Senator Kevin Johnson awarded Distinguished Service Award

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The Municipal Association of South Carolina presented its Distinguished Service Award to Senator Kevin Johnson (D – Clarendon, Darlington, Florence, Sumter) during its recent Annual Meeting. Johnson is the former mayor of Manning and is a past president of the Municipal Association. When presenting the award, Association board president, Cayce Mayor Elise Partin, recounted that Senator Johnson has been a consistent and reliable advocate for cities and towns during his tenure in both the House and Senate. He has been a leader on local government issues ranging from annexation to business licensing to fighting blight. "Since he was elected to the House in 2011, Senator Johnson has always been a champion for our cities and towns as well as a proponent of good local government and local control," Partin said. Johnson sponsored the Dilapidated Buildings Act in the Senate and is a consistent supporter on budget issues related to cities and towns such as Local Government Fund. On numerous pieces of legislation, including bills that threatened the dissolution of municipalities or pre-empted local governments' ability to execute the will of their respective communities on local issues, he has spoken up in defense of municipal government. Johnson regularly participates in the Association's Regional Advocacy Meetings. Johnson served on the City of Manning city council from 1994 – 2000 and served as mayor from 2000 – 2011.  Johnson was elected to the House of Representatives for one year before being elected to the Senate in 2013 where he continues to serve. Johnson serves on the Senate Judiciary, General, Invitations, Labor, Commerce and Industry, Medical Affairs and Transportation committees. The Municipal Association established the Distinguished Service Award to honor individuals outside of municipal government who contribute to the advancement of strong cities and towns in South Carolina.