Jan. 16, 2013 —
Standing on her porch in the middle of the night, watching rainwater fill up her street and driveway in Olive Hill – that’s when newly-elected City Council member Angie Johnson says she was divinely inspired to run for office.
“I had been much in prayer about it already, and then I ran into my neighbor while helping my mom get of the house as the water was rising. He mentioned that the City Council should do something about all this, and that’s when I heard it from God,” Johnson said.
As director of All Things Ministries, a local, non-denominational charity that works to bring together the Christian community in Olive
Hill, Johnson believes that her religious beliefs and her service to the city are intertwined.
“My faith has a lot to do with all of my decisions. It all comes down to asking myself what I can do to make a difference,” Johnson said.
In light of recent controversy surrounding the handling of the city utilities, the resignation of the former mayor after his arrest on drug trafficking charges and ongoing concerns with lack of revenue, Johnson expressed hope that the current administration and Council can work to move forward and solve the city’s problems.
“The most important thing for me is that everyone gets focused on why we’re here and what we’re trying to do. In order to do that, we have to lay aside our own personal feelings, and sometimes even our own ideas,” Johnson said.
“What matters is that we get things done that work – things that are good for Olive Hill,” she added.
Though hope and optimism are pillars of Johnson’s platform, she admits that there will be difficult public conversations in determining what’s best for the city.
“Olive Hill is like a family and every family has problems. Sometimes you have to have a 'family meeting’ and bring up difficult issues.
People’s feelings might get hurt, they might get angry, but ultimately you still have to make the best decision for the city,” Johnson said. “I’m a very positive person. I want people to have a positive vision. The process in getting to that place, however, can sometimes be painful. But if there’s respect, love and a shared vision, in the end I believe that the problems can be solved,” she stated.
Joe Lewis can be reached at jlewis@journal-times.com or by telephone at 286-4201.
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Angie Johnson looks to bring a positive, faith-based perspective to Olive Hill City Council.
Johnson brings spirit of hope, optimism to Olive Hill Council
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