Deputy Mayor Kenny Johnson Honored with 2021 Home Rule Hero Award
PALM BAY, FLORIDA – The Florida League of Cities (FLC), the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments, recently recognized Palm Bay Deputy Mayor Kenny Johnson with a 2021 Home Rule Hero Award. Deputy Mayor Johnson worked throughout the 2021 Legislative Session to advocate for and protect the Home Rule powers of Florida’s municipalities, promote local voices making local choices, and advance the Florida League of Cities’ legislative priorities.
Home Rule is the ability for a city to address local problems with local solutions with minimal state interference. Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local government officials, both elected and nonelected, who consistently responded to the League’s request to reach out to members of the legislature and help give a local perspective on an issue.
“I have actively worked on increasing engagement at the local level,” said Deputy Mayor Kenny Johnson. “Every year bills are introduced to preempt local governments. Preemptions are meant to provide uniformity throughout our great state on key issues, but every municipality is not the same. This is why it is important that the level of government closest to the people advocate for the people, which is what being a Home Rule Hero, is all about.”
“These local officials went above and beyond during the 2021 Legislative Session,” said FLC Director of Legislative Affairs Casey Cook. “They made an extraordinary effort, were actively engaged and highly effective in their advocacy efforts. Even with all the various challenges present this year due to the pandemic, they stepped up. They engaged with legislators, shared their stories, and made their voices heard, and it made a difference. On behalf of the League and its legislative team, it’s my sincere honor to recognize this year’s award recipients and thank them for their service.”
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