At the request of Councilmember Janeese Lewis George, the Executive Board of the Ward 4 Mini-Commission on Aging on September 26 removed its elected chair, Jocelynn Johnson, a longtime advocate for seniors, for unsubstantiated charges of ‘disrespect’.
CM George initiated the removal in a September 16 letter advising the Mini-Commission that she would not attend its meetings while Johnson is chair. In her letter, George alleges, “I have personally experienced unprofessional and disrespectful conduct, and I have witnessed it towards my team, the Mayor, fellow Councilmembers and their staff, and agency directors and their representatives,“ but George cited no specific actions. This unsubstantiated allegation is parroted by the Board in a letter removing Johnson from office. Further, the Board attempted to gag Johnson by forbidding her from releasing George’s letter to the public or even telling members of the Mini Commission, who had elected her to office last year.
Johnson asserts that she was never told of any incident of disrespect or otherwise warned that her actions were unacceptable and would lead to her removal from office.
Johnson is proud of her contributions to a better Ward 4 and city. As chair, she has highlighted senior issues, such as the hazards for seniors from bike lanes. Her leadership has led to growth in Commission membership. On the other hand, George who sits on the Council Transportation Committee, has been largely silent on senior bike matters and, in fact. seldom attends the committee hearings, according to Johnson.
The Mini Commission meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month at the MPD4 Station, 6001 Georgia Ave., NW, at 10 am. The next meeting is October 10. Johnson will be in attendance.
Nick DelleDonne
October 2, 2024