Paula Johnson lost to Todd Sluder in the race for Ward 1 alderperson on the Washington City Council in the April 1 election.
But with the election of Lilija Stevens as mayor, Stevens' alderperson seat in Ward 1 opened, and created an opportunity for Johnson.
Johnson filled Stevens' alderperson seat Monday when she was appointed to the council to fill the remaining two years of Stevens' term.
Stevens recommended Johnson's appointment, which was approved unanimously by the council.
"Paula demonstrated a clear commitment to serving our community when she ran in the election," Stevens said. "Her interest, experience and the public's familiarity with her make her a strong and ready choice so a fully seated council can function without delay."
A speech language pathologist, Johnson attended Washington Community High School from 1986-89 and has been a Washington resident since 2004.
She's been involved with the WCHS Band Boosters since 2017, serving as president since 2022.
"With my priorities of representation, fiscal responsibility and transparency, I feel I would be a good choice to take Alderperson Stevens' place in representing Ward 1 and Washington as a whole," Johnson wrote on her application for the job.
Sluder defeated Johnson 635-551, or 54-46%, in last month's election. He's replacing Mike Brownfield, whose alderperson term expired. Brownfield lost to Stevens in the race for mayor.
With Johnson's appointment, here's the Washington City Council lineup:
- Mayor Lilija Stevens (elected April 1).
- Ward 1 Alderperson Todd Sluder (elected April 1).
- Ward 1 Alderperson Paula Johnson (appointed May 5).
- Ward 2 Alderperson Michael Ernst (elected April 1).
- Ward 2 Alderperson Jamie Smith (term expires in 2027).
- Ward 3 Alderperson Brandon Moss (elected April 1).
- Ward 3 Alderperson Bobby Martin III (term expires in 2027).
- Ward 4 Alderperson Mike McIntyre (re-elected April 1).
- Ward 4 Alderperson John Blundy (term expires in 2027).
