Mike Johnson announces campaign for Niagara County Legislature

Michael A. Johnson of Lewiston announced his candidacy this week for the 2nd District of the Niagara County Legislature.

Johnson most recently served as finance director for the Town of Lewiston. He was a member of the Lewiston Town Board for 14 years.

"In my two decades in public service, I've had one over-riding motive: to prove that good government means the delivery of needed services in a timely manner that meets the requirements of the residents and reflects the wise use of taxpayer dollars.

"The hard-working men and women of this county deserve nothing less."

Johnson, an area Realtor, noted his experience in both the public and private sectors makes him extremely well qualified to serve in county government.

"As a real estate broker with nearly 40 years in the business, I am confident that I can help our county deal with the many issues it must confront," Johnson said. "Property values, home ownership, pride in our neighborhoods are all important, not just to homeowners, but to the general well-being of a community, whether it be a hamlet, village town or county."

Johnson said his community involvement as a private sector businessman has resulted in lasting and positive relationships with many state and federal representatives including Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, Congressman Chris Collins and others in county and local government.

During his tenure as Town of Lewiston finance director and his Town Board position, Johnson worked as a liaison to all town departments, including a term as a police commissioner. His private sector experience spans 37 years, as a licensed real estate broker, as current owner of Johnson Appraisal Company and as an associate broker with Realty USA.

Johnson served this country in the U.S. Air Force, assigned to the 914th Air Wing at Niagara Falls Air Base.

He is resident of Lewiston, as are his two daughters and three grandchildren.

Nick Forster, Niagara County Democratic Party chairman, issued a statement in support of Johnson's candidacy, stating, "Mike Johnson exemplifies, across the board, the extraordinary quality of our party's slate of candidates for election in November. To a man or woman, they are passionate about the future of Niagara County and our entire state, and I am sure Mike Johnson, as well as each of those running with him, will work together to facilitate greater economic growth for our county with the goal of more and better jobs in his district and elsewhere."

Johnson closed by announcing his "announcement tour" around the 2nd District, which includes the towns of Wheatfield and Lewiston, in coming weeks.

"I intend to see as many voters as possible to bring my agenda to their attention and to learn more of their concerns. Together, we can make Niagara County the truly great place it deserves to be known as," he said.