Jill Johns, who was elected by a wide margin to the Ramsey City Council last week, expects a quick and smooth transition to a council that is still in the early stages of establishing itself.
Johns, a longtime resident and member of the city parks and recreation commission, defeated Tom Heifort in a special election for the seat vacated by David Elvig earlier this year. She received 215 votes to Heifort's 49.
Johns says she is an unabashed fan of Mayor Sarah Strommen and the current council. Strommen was elected mayor last fall. Only she, Randy Backous and Jason Tossey remain from last year's seven-member council.
"I very much support the direction the council is heading," Johns said. "I think I can step right in and fit in nicely.
"This council has a strong vision with strong core values. I'm excited for the city."
The other council members are Mark Kuzma, John LeTourneau and Chris Riley, who won the seat Strommen vacated when she ran for mayor.
PAUL LEVY
paul.levy@startribune.com
