Know Your Community Leaders: Shayla Johnson, City of Corsicana PCT 2 Councilwoman

By Mark Archibald

This year, in towns and cities big and small, residents will celebrate our 250th Anniversary as a functioning Constitutional Republic.   Most know at least part of the story of America’s founding. A revolution followed by a hot summer spent in Philadelphia hammering out the details of a document which, while imperfect, provided the fledgling nation with an opportunity to grow.

Several chapters inside the binding of our Great American Story are not as well-known as that initial tale, but they continue to unfold in state capitols, meeting rooms, and city halls across the country.   It is the decisions made in these non-descript locations that have the most immediate impact upon our American tapestry.  Zoning changes, debates about the proper use of resources, and yes, the limitations of government entities, are all hot topics and have a tremendous impact on our communities and those who live and work here.

Over the next few weeks The NavCo Chronicle will highlight our local elected officials.   We will ask them to share their stories about Corsicana and Navarro Couty, talk a bit about their time in office, and discuss how their personal and public service-related aspirations continue to shape our community.

Today we begin with Corsicana City Council Woman Shayla Johnson.

Shayla has represented Corsicana’s Second Precinct since May, of 2024.   Pct. 2 is the largest in the city, and includes Thirteenth to Twenty Eighth Steet, in the city, as well as Corsicana’s Historic Downtown.  Johnson’s constituents also live and work along State Highway 287 and South Business 45.  It is clear that Johnson, a wife, and mother of four, is driven, quietly confident, and bold, but she admits it has not always been that way while doing the city’s business.

“Those first few council meetings were intimidating…” she continued, “there was a learning curve for sure.”   “After being sworn in, the other members of the council had to get right to work. We did not even have a chance to go to state mandated training,” she said, while sipping her coffee.  However, it didn’t take long for Johnson to find her footing. She often asks questions during presentations to clarify information or get the word out to people.

“After all, that is why we are there right? To represent the people and do their business,” she said.

Johnson also said that she isn’t afraid to say No to other members of the Council and continue to argue her point if necessary.   Johnson acknowledged Ruby Williams who had served Pct. 2 for twenty years.

“We talked. Ruby did a great job for the people. She approached me about running after informing me that she wasn’t going to seek reelection.”   After some time in prayer, Johnson threw her hat in the ring.

She said her priorities are encouraging youth involvement and assisting senior citizens. Johnson continues to work to maintain a spotlight on living conditions and code issues at Silver Lake Apartments.    “That’s been a bit of a hurdle for two years, but we’ll keep working at it and get something accomplished for the residents there,” she said.

Johnson is also concerned about getting condemned houses torn down so others can be built on those lots.  She is also working to curb gun violence and the scourge of drugs in our community.

“We have to work together and take steps to improve every part of Corsicana,” she said.  “The infill project is great for the city, and I am working to make sure it continues.”

Johnson, who also teaches 8th Grade U.S. History at Corsicana ISD, formerly served as the Executive Branch Director for the Corsicana Boys and Girls Club, is also on the Mary Peterson Daycare Center board.

Being on the council hasn’t always been easy, but Johnson is at ease in knowing she entered politics for one reason, “I want to help people be an advocate for those who need help and encourage more to get involved and help our community be the best it can be for everyone, she said.

This may not be written directly in the texts Johnson teaches from, but that sounds like something the framers might have intended when they began this experiment 250 years ago.

Stay tuned to the next installment when Mark sits down with Navarro County Commissioner Precinct 2, Eddie Perry. 

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