A man who puts his hobbies and his recreation after his job, a man dedicated to the improvement of a town, a man who has been mayor for 36 years—this man is Sycamore’s very own Harold “Red” Johnson.

In his deep, rugged voice, Johnson said his life is devoted to the small rural town of Sycamore. Since 1949, Johnson has been interested in politics, especially the continued growth of his home town. “I never wanted to leave,” he said.

Born about two miles outside the Sycamore city limits, Johnson grew up on a farm. After graduating from high school and earning his associates degree from an area junior college, Johnson decided he wanted to stay in Sycamore and become involved in the town’s politics.

From 1949 to 1957, Johnson was a Sycamore alderman, which “led me into being mayor,” he said. “I didn’t just jump into mayor without knowing what I was doing.”

Johnson wanted to become involved in politics because of the “bad” shape the town was in 40 years ago, he said.

Johnson said he likes to participate in America’s favorite pastime—sitting in front of the television and watching the Chicago Cubs or the Bears.

Although he likes to watch sports, his duties as mayor keep him busy, he said. Instead of sports, listening to country and opera music has taken place of the long hours needed to watch sporting events.

Sycamore City Clerk Georgina Yeager said Johnson is a very content person because of his happy marriage and his business. The mayor is part owner of Gullberg and Johnson, Inc., Furniture Store, 111 Somonauk St., Sycamore.

“He is excellent to work with,” Yeager said. She said that even with Johnson’s busy schedule, the mayor is never too busy to stop and listen to someone.

Johnson loves to reminisce about the old days, Yeager said, and his success comes from his unbelievable recall ability. Johnson is able to recall events that happened in Sycamore years ago, which helps him make decisions for the future of the town.

Re-elected two weeks ago to his ninth term as mayor, Johnson said he plans to get state funds to improve Sycamore. “There are a lot of things to do—it takes years to get started.”

Although Johnson did not specify what projects he wants to accomplish in his next four years, he said they would take money—money that Johnson plans to get from the state.

The people of Sycamore will have to wait until state funds are available before they see any projects started in their town. Johnson said his philosophy is that projects cannot be started without first having the money to pay the contractors.