Youngstown Vindicator, October 6, 2020
U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Marietta, has represented his sprawling 6th Congressional District consisting of Ohio’s eastern counties so well since 2011 that the last time he was on the ballot, in 2018, he won nearly 70 percent of the vote.
That is a whopping vote of confidence in Johnson — and he has earned it.
An Air Force veteran who retired as a lieutenant colonel, Johnson’s background is impressive.
Born and raised on a family farm where he learned traditional values such as respect for hard work, Johnson is a 21st-century leader who, after military service, helped create two information technology companies.
Qualifications are not everything, however. Issues matter — and on them, Johnson has represented Ohioans, including those in Mahoning and Columbiana counties, very well. He has fought successfully for coal and natural gas jobs, stood up for gun rights, defended the right to life of the unborn and insisted that Social Security, Medicare and other programs for senior citizens be maintained and funded adequately.
Johnson also has battled for expanded access to the internet in rural areas — questioning, it should be noted, government maps that are inaccurate in showing where broadband is available.
He is a champion of local control of schools, benefits for veterans and affordable health care for all, including those with pre-existing conditions.
On pressing national issues, Johnson’s thinking mirrors that of most of those he serves. He wants concrete action to reduce the national debt. As you might imagine, he is a perceptive advocate for a strong military.
On Nov. 3, Johnson will face political newcomer Democrat Shawna Roberts of Belmont. A mother of five, Roberts describes herself as a working-class mom.
Johnson still considers eastern Ohio his home. Johnson has been the complete, effective package representing east Ohioans in Washington. For that reason, we endorse him to keep his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.