HAUSER - Mayor Olita "Oly" Johnston is running for a second term, and would like to stay on and work to establish a senior citizens' community center.

Johnston, a 42-year resident of Hauser, said that since 2007, there has been a lot of turnover on the council because of work transfers, illness and family moves. She is running against Hauser City Council President Claire Hatfield.

"It would give me great pleasure to be elected and serve as mayor to help with the transition and changes that are needed," Johnston said. "I would like to encourage the citizens of Hauser to come to our monthly meetings and get involved, to help develop better lines of communication."

Johnston served on the city's planning and zoning commission for three years, and was on the City Council for 14 years. She was appointed mayor in August 2008 and then was elected in 2009.

Johnston and her late husband, Perry, moved to Hauser in 1971 after purchasing the Rainbow Inn Resort. Her family sold the Rainbow in 1993.

Johnston is a past member of the Elks Lodge and the Junior Chamber of Commerce in Cupertino, Calif. She is also the former president of the Parent Teacher Association and secretary-treasurer of the Pacific Coast Little League in that city.

Johnston said she spends her free time reading and gardening.