Kevin Johnson, a West End business owner and aide to former council member Laketa Cole, didn't get the nominating committee's recommendation for a Democratic party endorsement, but he is running for Cincinnati City Council anyway.
Johnson will kick off his campaign at 6 p.m. Thursday at Sonny's All Blues Cafe, 4040 Reading Rd., North Avondale.
Johnson said, years ago, that is where he had a conversation with former Cincinnati mayor Dwight Tillery that "set my life on a different path. I trace my passion for public service back to that day."
Two years ago, he was campaign manager for unsuccessful council candidate Jason Riveiro.
Recently, he interviewed with the Cincinnati Democratic Committee's nominating committee, seeking a party endorsement along with six other non-incumbent candidates. He was not recommended by the nominating committee. This is his first run for elective office.
You can see Johnson's campaign website here.