BY TRACY LEE TATE
Times Staff Writer
LAKE BUTLER — Just about everyone in Union County has heard of, or knows, Mac Johns. Although he is a local business owner, he is perhaps best known for his volunteer work on the Union County Recreation Board to make and keep recreational opportunities for county youth available. Now he will also be known as the newest member of the Union County Board of County Commissioners and he says he is ready to hit the ground running in serving his constituents.
Johns (54) was sworn in as the board’s commissioner for District Four (Providence area) on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022. He defeated incumbent Lacey Cannon in the Universal Primary on Aug. 23, 2022 and then fellow political newcomer Eric Martin in the General Election on Nov. 8, 2022, where he garnered about two-thirds of the ballots cast. He took his seat on the board at that body’s regular November meeting on Nov. 22, 2022.
Johns was born in Savannah, GA, but moved to North Central Florida as an infant. His family moved around at first, living in Orange Heights, East and West Gainesville and other locations. He graduated from Newberry High School, where he played football. He went to work as a correctional officer at the Alachua County Jail straight out of high school, then moved on to serve on the City of Alachua Police Department. After 17 years he moved to Union County (about 25 years ago) and worked for the Union County Sheriff’s Office for seven years as its chief investigator under the leadership of Jerry Whitehead. When he retired from law enforcement in 2011, he started his own business in Worthington Springs, Springtown Automotive.
“I have always worked on vehicles and, in the past, done a good amount of paint and body work,” Johns said. “It seemed like a good business to start up and it has been a good decision.”
About three years ago, Johns was appointed by the board of commissioners to the county recreation board – a completely volunteer position. Since he loved athletics and had coached young people since he was 18 years old, it was a good fit for Johns, who ended up serving as president for multiple terms. After his appointment he said he began attending commission meetings to look after the business of the rec board and he said he learned a great deal about how local government worked and became interested.
John’s said he decided to run because he was bothered by the emphasis being put on growth in the county. He said he is most concerned with maintaining the current Union County lifestyle, with the benefits of low crime, excellent schools and a generally “great way of life.” He said that he feels that growth should come from within the county, within its own population.
“I plan to work hard representing my constituents,” Johns said. “There are a lot of questions about the fire department supposed to be put in my district, as well a quite a few road issues. I am going to get in there and get things done as soon as possible. Everything I have ever done in my life I have always tried to do a good job. There is no such thing as slacking in my world.”
Johns also said he would like to help improve the relationship between the county and the City of Lake Butler, keep property taxes low and get more done for recreation for county youth.”
Johns has been married to wife, Vicki, for 17 years and the couple had two children together, but he says that, in total, he is the father of six plus three step-children. In his 25 years as a Union County resident he said he has come to have very high regard for its rural, agricultural setting and community-based way of life.
“This county has a wonderful and unique way of life and I plan to work hard to preserve it,” Johns said.
Johns is a great lover of sports of all kinds. He played football and is proud of two of his sons who are participating in baseball – one at FSCJ and the other at UCHS. He said that recreation can be a positive experience for a young person and that one positive interaction can change a young person’s life and set them on the right path. Johns said he used to be an avid hunter and loves freshwater fishing (for panfish, not bass), but finds himself spending more weekend time watching Gator and Jaguar football and Braves baseball.
“I came into this knowing it was going to take up a lot of my time and I am willing for that to happen,” Johns said. “I want to do my best for the county and plan to stay informed, hold the line on spending and preserving the quality of life for all of the residents.”
