Summary
In the summer of 2008, the Salem City Council seemed on the verge of reaching a key landmark.
Jane Johnson, the second woman of just three to serve on the council, announced interest in succeeding outgoing Mayor Howard Packett. Salem had previously been led by 22 mayors, all of them men, and Johnson, from the showroom of her jewelry store on South College Avenue, told a reporter that residents had encouraged her to step up for the job.See the full content of this document
Extract
Little Dissension On Salem Council
Vice Mayor John Givens, the council's senior member, with well more than a decade of experience, also expressed a desire to lead.
Near the end of June, the five-member council went into closed session to appoint the position, sat down at a table and later emerged with a new mayor -- Randy Foley, then 38, a University of Virginia-educated family man and nine-year Air Force veteran. The council's newest and youngest member, he was tapped without dissension, drawing votes even from both Johnson and Givens."At the end of the day, we all have to work together," Johnson said recently of the appointment. "I think it would've been real negative to come out and vote against that decision."I feel like being a good sport is a good thing. I'm a team player. I was disappointed. However, we've had no problems. It's all wel...See the full content of this document
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