Johnson

HOUGHTON — After serving the area in various capacities for two decades, Robyn Johnson is looking to fill a new role — Houghton City Council member.

Robyn Johnson is one of three people running for the Houghton council seat vacated by Daniel Salo last year. An interview with Michael Salmi ran Thursday; a profile of Craig Waddell will run Saturday.

A Houghton resident since 2004, Johnson has worked at Michigan Technological University for 22 years, most recently as a business systems and data analyst in the office of the provost.

Johnson said the main draw of Houghton was the proximity to recreation and nature, as well as easy access to everything else she needs.

She has also worked in numerous volunteer roles, including executive roles for the Copper Country Ski Tigers, and the Keweenaw Co-Op.

“I was looking for my next volunteer role when it came to my attention that there was a vacancy on the city council,” she said. “As an empty-nester, I now have more time to devote to volunteer activity and feel that my experiences, skills and traits are a good fit for council service.”

The city council voted last year to tear down the Lakeshore Drive parking deck and also begin the process of deciding what would replace it. Johnson said the teardown gives the city an opportunity to view the site as a clean slate.

“While this might be a more lengthy and expensive path, it does give us a chance to more clearly envision what we want to see here and have real-time data on the impact to existing businesses, consumers, and residents in the area,” she said. “I believe there is no way to avoid at least partial development of this property and that some development, in tandem with the completion of the pier project, will enhance the area.”

The city council will have the final say on whether the city would sell the property for development. Johnson said she would evaluate the proposal by looking at public needs/wants, alignment with the master plan, sustainability and ample revenue generation for the city.

Aside from the deck, she sees maintaining and upgrading city infrastructure as one of the most visible priorities. Another challenge for the city will be ensuring there is accessible and affordable housing.

“I recognize that continual evaluation of zoning policies, consulting our master plan in the face of development proposals, and keeping an eye on revenue sources are crucial parts to addressing both priorities,” she said.

Like the other two candidates, Johnson had applied to fill the vacant council seat in November, when the council could not decide on an appointment. Johnson described herself as a pragmatic person who would not come into the council with an agenda.

“I am open-minded and enjoy calmly discussing opposing viewpoints,” she said. “Of the five candidates nominated for council appointment during last November’s failed appointment election, I was the only one that had crossover votes. I feel this is indicative of being a good fit to join this council at this time.”

Johnson said Houghton voters should choose her on Tuesday because she is calm, pragmatic, data driven, open-minded, efficient, and logical.

“I feel these are the traits well-suited to council service in the Council-Manager form of government,” she said. “I love this city and am happy to give my time and effort.”