Reporter’s Interview Notes — Mayor Pete
Johnson
Date: Oct. 24, 2025
Location: Mayor’s Office, City
Hall
Reporter: [Your Name]
Opening:
Mayor greeted me briefly, didn’t shake hands. Looked impatient—checking watch, tapping pen.
Began interview seated behind large desk cluttered with papers and coffee mugs.
On the city budget:
Johnson: “We’re working around the clock to balance the budget, and anyone who says otherwise doesn’t understand how this process works.”
Says rising public safety costs and infrastructure repairs are the main strains.
“We inherited a mess from the last administration,” repeated twice.
Claimed “progress” but offered few specifics—said details will come “when they’re ready.”
Pressed for details:
Asked about a reported $4 million shortfall and cuts to library funding.
Johnson’s tone changed—raised voice slightly: “Those numbers are exaggerated by people who want to make me look bad.”
When pressed again, said, “Look, I’m not here to get grilled by someone who doesn’t understand municipal finance.”
Leaned forward, jabbed finger on desk.
Aide stepped in to suggest “moving on.”
On city services:
Johnson insisted no essential services would be cut.
“We’ll tighten belts before we touch public safety or sanitation.”
Mentioned possibility of hiring freeze at City Hall.
“Some departments will just have to do more with less.”
On transparency:
When asked about delays in releasing budget documents:
Johnson snapped: “You reporters always want everything yesterday. We’re doing this by the book.”
Said transparency is a “priority,” but blamed “staffing shortages” for slow communication.
Body language / behavior:
Became visibly agitated midway through—face flushed, voice rising.
At one point stood up and paced briefly.
Staffer brought in water; mayor waved it away.
Ended interview abruptly after ~20 minutes: “I’ve got real work to do.”
After interview:
Communications director apologized “for the tone” and said mayor “takes these issues seriously.”
Promised to email budget summary later in the week.