U.S. CONGRESSMAN BILL JOHNSON Proudly Representing Eastern and Southeastern Ohio

Jackson Telegram
By Pete Wilson
Published March 25, 2014

Sixth District Congressman Bill Johnson visited a local financial institution and conducted a discussion with a youth group during a visit to Jackson late Thursday afternoon, March 20.

Johnson's first stop was at the Jackson office of Atomic Credit Union, located at 498 McCarty Lane. Atomic Credit Union serves six counties in Johnson's Congressional district and has local offices in Jackson and Wellston and also will be opening a new one later this year in Oak Hill.

Johnson spoke with Atomic Credit Union's management team and employees to learn more about the day-to-day operations of the business.

Johnson's second and final stop was at the downtown Jackson office of LAUNCH, Inc. which is a Jackson County youth coalition and leadership program focused on community volunteerism.

Johnson first spoke about the concept of leadership and touched on his own experiences and challenges he has overcome. Johnson then fielded a wide range of questions from the LAUNCH members, including seeking his views on gay marriage. 

"You're the future," Johnson told the assembled youths. "It will be your generation that will have to take the reins of leadership."

In defining leadership, Johnson declared it was more about actions and examples than it was possessing a title and having authority.

"Leadership is about inspiring and motivating others. It's about influencing the outcome," Johnson offered. "You can either be part of the solution or part of the problem. Leadership is teaching people how to dream."

Johnson used his own life and career to illustrate his contention that anybody can succeed. He recalled that he came from a very modest personal background, had an abusive father and struggled with some of his studies. After high school, Johnson joined the U.S. Air Force and says he benefited from mentors who "saw something in him that he didn't see." He graduated from college, learned to fly jets, and later earned a patent in computer technology.

As for the exchange on the issue of gay marriage, Johnson said he subscribes to God's view that marriage should be between a man and a woman and says he doesn't think the federal government should become involved in this issue.

"I believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman because that's how God designed it to be," Johnson declared. "I didn't create the concept of marriage. God did that and I don't think a bureaucrat in Washington can change that."

When one of the LAUNCH students suggested the God connection was irrelevant because the U.S. is a "secular nation," Johnson quickly countered by noting there are references to God in both the Declaration Of Independence and The Constitution.

However, the congressman also was quick to say one of the best things about America is the freedom Americans have to believe as they wish.

LAUNCH Executive Director Todd Barlow appreciated the congressman's visit and noted his comments on leadership relate to the organization's mission to cultivate leadership and values among the youth members. 

"At LAUNCH, we encourage youth to find a voice and stand for personal convictions and to consider themselves more than just part of the community, but as a stakeholder as well," Barlow said in a statement issued following the forum.

Barlow noted LAUNCH Youth Leadership Council members are encouraged to identify areas or issues they would like to see improved and to actively work with others to move toward and advocate for those improvements.

"Congressman Johnson spoke of the value inherent in these young leaders; a value we at LAUNCH also believe is possessed by the youth of our community, regardless of background," Barlow explained. "We feel it is this approach of leadership, value, acceptance, and community volunteerism that allow for youth from such a diverse set of social backgrounds to work together effectively and we appreciate the Congressman reinforcing those ideals."

Barlow also said he appreciated Johnson's willingness to engage in an open discussion and to take time after the event to talk with some of the young people.