CLARKS SUMMIT -- The new mayor of a borough in Lackawanna County doesn't consider himself a trailblazer, but he does hope others follow in his path.
Herman Johnson was recently appointed Mayor of Clarks Summit, making him the first African-American mayor in Lackawanna County's history.
Johnson had a career at Tobyhanna Army Depot, then served Clarks Summit as a police officer. Politics was never part of his plan, and he is humble about his historic role in it, but he does think that he can be an important role model.
Johnson moved from Scranton to the Abington area of Lackawanna County 30 years ago and he knows there's something significant about having authority in this corner of the county.
"Waverly and Clarks Green, that was the underground railroad years ago. To be mayor of Clarks Summit, it's just an honor to serve the people in the borough," Mayor Johnson said.
Slaves were ushered to freedom in homes that are only a few miles from where Herman Johnson now has an office in Clarks Summit.
The councilman was named mayor just this week after the previous mayor resigned. He plans to finish the term, then run for a full term next year.
The problems he faces are not as dire as those facing some other mayors in Lackawanna County, but he's determined to make a difference.
First on the list is renovating an old gas station that Johnson said tarnishes the look of Clarks Summit's downtown.
"As long as I can get that gas station, as long as I can get that, I think the downtown will really look nice," the Mayor said.
His other goal will take longer. Johnson wants to inspire other minorities to play a role in government. Better representation, he said, is a two-way street.
"They have to do more, and I think the minority group has to step up to the plate, too. It's the minorities' problem to get the education, get the training, and to apply for local government and county government," Johnson said.
Mayor Johnson told Newswatch 16 he hopes to be an advocate for young minorities who are interested in getting involved in politics.