By: Charles Romans
Carter County Times
Very few elected officials are so well thought of that they could be considered to be universally liked by the public that they serve. Carter County Clerk Mike Johnston was that rarity; an elected official who reached beyond every line – including party lines – to meet the public on their own terms with a healthy respect for their individual needs. Johnston was a man who generally liked people and always talked to them instead of in their general direction. It was said that he never met a stranger, or if he did then that stranger never remained that way more than a few minutes at most.
Sadly, the well-liked Johnston passed away last Sunday, at the age of 71, and his passing left a void both in his official position as county clerk, and in the hearts of those who knew him. Johnston served Carter County for 19 years, and in that capacity alone left a legacy of standing behind those who worked for him and supporting them to the best of his ability.
Carter County Elections Deputy and Bookkeeper Chelsey Buck said that Mike Johnston was an amazing person to work for, more mentor than employer.
“He was the best,” Buck said of Johnston. “He was a good boss. He loved you, but he also loved your family. So, if you needed anything, like if you had a sick kid, he didn’t care if you called in that morning. He understood things like that. And he just wanted us to be a family.”
“He made it feel like you were all family, not like a boss and employees,” Buck continued. “And he made everyone he came in contact with feel that way. He made everyone feel special and important, because to him they were. He was good to everyone he met. There wasn’t anyone like him.”
Buck said that Johnston had a knack for being direct and telling you, ‘like it is,’ but at the same time being friendly about it. A rare gift that not many people possess.
“He loved bluegrass music and the Kentucky Wildcats,” Buck said. “And the Cincinnati Reds. Those were his favorite things.”
Other things he enjoyed were raising goats and using his tractor, she said. And he always went to the livestock show at the fair.
“And he loved Carter County. He loved the people in it, and he loved this town. Mike was proud to be from Carter County, and he was thankful for the people of Carter County for voting for him all of these years and keeping him in office. He just wanted to do everything to the best of his ability,” Buck said. “He just wanted to make everybody happy, and that’s a hard task. But in the 11 years I worked for him he always tried his very best. And you can’t ask for more than that.”
Carter County Judge Executive Brandon Burton said that he not only lost a fine county clerk, but also a very close friend with whom he shared years in public service. Burton shared his thoughts about Jonston in a Facebook post, saying, “Our hearts are broken with the passing of our County Clerk, Mike Johnston. Mike was truly a remarkable man – one who carried both his faith and his responsibilities with humility, strength, and integrity. In his role as county clerk, he led not only with wisdom, but with a servant’s heart, always reflecting the character of a Godly man.”
Burton said that he considered, like so many others, that Johnston was not only a friend but a mentor as well.
“I cannot express my appreciation for him and our friendship. He truly cared about the people in this county. Mike has been a huge mentor to me in the past 3 years,” Burton wrote.
Johnston’s example, he said, will be remembered by the countless people he had touched during his private and professional life.
“His life was a testimony of faith in action. Whether through his leadership, his kindness, or the way he treated others with dignity and respect, he made a lasting impact on so many lives. It is clear that his legacy will live on not only in the work he accomplished, but in the countless people he inspired along the way,” Burton wrote. “Our hearts go out to Debbie, his family and all the office staff during this difficult time.”
Mike Johnston will be remembered for many things by many people. But the one thing everyone will remember about Johnston is that above all else he cared for the people he served.
Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com
