Wayne Johnson
![Picture](/uploads/5/7/5/4/57546847/published/johnson-41a.jpg?1720800002)
Name: Wayne A Johnson
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-358-5975
Campaign Website: waynejohnsonformn.com
Twitter handle: WayneJohnson4MN
Facebook Page: WayneJohnson4MN
Candidate Bio
As a former city council and county commissioner I have worked with state legislators and understand the process. As a business owner in the service industry, I talked to many homeowners who share with me their concerns. I also talk and work with business owners who share with me the challenges that the State puts on them and that nobody in St Paul seems to know or care about them.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
Stop the unnecessary spending and taxing. Work with the business community to develop ways to improve hiring of skilled workers and implement laws that state any community defunding police will have reduced funding from the state. These will not be affected by the economic outlook or would help.
How would you characterize the business climate in the East Metro? Please elaborate on your answer.
Some sectors are doing well, and some are starting to hurt or are already. People are starting to spend less on their homes which is affecting service contractors like me. Companies that help with buying on layaway are doing better. It is too broad of a discussion to answer here. Overall, I believe we are moving in the wrong direction as people are pulling back from the spending levels of the last few years.
Please characterize your perspective on the ideal collaboration between government and the business community when it comes to tackling challenges whether they be education, housing, or workforce development? Do you feel the outcomes of the 2023-2024 legislative session positively or negatively impacted that collaboration and our state's business climate?
I know DEED is how the State of MN works with employers. However, I am not a fan as it currently works. There needs to be a program that actually works and listens to employers and not used as a political tool. Actions are actually hurting businesses, especially small business. More emphasis needs to be placed on working with industries that are hurting for employees and then working with public schools to address the skill gap. There should be attention paid to owners of businesses to help and not burden with extra fees, regulations that do not help. The outcomes of the 2023-2024 session was a disaster which we do not know the total damage yet.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address our state’s critical labor shortage?
Start requiring high schools to implement apprenticeship programs starting in 11th grade. There are programs that help students with regular 4 yr schools, but not enough trade school opportunities. Based on my son’s experience, he could have been working for a contractor as an apprentice after high school and not need the extra 2 yrs of trade school. Many of the classes were repeat of high school. Example, math, English. I talk to contractors who are implementing their own apprentice programs with classes since they are not finding what they need.
The 2023-2024 Legislature passed many new mandates on employers, such as Paid Family Medical Leave, Earned Safe and Sick Time, and Worker Misclassification penalties. Do you support the PFML program in ins current form or do you believe there needs to be further refinement before the program comes into effect in January 2026? If elected, what steps would you take to understand the impact of a proposal on the many types of businesses in the East Metro and how would you define an exceptions to those policies?
I do not support the PFML program as it currently stands. It provides an extra burden on business as they already provide benefits that meet or exceed what the PFML has. Unfortunately, under the current program they will be required to pay into the program which is paying twice. It also treats private or merit based companies different than union companies who are exempted.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your district and the state?
Working with LEO I would ask what they need regarding their increasing challenges. I would also investigate and support changes to how County Attorneys use catch and release to manage jail space. I also believe there needs to be more protection from prosecution for LEO as they travel from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. LEO should not worry that they are now in another county and need to be concerned about their own legal rights. My experience as a commissioner and city council member has provided me an opportunity to visit with many LEO. They are frustrated and believe they do not have the support of some elected officials. They are committed to protecting the community they serve, and they believe the public supports them in the communities I have served in.
How would you work to improve transportation options in the district/state, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
First put LEO in the transit stations or trains. I would reach out to learn more about solutions for the other two. I have ideas but would like to learn more which unfortunately many elected officials do not do. I would not be in favor of raising any additional revenue.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
I would reach out to people Housing First for ideas. They have shared some with me. They include zone changes and what homes are being built and the cost of building due to permits and regulations. Just handing out grants and money just increases prices and challenges. I believe in local control as each community has unique characteristics. However, there also needs to be a plan to welcome new home buyers. Does that include zoning for smaller homes which can be more affordable? Maybe. However, any home is more expensive now due to land costs, fees and permit requirements.
In light of projected budget deficit/"structural imbalance," what are your priorities for the State's budget?
Stop increasing it and review what is political fluff implemented for personal election purposes. I WOULD NOT SUPPORT ADDITIONAL REVENUE!!! I would work with others for a total budget review and examine where the money has gone and if there is fraud or waste.
