Pubdate: Tue, 07 Mar 2006
Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch (VA)
Copyright: 2006 Richmond Newspapers Inc.
Contact:  http://www.timesdispatch.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/365
Author: Lindsay Kastner, Times-Dispatch Staff Writer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

JOHNSON APOLOGIZES, QUITS SCHOOL BOARD

He Had Marijuana At Airport; Board To Pick Interim Replacement

Stephen B. Johnson resigned from the Richmond School  Board 
yesterday, about a week after he was caught with  marijuana while 
boarding a plane at Richmond  International Airport.

In a two-sentence resignation letter dated yesterday,  Johnson said, 
"I apologize for recent events that have  led to this and wish you 
continued success in your  journey 'From Good to Great.'"

The School Board has 45 days to appoint an interim  replacement. 
Johnson was serving his second term  representing the 5th district.

He began a one-year term as chairman in January 2005  and was widely 
regarded as a consensus builder by many  on the board and in the community.

Then, in December, Johnson admitted posting an explicit  profile of 
himself on a pornographic Web site. Though  many of his constituents 
came to his defense, he  stepped down as chairman.

Last Tuesday, three marijuana joints were found in a  cigarette pack 
Johnson had when he was stopped at an  airport security checkpoint on 
his way to a charter  school convention in Sacramento, Calif. He 
admitted  they were his but was not charged with a crime. After  the 
incident became public, he told a Times-Dispatch  reporter he would resign.

The interim appointee will serve out the remainder of  Johnson's 
term. There will be no special election  because a general election 
is scheduled for November.

Several board members have said although they plan move  swiftly to 
select a replacement, it is too early to  name possible successors.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman