BEST COUNTY OFFICIAL
Jo Anne Johnson
West Maui’s County Council representative Jo Anne Johnson is nothing if not well-loved, at least by Maui Time readers if not by big developers to whom she routinely has said, “No.” Even before upsetting incumbent Dennis Nakamura back in 2000 by a mere 130 votes, she was working to slow the pace of development in her West Maui District, limited as it is by over-crowded roadways and schools, and other infrastructure shortfalls. Believing her popularity is a reflection of her great love for her community, she said one of the greatest things is when people stop her out in public and thank her for the job she’s doing. “That’s something money can’t buy,” she said. Apparently she can’t be bought either—consistently winning re-election on a shoestring campaign budget—and her voting record. [RP]
Runner-up: Michelle Anderson