“That the series was offered by Anoka-Ramsey Community College appealed to me first,” says Johnson. “I have been engaged with Anoka-Ramsey in numerous safety programs through the years and knew it offered high quality programs.”

Johnson, a 30-year veteran of the Coon Rapids Police Department, also felt that running for city council after he had been retired for a couple years was “another opportunity to participate and contribute to the community” he calls home.

During his time on the force, Johnson worked in several capacities, beginning with patrol officer. He also served on numerous committees and countless special projects. When he was elected to office and charged with influencing the direction of the city, the leadership academy drew his attention.

“The academy series offered an opportunity to share ideas to bring back and turn into a plus for your own community,” says Johnson. “The interaction of the people involved was great.”

The academy explored complex issues including: collaboration, developing a shared vision, achieving common goals, positive and effective strategies for addressing interpersonal and group conflict, honesty and trust in public leadership and inspiring positive change. As part of the series requirements, participants complete their own individual leadership plan, including a personal credo and a metaphor to represent their leadership philosophy.

During the series, Johnson identified his personal leadership philosophy as “optimistic, realistic and practical.” The full personal statement that emerged for Johnson reads:

“I believe that a leader’s responsibility is to understand his/her community as it is today, recognizing and embracing the past and then setting a vision or goals for the future to lead or guide the community through the ‘now’ decisions to get to that ‘better’ future that will benefit the entire community. To do this, I think that you must first study the issues, listen to all opinions and views and then make an informed decision. Once the decision is made, you must act on it to move ahead. You must keep the major goal(s) in mind and not get discouraged or distracted by minor or major bumps along the way. You must also be realistic on knowing when the goal or vision is impossible to obtain, and be flexible enough to adjust to the real world circumstances that you cannot change.”

Johnson was congratulated upon graduation from the academy series by former U.S. Congressman and State Senator Tim Penny who hosted the last class, “Driving Positive Change in Your Community: The Times They are A-Changing.” Penny presented the leadership certificates and acknowledged the participants’ commitment to positive public service.

Receiving certificates with Johnson were: Deb O’Brien, council member, City of Circle Pines; Lester Heitke, mayor, City of Willmar; Maureen Peterson, school board member, Bloomington; Jan Eian, School Board member, Eden Prairie; Mike Gamache, mayor, City of Andover; Tony Feffer, council member, City of White Bear Lake; Paul Hill, council member, City of Randolph, Kevan Soderberg, mayor, City of Farmington; Steve Adams, council member, City of Deephaven; Brian Thuesen, council member, City of St. Anthony; Bryan Litsey, council member, City of Chanhassen; Gary VanEyll, mayor, City of Chaska; and Brian Kleven, council member, City of Osseo.

“In my experience the greatest leaders I have met are those who are perpetually curious, continually learning and purposefully strive to do better,” says Sherry Butcher, ARCC academy director and elected official. “Responding to elected office is a calling. Attending the academy was a commitment by each participant to further develop their leadership abilities by enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving and decision making skills. At the conclusion of this series, these leaders stated their commitment to excellence in leadership and the importance of effective and ethical government.

After his participation, Johnson concurs. “The series reaffirmed for me that most people that step forward for public service have the best of the community at heart.”

For more information or to get involved in the next Public Leadership Academy for Elected Officials program scheduled to begin January 2008, please contact Sherry Butcher at 763.433.1405.