Johnson Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection to Select Board

Chair says public office takes ‘commitment and courage of conviction’

Tonight, Select Board Chair Todd Johnson, above delivering remarks at the town’s Memorial Day ceremony, announced he will not seek reelection in 2024 after 20 years in elected office.

His full statement is below.

On a personal note, frequent Carnation readers have likely noted that Johnson is frequently quoted. That’s not an accident. He’s unfailingly professional and consistently seeks to serve the town as a whole, even when that means a tough vote. He will be missed. –LG

Johnson’s Statement

As we close out the calendar year and enter our annual town election season, I want to take a moment to encourage reasonable and committed residents to consider running for various local positions here in town.  Our community is richer for the service of many, and we all share a responsibility to give back in some way to the place we call our hometown. 

I’ve personally been honored to serve our community since 2003 when I first sought elective office on the School Committee. I lost that effort, but immediately joined the Finance Committee for four years during very tumultuous financial times, and will soon be completing 15 years sitting at this table as a select board member. 

Along the way, I’ve been honored by the confidence shown by fellow residents in the nearly 12,000 votes cast next to my name.  Our community has changed a lot in those 20 years of service, and we have addressed many important concerns including financial issues, services, and capital improvement projects.  We have renovated the Wynn Middle School, built a new high school, a new center elementary school, a south fire station, a center fire station, a new DPW facility, Town Hall, & senior center.  We have updated our zoning bylaw.  We have raised the town’s financial footing by establishing real fiscal policies that resulted in a true and substantial stabilization fund and dramatically improved our bond rating. There is a lot to be proud of.

Along the way, I have met residents I otherwise would not have ever interacted with.  I’ve learned so much about our community and its people.  My fondest memories include meeting the many veterans who have served our country and honoring them at various events. 

Elective office is not easy.  It takes commitment and courage of conviction.  You get criticized more than you get praised.  You need to learn to work in a collaborative manner among equal peers and then earn the support of your community at each town meeting and election. It is challenging, but well worth it.

Over the last few months, I have given lots of thought to changes in my life and reflected on the past 20 years.  I have come to recognize that it is time for me to step away from this role and pursue other interests and adventures.  When I was first elected, my two children were in grade school, and I cherish a photo of them counting election precinct results on election night as they learned about civics in real time.  Now they both are married, and I am a grandfather.  I have other interests and priorities that call for attention.  As such I will not be seeking re-election this coming election and I want the community to have advance notice so hopefully multiple, reasonable, and service focused residents can consider joining the fray. 

I’d be remiss if I did not take a moment to thank my wife, Andree, who has sacrificed more than I appreciate for my service over 20 years.  I want to thank my entire family for their support through thick and thin.  I want to thank my many friends who stepped up to hold signs and rally the troops. I want to thank the many colleagues I have sat at this table with – only they know what it takes to do this work.  They include John Mackey, Jerry Selissen, Ann Marie Stronach, David Gay, Ed Dick, Doug Sears, Scott Wilson, Jim Wentworth, Bruce Panilaitis, Mark Kratman, Jay Kelly, Brian Dick, James Mackey, Jayne Wellman, and Patrick Holland. 

In retrospect, the hardest decision I made was deciding to make a change in our town manager; but the best decision I made was to make a change in our town manager. We are blessed to have hired Mr. Montuori as town manager 11 years ago.  His professionalism, high ethical standards, and commitment to excellence were reasons to forge on when I was tired or distracted. As a multi-year chairperson, I interacted with him regularly and see firsthand the tremendous work and leadership he brings in his role each day.  I also want to thank the many town department heads and our employees, past & present, who gave their best every day to serve our community. They earned my respect and appreciation. 

I am proud of the road I have traveled. I know part of me will miss being engaged at this level, but I also know that it is time for the next generation of leaders to step up. I wish my current colleagues and those that follow me at this table come April all the best as they strive to continue to move Tewksbury forward. 

Thank you.  

Todd Johnson