Commissioners select Johnson, McVannel to lead county board
GAYLORD — When it came time to select a new board chairman, Otsego County commissioners favored experience.
Meeting for the first time in 2023 on Wednesday, commissioners by a six to three vote using a secret ballot selected Doug Johnson of District 7 to serve as county board chairman for one year. He won over Dana Wingo of District 8, who was nominated by District 2 commissioner Henry Mason.
The vice chairman will be Brett McVannel of District 4, who proposed the motion to nominate Johnson as chairman.
Last year, the Michigan Association of Counties recognized Johnson as the longest consecutively serving commissioner in the state. He is beginning his 43rd year in office.
More:Otsego County commissioner says holding office is still a public service after 42 years
Johnson has served as county board chairman previously and he believes the new board, with six first-time officeholders, will face some unique challenges.
"People have been more engaged ever since Covid. With the shutdowns and restrictions, people seem more excited and want to become involved in government. Quite frankly they didn't like the mandates coming down from the state and federal governments so the only place they could take it out was in local government," said Johnson.
Noting the loss of experience following last year's election, Johnson wants the newcomers to the board to consider the benefits of cooperation.
"Let's just work together for the good of the people. I have been on good boards and difficult boards. The only people that lose with a difficult board are the citizens who elected us to do a job. We aren't all going to agree on everything and I understand that. When we go out that door I hope that we remain friends and go on to the next order of business," he said.
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Johnson hopes to continue in public office.
"I have made a lot of friends and developed good relationships. I guess it gets into your blood. I know I may be coming toward the end of this run but I still enjoy it and working on solving problems and doing what's best for the people I represent," Johnson said.
2023 Otsego County Board of Commissioners
District 1: Terra Deming
District 2: Henry Mason
District 3: Jonathan Turnbull
District 4: Brett McVannel
District 5: Jason Clement
District 6: Trevor Burroughs
District 7: Douglas Johnson
District 8: Dana Wingo
District 9: Kyle Yohe
— Contact reporter Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@gaylordheraldtimes.com.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Otsego County commissioners select Johnson, McVannel to lead board
