Intro by King Musa
“Yo, what it is? You know what it is. It’s your man, King Musa! Welcome to The CheatSheet, the podcast where we decode success for creators, professors, and business owners. I’m your host, King Musa, and today we’re spotlighting the leadership of local government and how city officials are shaping the future of Nacogdoches.
Joining us today is Mayor Randy Johnson, a lifelong resident of Nacogdoches who’s passionate about driving change, ensuring growth, and preserving the well-being of this historic city. We’re excited to dive into his journey into public service and his vision for the community. Welcome, Mayor Johnson!”
Getting to Know Mayor Johnson
King Musa: “Welcome, Mayor Johnson! Could you introduce yourself and share what you do here in Nacogdoches?”
Mayor Johnson: “Thank you, King Musa. I’m Randy Johnson, Mayor of Nacogdoches. I’ve lived here all my life and run my family business, Johnson’s Furniture and Appliance, which my grandfather started in 1959. I was elected mayor last year, and while the position doesn’t pay, I take it very seriously because I care deeply about our community and its future.”
Personal Background and Passions
KM: “Where did you go to school, and how did your background lead you to public service?”
Mayor Johnson: “I attended Texas A&M University, where I was the first in my family to graduate from college. I majored in business and marketing, which aligned with our family’s retail business. I’ve always been drawn to serving the community, starting with 15 years on the school board and a term on city council. My desire to give back and my love for politics naturally led me to pursue public office.”
KM: “What do you enjoy outside of your roles as mayor and business owner?”
Mayor Johnson: “I used to play golf but lost the passion after a knee injury. Now, I spend time at my deer lease and enjoy time with my wife, children, and grandchildren. My work keeps me busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Leadership as Mayor
KM: “What is the role of mayor in Nacogdoches, and what are some common misconceptions about it?”
Mayor Johnson:
• “Nacogdoches operates under a home-rule government with four districts and an at-large mayor. While I conduct meetings and represent the city, I have the same voting power as other council members.”
• “Day-to-day operations are managed by the city manager, whom the council hires and oversees. My role is more about setting the tone and working with the city manager to ensure progress.”
KM: “What is your vision for Nacogdoches?”
Mayor Johnson:
• Growth and Preservation: “We want the city to grow while maintaining its rich history. From historic sites like Zion Hill Baptist Church to partnerships with SFA, our goal is to balance progress with preservation.”
• Economic Development: “We’re focused on creating jobs and leveraging opportunities like the Interstate 69 project and companies like Eon bringing new employment to the city.”
• Affordable Housing: “We need more single-family homes, especially as enrollment at SFA grows and new residents move here. It’s crucial to provide housing options within the city limits.”
Challenges and Insights
KM: “What are some of the challenges you face as mayor?”
Mayor Johnson:
• Sales Tax Allocation: “A significant challenge is that half of our sales tax revenue—about $10 million annually—goes to the hospital district due to a 1992 election decision. This limits our ability to fund infrastructure and pay competitive wages for city employees.”
• Aging Infrastructure: “We’re tackling major projects like replacing sewer lines that are over 100 years old. While a recent $43.7 million bond will help, it’s not enough to address all our needs.”
KM: “How can students and residents get involved in local government?”
Mayor Johnson: “Attend city council meetings, which are held twice a month at City Hall. There’s an open forum for public input, and we welcome students and residents to engage. Getting involved helps you stay informed and make a difference.”
Advice and Upcoming Opportunities
KM: “What advice would you give to those interested in public service?”
Mayor Johnson: “Get involved and stay curious. Engage with people, learn their needs, and maintain personal interactions. Politics is about being fair and listening to the community—you learn a lot from being part of the conversation.”
KM: “What upcoming events or initiatives should the community know about?”
Mayor Johnson: “We’re working on infrastructure improvements funded by the bond, including leveraging grants for projects like airport expansion. There are also exciting developments I can’t share yet due to NDAs, but stay tuned—they’ll benefit the city significantly.”
Outro by King Musa
“Mayor Johnson, thank you for sharing your journey and vision for Nacogdoches. It’s inspiring to see how local leadership can shape the future and drive positive change.
To our listeners, remember: Stay involved, stay informed, and make your voice heard. This is your man, King Musa, signing off. Keep building, keep growing, and stay rooted in your community. Peace!”
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