The Tiger's Roar, Van Johnson, SSU alum, takes mayoral seat

The Savannah Tribune, We Stand with Van Johnson

Van is originally from Brooklyn, New York. He has lived in Savannah since his college years. He has a bachelor's degree in business administration from Savannah State University and a master's degree in public administration and public policy analysis from Georgia Southern University. He is also a nationally certified human resources professional and a Georgia-certified law enforcement professional.

Van is the director of the Chatham County Youth Commission. He used to be a talk show radio host, political commentator, and human resources manager for Chatham County.

Van R. Johnson is currently the mayor of Savannah. He was first elected in 2019 and has been in office for one term. He was elected as alderman for the City of Savannah in 2004 and served for three terms. During his tenure as an alderman, he served as mayor pro-tem and vice chairman of Savannah City Council.

As of August 24, 2023, Van R. Johnson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Natural Resources & the Environment

Housing & Urban Development

Savannah Morning News, Savannah City Council District 1 candidates

Said, "gangs and groups that act as gangs create problems for Savannah that need to be addressed just as people selling drugs or trying to obtain them present their own challenges to public safety."

Wants to make gun licenses harder to obtain.

Supports a system-wide approach to addressing juvenile delinquency, substance abuse, illegal weapons, mental health.

As mayor, he reduced the criminal penalty for possession of marijuana from arrest to a fine and a ticket.

- Said, "gangs and groups that act as gangs create problems for Savannah that need to be addressed just as people selling drugs or trying to obtain them present their own challenges to public safety."
- Wants to make gun licenses harder to obtain.
- Supports a system-wide approach to addressing juvenile delinquency, substance abuse, illegal weapons, mental health.
- As mayor, he reduced the criminal penalty for possession of marijuana from arrest to a fine and a ticket.

Public Safety

Plans to reduce poverty through education and a living wage.

Wants to attract international businesses while still expanding and developing local and small businesses.

Wants to ensure Savannah maintains its historic designation.

- Plans to reduce poverty through education and a living wage.
- Wants to attract international businesses while still expanding and developing local and small businesses.
- Wants to ensure Savannah maintains its historic designation.

Public Services

Plants to implement an affordable downtown parking plan.

- Wants to improve sidewalks and streets.
- Plants to implement an affordable downtown parking plan.
- Supports port deepening.

Transportation & Infrastructure

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Van R. Johnson

As of August 24, 2023, Van R. Johnson’s website did not contain information on this issue and Van R. Johnson did not complete our questionnaire.

- Said, gangs and groups that act as gangs create problems for Savannah that need to be addressed just as people selling drugs or trying to obtain them present their own challenges to public safety."
- Wants to make gun licenses harder to obtain.
- Supports a system-wide approach to addressing juvenile delinquency, substance abuse, illegal weapons, mental health.
- Lessened the criminal penalty for possession of marijuana from arrest to a fine and a ticket.

Van R. Johnson is currently the mayor of Savannah. He was first elected in 2019 and has been in office for one term. He was elected first district alderman for the City of Savannah in 2004 and served for three terms. During his tenure as an Alderman, he served as mayor pro-tem and vice chairman of Savannah City Council.

Van R. Johnson is currently the mayor of Savannah. He was first elected in 2019 and has been in office for one term. He was first district alderman for the City of Savannah for three terms, mayor pro-tem, and vice chairman of Savannah City Council.

Van R. Johnson is currently the Mayor of Savannah. He was first elected in 2019 and has been in office for one term. He was First District Alderman for the City of Savannah for three terms, Mayor Pro-Tem, and Vice Chairman of Savannah City Council.

- Focuses on addressing gang violence and crime in Savannah.
- Wants to make gun licenses harder to obtain.
- Supports a system-wide approach to addressing juvenile delinquency, substance abuse, illegal weapons, mental health.
- Lessened the criminal penalty for possession of marijuana from arrest to a fine and a ticket.

- Aims to reduce poverty through education and a living wage.
- Wants to attract international businesses while still expanding and developing local and small businesses.
- Desires to ensure Savannah maintains its historic designation.

- Wants to improve sidewalks and streets.
- Aims to implement an affordable downtown parking plan.
- Supports port deepening.

- Focuses on addressing gang violence and crime in Savannah.
- Wants to make gun licenses harder to obtain.
- Lessened the criminal penalty for possession of marijuana from arrest to a fine and a ticket.
- Supports a system-wide approach to addressing juvenile delinquency, substance abuse, illegal weapons, mental health.

- The mayor leads the executive branch of local government, presiding over city council meetings, making sure city departments run smoothly, and providing services to citizens. 
- The mayor runs the city day to day and prepares the budget each year, meaning that they propose how much funding goes to each city department, including the police department, city parks, transportation, and the fire department. 
- The mayor also hires the Police Chief, Fire Chief, and city department heads, such as City Planning, Parks & Recreation, and Transportation. 
- Most Georgia mayors are elected in odd years to four year terms. Elections are nonpartisan. 