This episode is brought to you by the Savannah Economic Development Authority

While his roots may be laid in Brooklyn, Van Johnson is Savannah at his core. The mayor-elect journeyed to the Hostess City to attend college at Savannah State, and chased his passion for civic service back to Savannah when he was looking for work -- developing into various community initiatives and a seat on the city council for over a decade. Now in his new role, he expects to help move the city forward at a critical point in its history. On this episode, he talks about his upbringing in Brooklyn and how that city has changed, his choice to return to Savannah, what the last few weeks after the runoff have been and what he hopes to accomplish over this four year term.

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(13:56): Coming to Savannah State from Brooklyn

(19:13): Returning to Savannah and finding work

(25:04): What the weeks following the runoff have been like

• Savannah mayoral, District 6 runoff candidates face off one more time (SMN, Dec. 1, 2019)
• Van Johnson elected as mayor (SMN, Dec. 3, 2019)

(33:05): Challenges for the new council

(40:24): What's next for the council after swearing in ceremony

(45:07): What does he hope to accomplish over the next four years?

(52:05): How can we bridge the race/class gap in Savannah?

• Savannah mayoral candidate apologizes for attending meeting that barred non-black reporters (SMN, March 29, 2019)

(56:52): What can the new council do to build on what the previous council did with affordable housing and poverty in the city?

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