Candidate questionnaire: Leon Johnson
Each of the four candidates in the August 13 primary for two Democratic Party nominations from the Bennington-2 House District was asked by the Bennington Banner to respond to a questionnaire. We asked why they are motivated to run and what their priorities are. These are Mr. Johnson’s responses:
If I am elected as representative for Bennington District 2 in November, I will have several priorities for the next legislative session.
Vermont has a history of safe and secure elections, and I believe protecting democracy must be our main priority. Efforts to educate Vermonters in our district about the importance of voicing their concerns through their votes can and will make a difference.
We are fortunate that Vermont also has a history of recognizing every individual’s fundamental right to decide if and when they will have children. However, the decision around birth control, as well as access to safe medical information that would allow women to make the best decision for themselves, is being challenged in many other states. I believe that women should have the education and the right to have the opportunity to take any path that they would want. It is their body and their choice.
Climate change is accurate, and it’s affecting us here in Vermont. Our beautiful snow-filled winters and our great green mountain state land are at risk. We need more data to assess our ability to improve our building and recovery process when catastrophic failures occur. Vermont must continue proactively upgrading its infrastructure and zoning to minimize the impact of these changes on our environment.
Additionally, we must improve monitoring initiatives related to air quality, clean water, heating, electricity use, recycling, and waste management. We must preserve the beauty of our state that we all know and love for those growing up in Vermont and want to call this state home.
Finding permanent affordable housing is a significant challenge for many individuals and families in Bennington County and Vermont. This issue is more expansive than in Vermont; it’s difficult for low-income families nationwide. Many families who are at or below the poverty line are burdened with spending half of their income just on housing. As a result, they struggle to get ahead and reach their full potential, which impacts the entire community.
I believe addressing this issue is one of my top priorities in office. We need to think outside the box and find creative solutions to reduce housing costs and challenges for our population without homes.
Technology can play a crucial role in this effort. I believe that the people of Bennington can help us develop effective housing solutions to provide reasonable housing for families in need, not only to fix the problem in Bennington but also to be a leading driver for our state.
Under the Affordable Heat Act, assistance is provided to people who may not otherwise have the resources to pay for their heating. It is vital to continue working on and understanding the effectiveness of the Affordable Heat Act because families depend on these resources to support their families and pursue their dreams.
The cold months in Vermont can be harsh, so it’s crucial to help those in need and provide them with the necessities to remain positive and contribute to their communities and states.
Finally, it is crucial to keep working towards addressing racial inequality in the criminal justice system. No one should receive a harsher sentence based on their race, ethnicity, or country of origin. Justice should be based on a person’s character, not physical attributes.
Every individual deserves equal rights under the law. When we are all treated equally based on actions and characteristics, it is fair and just. If elected as a representative from District 2, my role would be to address the concerns and issues affecting our community in Montpelier, in addition to fulfilling the duties of the legislative body.
No one should be without a home, go to bed hungry at night, or be cold within the walls of their home due to a lack of heat. Vermont is a beautiful state, and preserving its beauty for future generations is crucial. Everyone has a voice, and I value your voice through your votes.
Johnson is a retired engineer who worked for 36 years with the former Energizer Battery Inc. in Bennington. He has served on local school boards, including the Mount Anthony Union School District, Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union and Southwest Tech boards. He’s also been an official for youth, women and men’s sports.
In the August 13 primary, the other candidates for two Democratic nominations to the November election ballot are Asher Edelson, Will Greer and Rep. Timothy Corcoran. The other incumbent in Bennington-2, Rep. Dane Whitman, isn’t seeking another term.