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-358-5975
Campaign Website: waynejohnsonformn.com
Twitter handle: WayneJohnson4MN
Facebook Page: WayneJohnson4MN
Candidate Bio
As a former city council and county commissioner I have worked with state legislators and understand the process. As a business owner in the service industry, I talked to many homeowners who share with me their concerns. I also talk and work with business owners who share with me the challenges that the State puts on them and that nobody in St Paul seems to know or care about them.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
Stop the unnecessary spending and taxing. Work with the business community to develop ways to improve hiring of skilled workers and implement laws that state any community defunding police will have reduced funding from the state. These will not be affected by the economic outlook or would help.
How would you characterize the business climate in the East Metro? Please elaborate on your answer.
Some sectors are doing well, and some are starting to hurt or are already. People are starting to spend less on their homes which is affecting service contractors like me. Companies that help with buying on layaway are doing better. It is too broad of a discussion to answer here. Overall, I believe we are moving in the wrong direction as people are pulling back from the spending levels of the last few years.
Please characterize your perspective on the ideal collaboration between government and the business community when it comes to tackling challenges whether they be education, housing, or workforce development? Do you feel the outcomes of the 2023-2024 legislative session positively or negatively impacted that collaboration and our state's business climate?
I know DEED is how the State of MN works with employers. However, I am not a fan as it currently works. There needs to be a program that actually works and listens to employers and not used as a political tool. Actions are actually hurting businesses, especially small business. More emphasis needs to be placed on working with industries that are hurting for employees and then working with public schools to address the skill gap. There should be attention paid to owners of businesses to help and not burden with extra fees, regulations that do not help. The outcomes of the 2023-2024 session was a disaster which we do not know the total damage yet.
What policies, if any, would you support to help employers address our state’s critical labor shortage?
Start requiring high schools to implement apprenticeship programs starting in 11th grade. There are programs that help students with regular 4 yr schools, but not enough trade school opportunities. Based on my son’s experience, he could have been working for a contractor as an apprentice after high school and not need the extra 2 yrs of trade school. Many of the classes were repeat of high school. Example, math, English. I talk to contractors who are implementing their own apprentice programs with classes since they are not finding what they need.
The 2023-2024 Legislature passed many new mandates on employers, such as Paid Family Medical Leave, Earned Safe and Sick Time, and Worker Misclassification penalties. Do you support the PFML program in ins current form or do you believe there needs to be further refinement before the program comes into effect in January 2026? If elected, what steps would you take to understand the impact of a proposal on the many types of businesses in the East Metro and how would you define an exceptions to those policies?
I do not support the PFML program as it currently stands. It provides an extra burden on business as they already provide benefits that meet or exceed what the PFML has. Unfortunately, under the current program they will be required to pay into the program which is paying twice. It also treats private or merit based companies different than union companies who are exempted.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your district and the state?
Working with LEO I would ask what they need regarding their increasing challenges. I would also investigate and support changes to how County Attorneys use catch and release to manage jail space. I also believe there needs to be more protection from prosecution for LEO as they travel from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. LEO should not worry that they are now in another county and need to be concerned about their own legal rights. My experience as a commissioner and city council member has provided me an opportunity to visit with many LEO. They are frustrated and believe they do not have the support of some elected officials. They are committed to protecting the community they serve, and they believe the public supports them in the communities I have served in.
How would you work to improve transportation options in the district/state, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
First put LEO in the transit stations or trains. I would reach out to learn more about solutions for the other two. I have ideas but would like to learn more which unfortunately many elected officials do not do. I would not be in favor of raising any additional revenue.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
I would reach out to people Housing First for ideas. They have shared some with me. They include zone changes and what homes are being built and the cost of building due to permits and regulations. Just handing out grants and money just increases prices and challenges. I believe in local control as each community has unique characteristics. However, there also needs to be a plan to welcome new home buyers. Does that include zoning for smaller homes which can be more affordable? Maybe. However, any home is more expensive now due to land costs, fees and permit requirements.
In light of projected budget deficit/"structural imbalance," what are your priorities for the State's budget?
Stop increasing it and review what is political fluff implemented for personal election purposes. I WOULD NOT SUPPORT ADDITIONAL REVENUE!!! I would work with others for a total budget review and examine where the money has gone and if there is fraud or waste.