Mark Johnson’s initial foray into politics was so rewarding, he is seeking a second term.

Johnson (R-Hood River) is running for re-election to House District 52, and was buoyed in his first term at how quickly he got involved in the nuts and bolts of the Oregon House of Representatives.

“I was made co-chair of the House Higher Education Committee, setting agendas, making bill
decisions,” Johnson told The Mountain Times. “I quickly became a go-to guy
on education. As a freshman, that was pretty cool stuff.”

Johnson’s education background served as a springboard to his committee
appointment. He is serving a second term on the Hood River County school
board, and previously was its chair for two years. The district boasts an 82
percent graduation rate, with 42 percent of its students identified as English
being a second language.

“I’m a strong proponent of public education,” he said. “Ninety-five percent of
all students will be publicly educated. We must make it better, not blow it up.
Charter schools are not a solution. I have disagreements on this in my own
caucus.”

The occasional disagreement has provided Johnson a reputation in the House
of not being one of the partisans that stand entirely behind a single party.
“The reputation I’ve earned is being a legislator who can work with anyone to
advance good ideas,” he said. “I learned you can’t accomplish anything by
yourself. Being an island is not an option.”

Johnson does not see himself as a Republican politician, though certainly he
is.

“I’m not an ideologue,” he said. “I listen. People listen to me. I have the ear
of Governor Kitzhaber in policy matters.”

On the education front, Johnson worked in his first term to ensure that
schools were funded first in the budget process for the first time since 1995.
He supported legislation allowing school districts to give students and parents
greater choice within public schools through greater access to open
enrollment. He also voted to eliminate some unfunded mandates that take
dollars away from local classrooms.

Johnson’s candidacy has grabbed the attention of Mountain resident and
business owner Rick Applegate.

“Mark is a leader who doesn’t get caught up in partisan politics,” Applegate
said. “He has shown the ability to reach across the aisle to get things done.
(He) has proven leadership skills that create solutions agreeable to everyone
in his district regardless of party affiliation. Mark is more focused on long-term
solutions to our communities’ economic, education and social issues.”
During the interview, Johnson weighed in on the following issues:

Campaign Finance
Reform

“There’s no good answer. Circumstances are the way they are. I focus on local
issues.”

PERS
“It’s a millstone around the neck of Oregon. Plus, there’s a double rate
increase coming and there’s no revenue coming in to offset it. (As it now
exists) it can’t be sustained.”

Marijuana Laws
“Decriminalization won’t make society better. As to medical marijuana, the
law is being abused.”

Term Limits
“I’m not out-and-out opposed to them, depending on the structure. There is
value in experience, and I wouldn’t want to sacrifice that. It takes time to
understand the process. Still, I don’t think it’s designed to be a career. The
question is, what would be the limit?”

Oregon Liquor Control Commission
“The OLCC should pay attention to other states. Try to think outside the box
when it comes to licensing and addressing bulk sales. I’m looking into it.
(However), they put money in the general fund.”