Former Williams councilman again eyeing public service

Former Williams City Councilman Eddie Johnson is looking to get back into the public mix.

Johnson, who also served on the city's Planning Commission, has applied for the vacant county Planning Commission seat for District 3, which has been vacant for more than a year.

The Board of Supervisors are expected to consider his application at its next meeting.

Johnson said he does not come in with any agenda, except his general interest in the future of Williams. "I understood they needed a representative for Williams, that was one reason," Johnson said. "And I have experience."

He said no one approached him about applying.

"I would hate to come in with (a set agenda) because I don't know where the present commission stands," Johnson said. "So if I am fortunate enough to be selected to be on the commission, that would be my first priority."

That noted, Johnson said, he is particularly interested in issues that directly impact Williams; and to take that a step further, wants to make sure the interests of the city are being addressed as issues come up.

Johnson served on the Williams Planning Commission for three years before being elected to the City Council. He served one term, and chose not to seek re-election in November.

Mostly, he is busy with his foundation, the Eddie Johnson Heart Disease Fund, which operates under the umbrella of the Community Foundation of Colusa County.

The county Planning Commission seat has been vacant since James Charter stepped down in December 2010.