Celeste Johnson concludes her eight-year tenure as the mayor of Midway, stepping down after two terms. She did not seek reelection, stating it was time to pass the torch. During her time in office, Johnson prioritized open space conservation, a cause that motivated her initial run for office. In 2016, she co-founded an organization named Pure Midway, now known as Preserve Midway, focused on conserving open spaces in the area. Upon her election in 2018, Johnson advocated for the city’s first open space bond, successfully placing a $5 million bond on the ballot. The bond aimed to fund environmental protections, which she believed were vital for maintaining the unique charm of Midway. In 2024, she achieved a second $5 million open space bond that passed with a significant majority. Johnson's time as mayor wasn't without challenges. Early in her first term, she faced community backlash when Rocky Mountain Power announced plans to build transmission lines through the town. Despite efforts to explore alternatives like burying the lines, the financial implications made this unfeasible, leading to frustration among residents. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 required swift action from the city. Johnson and her team worked to provide financial assistance to local businesses, ensuring they could adapt and survive during the health crisis. The city allocated hundreds of thousands of dollars in support to help sustain the local economy. Throughout her second term, Johnson addressed issues associated with Midway's rapid growth, including an increase in nightly rentals and tourism. She worked with city leaders to implement regulations aimed at preserving the community feel of Midway amidst growing commercial interest. As Johnson prepares to leave office, she emphasizes the importance of listening to citizens and fostering positivity in government interactions. Her successor, Craig Simons, will take office in January, inheriting the challenges of managing the town’s growth and community dynamics.