Dist. 35: Fern Jounson wants to change political landscape

By Journal staff | Saturday, September 06, 2008

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Fern Y. Johnson has announced her candidacy for the House of Representatives in District 35.

Johnson will face fellow Democrat Curtis R. Marquardt and Republicans Mark Kirkeby and Don Kopp in the general election. The four will vie for two seats in the House of Representatives.

Johnson was born and raised in South Dakota and has been a resident of District 35 for the past 10 years. She is self employed and has an educational background in the field of business administration and an associate's degree as paralegal.

She is an active volunteer on the Rapid City Mayor's Disability Committee and president of the South Dakota Injured Workers Coalition.

"I am proud to be the driving force behind the enactment of two labor laws these past three years to preserve workers' rights," she said. "These measures were crucial in the lowering of employers' insurance premiums for the first time in the past six years. We should keep building on this progress by means of securing workers with liveable wages and benefits. Who knows more about what makes South Dakota great than its own future generations?"

Johnson said she is not a politician.

"I am a common-sense and experienced leader, ready and anxious to continue my work in creatively improving wages, quality of life, manageable health care, equitable taxation, and build a better future for our children and grandchildren," she said. "I'm listening and committed to make the changes needed for the people of this state."

Johnson said this is an important time in history for South Dakota.

"The decisions we make now will shape this state for years to come," she said. "The time is now to change the political landscape this state has been operating under for many years. It is time the citizens of this state are put back into the driver's seat.

She said the voters need the strongest and most determined person in Pierre.

"They need someone that doesn't just talk about the problems, but someone who will roll up their sleeves and get the job done," she said. "My own experiences make me very passionate about the work force in this state, affordable health care for all, environmental safeguards, tax reform, less and open government."