THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, December 6, 1994 TAG: 9412060347
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MAC DANIEL, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 58 lines
Leon T. Johnson, Suffolk's assistant city manager and an 18-year veteran of Suffolk politics, has announced his resignation to become deputy county manager in Henrico County.
Johnson, 42, announced his resignation on Thursday, the same day Myles E. Standish began his term as Suffolk's city manager.
Johnson said Monday that his resignation was not related to Standish's appointment.
He said he had applied for the position well before the departure of former City Manager Richard L. Hedrick, who announced his resignation in July and left office in September.
Johnson served as interim city manager for the past three months as Suffolk prepared to replace Hedrick.
``I want to make absolutely clear that it's simply coincidence, the timing of it,'' said Johnson. ``I have the highest regard for Myles and think that he will be extremely successful in Suffolk. I was looking forward to working with Myles. It's just that these other events have intervened.''
Henrico County is a big move for Johnson, who goes from a city of about 54,000 residents to one of the largest and fastest-growing counties in the nation, with a population of close to 230,000. Henrico County is located outside Richmond, brushing the city to the north and east.
As deputy county manager, Johnson will oversee the county's libraries, finances, general services and data processing.
General services in Henrico County is a large department covering fleet management, buildings and grounds, purchasing and risk management.
``It's a large operation,'' said Johnson.
Henrico County is considered one of the top localities in the state and nation, Johnson said. ``There are publications that rate localities in the country based on financial condition, management team, and quality of the local government,'' said Johnson, ``and Henrico County comes out in the top 10 consistently.''
Johnson began his Suffolk career in 1976 as assistant director of finance.
In 1981, he became director of finance, and in 1988 he became assistant city manager.
Johnson said his new job is a professional challenge but one that he is excited about. Johnson will be making $73,298 in Henrico County, up from the $67,834 he made annually in Suffolk.
Johnson's resignation becomes effective Dec. 31. He begins work in Henrico on Jan. 4.
Standish, serving his third day in office, has not decided on a replacement. ILLUSTRATION: Leon T. Johnson will become deputy manager in Henrico County,
outside Richmond.
by CNB