Bessie Johnson

For two longtime members, the last meeting

Written December 28th, 2022 by Hasso Hering

Comments: 5 responses.

I’ve been following most meetings of the Albany City Council on YouTube or Zoom. But I went in person Wednesday night because the last council meeting of 2022 was also the last for longtime Councilors Bessie Johnson and Dick Olsen.

Posted in: Commentary, News
Tags: Albany council, Bessie Johnson, council members, Dick Olsen, new council, Stacey Bartholomew

Demolition meeting ends on a sour note

Written November 28th, 2022 by Hasso Hering

Comments: 17 responses.

Monday’s meeting of the Albany Revitalization Agency was called to award a demolition contract for the former Wells Fargo branch downtown. It ended on a sour note when the chair, Councilwoman Bessie Johnson, formally accused member Dick Olsen of violating the secrecy of an executive session.

Posted in: Commentary, News
Tags: Albany council, Albany Revitalization Agency, ARA, Bessie Johnson, demoliition, Dick Olsen, Laneco Demolition, Wells Fargo branch

Council nixes ex-mayor for planning commission

Written October 27th, 2021 by Hasso Hering

Comments: 21 responses.

In a rare insult to a nominee who served Albany in public office for 24 years, the city council Wednesday rejected the nomination of former Mayor Sharon Konopa to a vacancy on the city planning commission.

Posted in: Commentary, News
Tags: Albany Planning Commission, Bessie Johnson, Ray Kopczynski, Sharon Konopa

Albany cart law looks like a flop

Written January 19th, 2019 by Hasso Hering

Comments: 23 responses.

In 2008, the Albany City Council passed a law intended to help return stolen shopping carts to the stores that own them. Almost 11 years later, we can see it hasn’t worked well, if at all.

Posted in: Commentary, News
Tags: Bessie Johnson, shopping cart odinance, Shopping carts