Mayor's Vision Statement
Inauguration Speech
Position on Education |
Dear friends, colleagues and citizens,
As your new Mayor, I want to thank you for your support -- for me, for your City Council, and for the new direction we are taking. Much has been said about how my leadership style is new and different; how outspoken your aldermen are; and how we are “ruffling feathers” and “shaking the trees” as we set new priorities to improve our City.
But the fact is we want what Savannahians have always wanted for our community:
-safe neighborhoods, free of blight, where neighbors know and respect each other and work together and with their government to find solutions; and
-economic prosperity -- for individuals, for families, and for businesses. This will require much, such as an improved educational system, a more qualified workforce, and better and higher-paying jobs.
We must improve all avenues of communication: betweenlocal governments, with the business community, and especially with you. Our administration will listen to our constituents and ensure that they will get a timely response to their legitimate requests. We will do what we promise, and not promise things we cannot do.
As you’ll come to see, our priorities are much the same as other mayors and councils. What will be different during my administration is the process by which we reach our goals. I and your Council members expect to be held accountable. We will hold those who report to us accountable. And we will accomplish our goals –the goals which you told us were important to you.
Sincerely,
Mayor Otis S. Johnson, Ph.D. |
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