CANTON, Minn. – Her father had been mayor, so why not her? That was 24 years ago when Donivee Johnson threw her hat in the ring and, golly gee, was elected. This year, after 12 two-terms, she is retiring. Actually she lost a re-election bid 75-69 to newby Nicholas Prestby. Even so, Johnson vowed to attend Council meetings and advise Prestby as needed. Johnson’s great achievement over her tenure? She’s not quite sure which. Maybe the new $1.6 million water treatment plant in 1996. Or maybe a $400,000 housing grant to rehabilitate 20 homes. Or renovating the Town Hall. Some things, however, have remained pretty much the same — and for the better, she says, in the Fillmore County village, population 346.
Johnson. Her 13th mayoral campaign her last.