Buncombe GOP Chairman to Run for State Vice-Chair

Dr. Timothy F. Johnson, Buncombe County Republican Party Chairman

Staff reports

Buncombe County Republican Party Chairman, Dr. Timothy F. Johnson, has announced that he will run for the position of North Carolina Republican Party Vice-Chairman.

 “It’s time we bring fresh voices with innovative and effective approaches to the table. There are too many groups of people who have not been represented at the state level in recent years,” said Johnson. “This isn’t just about having people of color in leadership roles. It is also about being open to those with different ideas and backgrounds and allowing many voices to be heard.”

A major responsibility of the Vice-Chairman is to be a link and
advocate on behalf of the county and district organizations, a
particular passion for Johnson.

“Elections are won at the grassroots level and that means the
county and district levels. The North Carolina GOP should be in the
business of supporting the counties, then the districts, then itself.
As one of our of party’s fundamental principles, we believe government
governs best when it governs closest to the people, and I believe that
should apply to the Republican Party structure as well.” Johnson added,
“Since becoming County Chairman, I have repeatedly seen the state party
asking the counties for help, while giving very little to the counties
in return. That’s backwards and it’s time to fix it.”

Other duties of the Vice-Chairman include supporting the
Chairman in his or her duties and stepping into the role of Chairman in
case of vacancy.

Dr. Johnson was first elected unanimously as Buncombe County
Republican Chairman in March of 2008. He was re-elected this month by a
more than 3-1 margin. He was a delegate to the 2008 Republican National
Committee and has been asked to speak at Republican-sponsored events
around the country.

Dr. Johnson is the President and CEO
of Leadership 101, an organizational development consulting company. He
served 21 years in the US Army, currently serves on several boards
including North Carolina Housing Coalition and Big Brothers Big Sisters
of Western North Carolina, and is an Adjunct Professor at Shaw
University. He is married to Latessa M. Johnson, Director of Student
Services at Asheville City Schools.