Johnson aims to ‘really help in government’

Larry Johnson, 49, is one of three candidates running to fill the Waseca County Commissioner seat for District 3 left vacant by the passing of former commissioner Blair Nelson. Johnson has lived in Waseca for over 30 years, having returned after living in San Diego for 10 years. He graduated from Waseca High School in 1992, going on to purchase a business after graduation - a tavern called Larry’s Downtown, which became PJ’s after Johnson sold it. 

Currently, Johnson is the Mortgage Area Manager at Minnwest Bank, where he has been employed for more than six years. He and his wife, Linda, have been married for 31 years and have four children and three grandchildren. His hobbies include reading, collecting sneakers, and spending time with his family. His younger two children were very active in sports, which led to Johnson helping out with athletics in town, including coaching seventh-grade football for a couple years.

Johnson’s decision to run for county commissioner came from his interest in the direction of the city and experience with local public service at various levels, including a number of organizations and serving on the city council off and on for 13 years.

“I think I have a unique set of skills that can really help in government,” Johnson said. “I was close with Blair Nelson - we would chat quite a bit about things while I was on and off the city council. I feel that there’s a big hole left by his passing, and no one can fill those shoes, but I certainly think I could continue his style of governance, his style of expertise, and help the county.”

If elected as county commissioner, Johnson says he will focus on issues he has heard talked about most from citizens and people in county government: the jail, which is in need of either upgrades or major changes; the west interchange and how development could help growth for Waseca; and health and human services - namely the MN Prairie joint agreement.

“We’ve got to take a look at what the future of [the jail] facility is,” Johnson said. “Are we going to maintain that facility in town, or are we going to try and partner with Steele County? Does that make sense from an economic standpoint?”

Deciding how best to move forward with the jail situation will require more research, Johnson says.

“It’s been an issue for years,” he said. “It’s apparent that we need some upgrades; it’s been that way for a number of years, but there hasn’t been any action on it. Cities are responsible for maintaining the health and care of their prisoners, and we have to make sure we have adequate facilities and make sure they’re taken care of while they’re in our custody.”

Looking at the costs of upgrades versus brokering an agreement with another county are important factors in the decision-making process, according to Johnson.

“I don’t have a clear-cut answer; we need to do more research,” he said, “but I know it’s an issue we need to address.”

As for the west interchange, Johnson says the county needs to take a good look and see what the long-term plan is there regarding how to go about development to entice businesses there for the future.

He also discussed the joint agreement with MN Prairie County Health Alliance, questioning whether it still makes sense.

“I know that there are commissioners from other counties that have raised issues, and one of our commissioners has raised issues, so that’s something that’s got to be looked at and addressed,” Johnson said. “We’ve got to do some research and figure out the best path forward.”

When asked what sets him apart from other candidates, Johnson said that to him, personality and connection are critical.

“I’ve done a lot of growing over my public service career,” he said, explaining that when he was first elected to the city council, his view on governing was very different than it is today after years of experience.

“I can honestly tell you I was a bull in a china store,” Johnson said. “I didn’t care who I butted heads with, and it was a really ineffective way to govern because people put their guard up and they don’t want to work with you. As I’ve matured, learned, and grown, I’ve realized that it’s really about building coalitions, having meaningful conversations with people, and getting them to see your point of view - and listening, as well.

I know I don’t have all the answers, but I’m willing to learn and adapt, and I think that’s what makes me a great choice as a candidate.”

Johnson also said that his experience with numbers and budgets set him apart from other candidates.

“I dealt with that at both a business level and a governmental level when I was on the city council,” he said. He also explained why he would be a good representative for the city.

“I’m involved in a number of local organizations, I’m on a firs-name basis with our legislators - they know who we are and we’re able to make those solid connections that we need to help our city and our county grow.”

When asked why people should vote for him as county commissioner, Johnson said, “What you see is what you get. I’m not going to tell people one thing privately and then vote publicly another way. I know a lot of people might not agree with my decisions, but I’m never afraid to tell them exactly where I stand and why I stand where I do.”

He stated that the social capital he’s built over the years within the community shows the public he is someone who can be trusted to look out for the citizens’ welfare and well-being.

“We’re going to watch their dollars,” Johnson said. “As a former businessman and current banker, that’s really my stock and trade. We’re going to look out for them but also do what’s best for our community and try to make it grow.”

In closing, Johnson explained what he feels makes Waseca County a special place to live and represent.

“Getting married, raising your family here, you realize that we have a lot of intangibles that we take for granted but you don’t get elsewhere,” he said. “We’ve got a tight-knit community where everyone knows everyone. They’re willing to help each other when tragedy occurs, and there’s something special about that.

I like where I’m at. I like that my children are living here and raising their families here, and I have a vested interest in making sure that we do well.”