Growing up in Vernon, Landon Johnston remembers his mom telling him that if he wanted something done he would need to stand up and do it himself, and not to assume anyone else is going to do it.
Now living in Calgary, and upset with actions of his city council, Johnston has done just that.
The 35-year-old has started a petition to remove mayor Jyoti Gondek.
The City of Calgary received a notice of recall petition which has been reviewed and deemed compliant on Feb. 5, giving Johnston a 60-day signature collection period.
In order for the recall to be sufficient, a minimum of 40 per cent of the population, or 514,284 signatures, must be acquired by April 4.
So far, he has approximately 50,000, which he considers quite the feat and pointing to the fact that he’s not alone in wanting a new mayor.
“No one asked me to do this, I signed up for it,” said Johnston, who has been humbled by the supporters, including 700 volunteers he organizes.
“People are lining up in droves to sign this.”
But he’s also been met with some resistance.
“I’ve been threatened, I’ve been spat at,” said Johnston.
But along with a drive to get things done, Johnston’s mom also taught him not to give up.
She, along with his dad, still live in Vernon and he knows they are proud of his efforts.
Johnston was born in Vernon and attended St. James school as well as Fulton and Kalamalka secondary schools.
The Morning Star has reached out to Gondek for comment.
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