Dorothy Johnson (43rd mayor of Appleton: 1980-1992)

First female mayor of Appleton. Formerly a Registered Nurse. One term on the Appleton School Board. During her first two terms, the city's population grew 8%, making it the fastest growing city in WI at that time. Rebuilt two bridges, a southside fire station, a park and recreation headquarters and a transit garage for Valley Transit; transit center, parking ramp and commercial center at Washington and Appleton streets. Instrumental in fostering construction of numerous public projects downtown, including the Bergstrom Hotel and Convention Center, the Appleton Center and Landmark Square office complexes, Houdini Plaza, Lawrence Court townhouses and the upgrading of Jones Park, Soldiers Square and Johnston Square. Key role in committing more than $5 million in public funds to realize the 20-year plan of an enclosed shopping center downtown, what became the Avenue Mall. Annexed a large chuck of the W. College Avenue strip. Blocked Grand Chute's attempt to incorporate as a village