerns of our citizens. It is my opinion that city councilors should be provided space and should keep office hours. I intend to get the “average” citizen involved on serving on various boards and committees. I intend to do a better job of marketing Muskogee.



Phoenix: What are the biggest challenges facing Muskogee?

Johnson: The biggest challenge facing Muskogee in the next couple of years is the budget. Cities are facing a shortfall of income. Therefore, we will need to do some creative planning.

At this time, I think that is being done.

The city should not fill any vacancies, but fairly spread that workload among existing employees. The council and city manager should consider the likelihood of increasing fees for certain services. As has been mentioned I would favor a hotel-motel tax. This tax would not affect the citizens of the city but would be a tax on the visitors or travelers passing through the city who use hotels and motels. The council has imposed an increase in user fees of the sports complex for maintenance. I think there are other ways to do this instead of on the backs of parents.

We can use some hospital foundation money to fund such things as the Boys and Girls Club and keep it open.

Youth must be served. There are many needs of the city.

At this time, the budget has to be a top priority. In dealing with the city employees, we must include the unions as some issues such as furloughs could be a contractual issue. Hopefully, we will not come to this point. This would be a last resort, but must be looked at for down the road.

I am not in favor of taking all of the housing money except as a last resort. Also, there needs to be a clause in the contracts that contractors must buy all materials locally.



Municipal election

Today and over an eight-day period, the Phoenix will publish responses to four Phoenix questions by Muskogee candidates for City Council and mayor.

Schedule:

Ward IV candidates

Monday: Jim Ritchey.

Today: Cedric Johnson.

Wednesday: Kenny Payne.

Ward II candidates

Thursday: David Ragsdale.

Friday: Randy Howard.

Mayoral candidates

Saturday: Bob Coburn.

Sunday: Teresa Garris.

March 22: John Tyler Hammons.

March 23: Chris James.

The city election is April 6. If needed a runoff will be May 11.