Ralph Johnson, a candidate for the Isanti County Commissioner District 3 seat, has submitted the following statement:

“I grew up on a farm, east of McGregor, Minn. I was active in 4-H for eight years, and served as president of Aitkin County 4-H for two years. I graduated from McGregor High School and UMD, majoring in history and urban geography.

“I have always enjoyed hunting and fishing. I am a member of several sportsmen’s groups including Deer Hunters Association, Ruffled Grouse and Pheasants Forever.

“I am an active member of Faith Lutheran Church in Isanti. I have served on the council for 10 years, two years as president.

“I have two grown daughters and one grandson, who also live in the Isanti County Third District.

“I am a small business owner; my business is in the city of Isanti. I lived in Bradford Township for 22 years and now in the city of Isanti for 14 years.

“I have served on the Isanti City Council for eight years, and am involved in Economic Development Authority’s (EDA), planning commission, fire board, public works and liquor committee.

“With eight years of experience on the Isanti City Council and having lived in Bradford Township for 22 years, I feel the most important issue facing Isanti County is the Economic Growth while still maintaining the rural agricultural heritage.

“We also need to create jobs that pay competitive wages. The County EDA needs to focus on the business development within the county. This can be done by expanding the businesses we already have and marketing the county to bring new businesses in. This will increase the tax base for Isanti County.

“Traditionally Isanti County has been known as an agricultural area with some rural development. With the creation of the new Isanti County Comprehensive plan, the rural setting which will protect the agricultural land.