Debbie Johnson 10-year state senator

The former legislator is taking another run at the County Board.

Johnson, 56, who served in the Minnesota Senate for 10 years, has run in the past two elections, but in District 2, which represents Ham Lake. She has since moved to Coon Rapids.

She applauds the current board for working toward a more transparent budget.

"It all goes to fiscal responsibility," Johnson said. "I like that. That's what I like about the current board. And that's the direction I want to keep them going in."

"Their dollar is getting stretched as efficiently as possible."

The Fridley native, whose family has owned and operated Blaine Hardware for 35 years, said promoting jobs would be a "nice focus" once she got settled in the position.

During her time as senator, from 2001-10, she was a member of several committees, including Capital Investment, Consumer Protection, Health, Housing and Taxes.

Johnson served on the Senate Tax Committee for 10 years, health and human services for seven years, and education for 10 years. She authored a number of local bills, including legislation for the forensic lab at the Anoka County Sheriff's Office.

The "Debbie Johnson for Anoka County Commissioner" Facebook page says that "as a proven conservative leader, with common sense values, I want to bring more accountability and transparency to Anoka County's budget." It goes on to say "I want to be sure we get budgets that we understand."

"I grew up here," Johnson said. "I have a strong passion for the area. It's a real part of my heart. It's the community I grew up in. It's where I raised my kids."

Karen Zamora • 612-673-4647