I’m so proud to offer my wholehearted endorsement of Rev. Sylvia King for Mayor of Johnstown.
When I first met Rev. Sylvia, I knew after just one conversation that she’d make a good mayor. That’s why I decided to jump in and get involved with her campaign. But as I’ve gotten to know her better over the last few months, I’ve realized she’s not just going to be a good mayor—she’s going to be a transformational one.
Working alongside Rev. Sylvia has truly been a masterclass in servant leadership. Every single conversation we have about the city begins and ends with a laser focus on its residents. Rev. Sylvia doesn’t just hear people, she actually listens, and she doesn’t trivialize or minimize what anyone has to say—I always walk away from our conversations feeling validated and valued. She demonstrates a commitment to empowering folks to learn and grow, and she models that so beautifully in her own role as a leader. Rev. Sylvia trusts her instincts, which she developed over decades of experience, but she also absorbs information from everywhere and seeks out new knowledge when she needs it. It’s actually one of my favorite things about working with Rev. Sylvia—her curiosity and commitment to understanding. Many times, she has encouraged me to slow down and take in every word of the information in front of me. She asks incisive questions, pays close attention to details, with one eye always on the bigger picture. She’s not afraid of honesty and transparency because without it, there is no clarity. And once Rev. Sylvia gets clear on an issue or a project, she is decisive. She balances understanding with action, taking input seriously while leading confidently when tough decisions need to be made.
Rev. Sylvia understands Johnstown in all its complexity. She recognizes that it is critical to form relationships at every level, with individuals and organizations alike, to bring our talents and resources together so we can grow and thrive as a community. I don’t think people understand how important it is to be able to not just work amicably with different stakeholders, but to connect their strengths in a way that makes it possible to tackle difficult projects and create lasting change. This is the only way anything meaningful ever gets done. It can be slow, arduous, and messy. It requires endless patience and fortitude. People are so quick to complain, and rarely complementary. But Rev. Sylvia possesses all of the necessary qualities, and more, to bring even the most complex visions to life for the city. She’s got thick skin, steady composure, and no time for all the noise.
I don’t even think I need to point out the stark differences between Rev. Sylvia and her opponent. But if I had to pick one to highlight, it would be that Rev. Sylvia King is not just a terrific leader, but also a wonderful person. She truly cares about others, not just by word but by deed. She’s really funny, but never at someone else’s expense. She treats everyone with respect and gives them the benefit of the doubt, approaching each person with trust and openness until she has reason to think otherwise. She’s generous with praise and quick to forgive. Rev. Sylvia King is running for mayor because she wants to serve her community. That’s more than can be said for her opponent, whose campaign is rooted in ego and grievance, not vision or compassion. Whether you agree with her or not, Rev. Sylvia will work tirelessly with care and commitment for you as a Johnstown resident, because that’s just who she is and what she does.
Though I don’t live in the city, I know firsthand how intrinsic Johnstown’s success is to the well-being of our entire region. I’ve also had the privilege to get to know Rev. Sylvia King, Lorraine Taylor, and Jasmine LaRue over these last few months, and I can tell you from firsthand experience—these women are phenomenal. We couldn’t ask for a better slate of leadership in Johnstown. They each bring unique skills, knowledge, and experience to the table, and they’re also just outstanding humans. I’m so proud to know them and help them win this election.
Johnstown is at a pivotal moment, and it deserves leaders who combine vision, integrity, and heart to move us forward. Rev. Sylvia King exemplifies all of that and more. She doesn’t just talk about change—she makes it happen, and she brings others along with her every step of the way. I am proud to stand with her and this incredible team, and I encourage everyone who cares about Johnstown’s future to do the same. With leaders like these at the helm, the city’s best days are ahead.
Ashlee Kiel
Portage Twp Democratic Committeeperson
Former President, Democratic Women of Somerset Co
King For Mayor, LaRue For City Council, and Taylor For City Council Volunteer