The Board of Directors of Democratic Municipal Officials is honored to name Alderman Van Johnson II a Blue Star Candidate as he seeks the mayor’s office of Savannah, Georgia. We know him to be a strong advocate for Savannah, who will continue the story of Democrats taking back our cities from Republicans backed by strong outside funding.

Alderman Johnson, who joined the DMO National Board of Directors in 2014 and went on to lead as our organization’s Treasurer, replied to the news of the endorsement.

“I am overwhelmed and humbled to receive the endorsement of the Democratic Municipal Officials (DMO) as the latest “Blue Star Rising” candidate in my bid to become the next Mayor of the City Of Savannah, GA.

I am committed to creating strategic partnerships to improve public safety, reduce poverty, increase affordable housing and decrease homelessness in Georgia’s First City and receiving the endorsement of my Democratic colleagues from across the country, who are doing awesome things in their own communities, only solidifies my resolve to be successful on November 5th.”

First elected in 2003, Alderman Van Johnson has proudly been representing Savannah’s 1^st District for the past 16 years. He was elected by his peers to the position of Vice Chairman of the Council, and later as Mayor Pro-tem. He serves as Chairman of the Human Development Committee at the National League of Cities. Before entering government service, he worked in Savannah’s religious community, as a radio host, and as a police officer. Alderman Johnson also gives back as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Chatham County Department of Family and Children Services, President of the Board of the Wesley Community Centers, Founding President of the Savannah Metropolitan Chapter of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA), and presently serves on the 200 Club and Savannah Regional Youth Detention Center Advisory Board. In 2010, he was selected by the Georgia Governor Perdue and the Obama Administration to serve on the Selective Service Local Board. This wide cross section of community engagement bodes well for his future work on behalf of the people of Savannah.

Democratic Municipal Officials initiated the highly selective Blue Star Candidate program to draw national attention to local Democratic candidates, in particular when such an election would shift a mayor’s seat or council majority from red to blue. These candidates have been vetted and recommended by the DMO National Board.

If you would like to learn more about Van’s campaign please visit http://vansav2019.com

The Board of Directors of Democratic Municipal Officials is honored to name Alderman Van Johnson II a Blue Star Candidate as he seeks the mayor’s office of Savannah, Georgia. We know him to be a strong advocate for Savannah, who will continue the story of Democrats taking back our cities from Republicans backed by strong outside funding.

Alderman Johnson, who joined the DMO National Board of Directors in 2014 and went on to lead as our organization’s Treasurer, replied to the news of the endorsement.

“I am overwhelmed and humbled to receive the endorsement of the Democratic Municipal Officials (DMO) as the latest “Blue Star Rising” candidate in my bid to become the next Mayor of the City Of Savannah, GA.

I am committed to creating strategic partnerships to improve public safety, reduce poverty, increase affordable housing and decrease homelessness in Georgia’s First City and receiving the endorsement of my Democratic colleagues from across the country, who are doing awesome things in their own communities, only solidifies my resolve to be successful on November 5th.”

First elected in 2003, Alderman Van Johnson has proudly been representing Savannah’s 1^st District for the past 16 years. He was elected by his peers to the position of Vice Chairman of the Council, and later as Mayor Pro-tem. He serves as Chairman of the Human Development Committee at the National League of Cities. Before entering government service, he worked in Savannah’s religious community, as a radio host, and as a police officer. Alderman Johnson also gives back as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Chatham County Department of Family and Children Services, President of the Board of the Wesley Community Centers, Founding President of the Savannah Metropolitan Chapter of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA), and presently serves on the 200 Club and Savannah Regional Youth Detention Center Advisory Board. In 2010, he was selected by the Georgia Governor Perdue and the Obama Administration to serve on the Selective Service Local Board. This wide cross section of community engagement bodes well for his future work on behalf of the people of Savannah.

Democratic Municipal Officials initiated the highly selective Blue Star Candidate program to draw national attention to local Democratic candidates, in particular when such an election would shift a mayor’s seat or council majority from red to blue. These candidates have been vetted and recommended by the DMO National Board.

If you would like to learn more about Van’s campaign please visit http://vansav2019.com 

Sincerely,

Scott Benson
Council Member, Detroit
President, Democratic Municipal Officials

The Board of Directors of Democratic Municipal Officials is honored to name Councilman Mike Suarez a Blue Star Rising Candidate as he seeks the mayor’s office of the great city of Tampa, Florida. We know him to be a fierce leader who embodies Democratic values and a motivation to improve the well being of every resident of his city.

The Blue Star Rising program is available for local officials who have demonstrated a commitment to DMO and are now running to make a difference at a wider office. DMO connects Blue Star Rising candidates with a network of mentorship and fundraising resources, strengthening their campaigns and giving them a leg up after inauguration day. DMO will also use the Blue Star programs to inform our members how to support a rising peer.

Councilman Suarez has the local experience and national profile to ensure that the people of Tampa receive the services they need and the attention they deserve. He believes that “Every Neighborhood is Tampa” and all areas of the city deserve equal focus and resources.

The Bill of Rights for Tampa that Councilman Suarez has laid out will ensure the people of Tampa receive the services they need, and guarantee that the city is open and transparent. You can learn more about his platform at mikefortampa.com/bill-of-rights.

Councilman Suarez has been a dedicated leader of DMO for most of his tenure on the Tampa City Council. He has led our organization as the Chair of DMO’s Florida Chapter, a member of our Board of Directors, Finance Chair, and as National President.

DMO’s Board has seen Councilman Suarez’s hard work for the people of Tampa in person. When he hosted our national Board Retreat in Tampa in 2017, Hurricane Rita was barreling towards Florida. Councilman Suarez remained calm under pressure, directing city services to take the appropriate steps to protect his constituents. This resolve and responsiveness shows that Councilman Suarez will be ready to lead Tampa on the day he takes the oath of office.

If you would like to learn more about Mike’s campaign please visit mikefortampa.com.

Sincerely,

Scott Benson
Council Member, Detroit
President, Democratic Municipal Officials