The Metro government grapevine kept saying Metro Councilman Dan Johnson, D-21, was upset with this week’s “Jerry’s Kids” column for reporting he’s “considered vulnerable and wildly ineffective” by Republican Party officials who are eyeing south and southwest districts. Johnson, who was elected majority caucus chair by his fellow Democrats this year, reportedly called several colleagues and politicos demanding answers after reading the piece. He left a brief voicemail at LEO Weekly’s offices to find out who our sources were, but we of course did not divulge.
Below are a few gems from that interview with Councilman Johnson:
“How can you print something like that? I’m one of the most popular, more well-known council members. I’ve won seven elections in a row. It’s pretty ridiculous.”
“That’s the only way I’d lose my council race, if I was running for mayor.”
“I wrote the merger plan. The downtown arena was my idea.”
“I called the Republican Party and asked them and they said they had nobody who was going to run. They’re not looking for anybody to run against me. But I don’t think I’m that vulnerable. But if you think I am that’s great. I’ll prove you wrong.”
Read more in next week’s “Jerry’s Kids.”
5 Comments
For most of the 1990s, I worked for the private law practice of J. Bruce Miller. I remember Dan Johnson, along with Steve Magre, and I think George Unseld, all coming to J. Bruce talking about building an arena in Louisville and bringing in an NBA team to help pay for it. J. Bruce once said to me that if we ever get an arena built, the City’s room ought to be dedicated to Alderman Johnson. He is the one who pushed to make it happen. I know all of this is true because I was there.
Well, we got an arena. I’m not sure why we built it in the flood zone at 2nd and River rather than on city controlled property at 3rd and Ali. All we have to do now is figure out how to pay for it.
Dan, Steve, George, and J. Bruce were way out front on this issue. It is ashame no one chose to follow through on their plans all those many years ago.
Perhaps CM Johnson could resume his push for an NBA franchise. I, for one, could get behind that.
I did not say I was popular. The lying writer inserted that even after he asked me if that was what I meant when I said I was well known. In local government today I am the longest serving councilman and second in longevity to our mayor who has not been helpful with the nba. I am working with j bruce on the nba but that is behind doors now because of the economy. We need a rich investor to bring a team here. I have worked hard as a councilman for my constituents and I hope they will reward me with another term so I can continue to serve them. I am effective and live and serve in a solidly democrat district so I do not see republican opposition as a threat. Dan Johnson
Let’s ask Dan Johnson why his district is consistently looking more and more run down despite having two interstate corridors running through it being I 65 and I 264. When there is increasing poverty in those areas of the city and increasing social issues. Or the fact that they basically gave away the Louisville Industrial Center aka Naval Ordnance for 1 dollar. Yet outside of Raytheon and a few small companies, no real development has occurred there. I worked in that area for a few months and I was amazed at how such an area could be barren. BAE Systems was a large employer in that area but they consistently layoff half of their workforce. So you really can’t rely on that sort of employment picture. Its really pathetic that we give these companies basically free rent and they still can’t provide decent employment. So that is what Dan has done for the city which is a whole lot of nothing.
ive heard rumors of a young up-and-comer considering a run for dans spot. if he chooses to run, i can guarantee his proven leadership, superior communication skills, and vision for his community will make short work of any campaign johnson tries to pull together. it would be a refreshing change for the people of district 21, who do not need four more years of the previous 18!