Groveland Twp.- Scattered on Ruth Johnson’s dining room table is a minimum of three cell phones, a box of DeVos for Governor ink pens and a bowl of left over potato chips’the remnants of a whirlwind 36 hours for the new GOP candidate for lieutenant governor.
‘It’s an honor to be asked,? says Johnson, 51, a longtime township resident and current Oakland County Clerk, from her home on Tuesday evening.
‘The number one issue right now will be to help get Michigan’s economy going. We have 84 days to go’during that time I’m going to be a clerk, candidate, a mom and a wife. I’m not yet sure of all my responsiblities as lieutenant governor, we’ve yet to talk about all that.?
On Monday GOP gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos asked Johnson, a former lawmaker, county commissioner, social worker and public school teacher to join him as a running mate on the November ballot.
‘It’s the most pivotal time in Michigan history right now? and we’re going in the wrong direction,? said Johnson. ‘Our kids are moving out-of-state to find work. They should have the choice to stay if they want.?
Johnson’s interest in politics began about 25 years ago when she joined ‘The United Citizens Against a Ruined Environment? as a citizen activist following a proposal for a Groveland-Holly township landfill.
According to a Holly area newspaper, in December 1980, Stablex Corporation, an England-based corporation, drew the ire of area residents, including Johnson when they targeted the area for a chemical plant dedicated to neutralizing toxic industrial waste into inert matter at the junction of Grange Hall Road and I-75.
David Ax, Groveland Township Trustee for the past 16 years and past chairman of TUCARE said Johnson was a valuable resource for the group.
‘She was very dedicated in addition to providing the resources to battle that group. Ruth also knew the right people to contact,? said Ax.
‘We found Stablex was also trying to locate in three other locations in North America. By the time it was over they did not locate anywhere. She knows a lot of people and investigates what’s best for the people.?
In 1988, Johnson was elected to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners and served five terms a total of 10 years, including six years as vice chairperson. As a county commissioner, she tackled such issues as putting trustee prisoners to work, educating the public regarding the dangers of arsenic in local water supplies, and pushing for an ethics policy in county purchasing.
From 1998 to 2004, Ruth served as Assistant Whip, co-chaired the Capitol Caucus and served on the Leadership Committee. She chaired the House Land Use and Environment Committee and also served on the Education, Health Policy, Transportation, Veteran Affairs and Homeland Security committees.
As a representative, she also chaired the Land Use and Environment Committee, sponsoring Open Space Preservation legislation.
As a state representative, Johnson exposed unethical business practices at the Oakland Intermediate School District. The year-long investigation led to criminal charges against one top administrator, tougher laws, and, more importantly, restored money earmarked for kids to kids.
‘I saw a lack of accountability at the ISD,? said Johnson. ‘I wanted to make sure that money went to the students in the districts rather than the administration.?
Johnson is the first woman elected clerk in Oakland County’s 176-year history. She reformed the office, providing many online services to residents and saving Oakland County taxpayers millions of dollars.
Her accomplishments include obtaining – with the help of local clerks, the Board of Commissioners and the Secretary of State – more than $5 million in grants for the purchase of new M-100 voting equipment for all of Oakland County’s 61 communities.
Jeannie McCreery, Brandon Township clerk and former college classmate with Johnson while attending Oakland Community College in the 1970s, says DeVos is lucky to have her on the ballot.
‘I think she would be outstanding in any endeavor,? said McCreery. ‘She has worked very close with us as clerks and has been very hands-on with some of the residents who needed help.?
McCreery added that Johnson introduced a bill in the House to change the rules for absentee ballots, requiring voters to be present when assisting an absent voter.
‘Residents have a lot of respect for her and she’s been a very hands-on clerk.?
The first woman elected clerk in Oakland County’s 176-year history, she also put technology to work. Ruth, with a motto of ‘on-line, not in line,? expanded online offerings to make services more convenient to residents, while at the same time reducing lines for people who come into the Clerk/Register of Deeds Office.
Online access is now available to the county’s Assumed Names/Co-Partnership business database, the State of Michigan’s Notary index and absentee ballot applications. The county’s veterans can also access military discharge applications electronically.
Johnson, a Waterford Township native, put herself through college, working to earn an associate’s degree from Oakland Community College and a bachelor’s degree from Oakland University in 1977. She earned her teaching certificate and went on to earn her master’s degree – with honors – in 1985 from Wayne State University.
She taught for the Clarkston Public Schools and later owned and operated a small business. During her graduate years, she had an internship at Oakland County Probate Court. Following graduation, she worked at Oakland County Children’s Village.
Groveland Township Supervisor Bob DePalma says Johnson will add a lot to the DeVos ticket.
‘I cannot tell you how happy I am regarding DeVos asking Ruth to join his ticket,? said DePalma. ‘She knows the reality of getting a bill passed and getting the job done.?