Johnson seeks re-election to Lewiston Town Board

Lewiston Porter Sentinel, June 30, 2007

Michael A. Johnson, councilman for the Town of Lewiston, announced his candidacy for re-election at a fund-raiser June 6 at Lower Niagara Moose Lodge 584 among his many friends, family and supporters. Johnson has the endorsements of the Lewiston and Niagara County Democratic committees and the Working Family Party.

A commercial real estate broker, Johnson says his 30-plus years of experience in the Niagara County real estate industry gives him a unique perspective on the issues of job development and property taxes. “I’m extremely pleased,” he says, “that over the past four years, our efforts to develop more effective budgets for the Town of Lewiston has resulted in a no town tax budget.”

Johnson also cited his commitment on bringing jobs to Niagara County. “My major goals for my next term of office will be to improve the infrastructure throughout the Town of Lewiston, especially through the intelligent use of the monies the town will begin to receive through the settlement with the New York Power Authority, and continue our efforts to keep the tax burdens on homeowners and businesses as low as possible while continuing to deliver the best quality of services.

“The historical character of life in Lewiston will be maintained only through the efforts of elected officials who understand the meaning of ‘smart growth,’ ” he says. “I am dedicated to working with the Sanborn Historical Society, the Lewiston Council on the Arts, Artpark, the libraries, the seniors, the Recreation Department, all community-based organizations and most importantly, working with the Lewiston residents, responding to their needs to help maintain the quality we so deserve in Lewiston.”

Recognizing the needs of Lewiston’s agricultural community, Johnson states a major goal for his next term would be to enhance the underutilized farmland in the Town of Lewiston, including continuation of the greenhouse operations in the area and working with the farmers to become more profitable. Johnson also plans to work with local businesses and the local wineries to promote growth between the two markets.

The former owner of Johnson Salisbury Real Estate in Lewiston, Johnson served in the 914th Air Reserve from 1971 to 1979. He also attended local colleges, including Niagara University, the University at Buffalo, Buffalo State College and Canisius College for business, law, real estate and insurance courses. He is a New York state-certified instructor for real estate courses. He served in numerous executive positions, including president of the Niagara Frontier Association of Realtors, and is currently in his second term as Western Regional vice president of the New York State Association of Realtors.

Johnson’s past civic involvement extends to serving on the YMCA board of directors, the Blue Ribbon task force for the Lewiston-Porter School District, the Lewiston Business and Professional Association board of directors, and the United Way Allocations Committee. He also serves as federal political coordinator for NYSAR to U.S. Rep. Louise Slaughter, and is currently the 2007 treasurer for the state Commercial Association of Realtors and a director for the Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors.

He is currently a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Niagara County Planning Board, Lower Niagara Moose Lodge 584 and the 3F Club. Johnson is also a member of the Holy Name Society at St. Peter’s R.C. Church, where he serves as an usher.

Johnson is the son of Donna Johnson and the late Robert Johnson. He is the proud father of two daughters – Jill Chmiel and Shannon Lester. The joy of his life is his grandson, Austin.

Johnson resides in Lewiston with his long-time friend and partner, Sue Ehmke.