About 60 people gathered on the Lowell Showboat on Monday night in support of State Representative candidate Gina Johnsen. Promoted as a “white coat fundraiser,” the event was sponsored by seven doctors and a registered nurse who were on hand to discuss the “fight for medical freedom.”
The event was attended by several local officials and candidates as well. Johnsen introduced Bonnie Lent-Davis and Randy Wilcox, who are the treasurer and supervisor of Bowne Township respectively. Stefanie Boone, a candidate for the Kent County Board of Commissioners, was also present.
Concerns Raised About Pandemic Policies
Attendees were treated to a catered buffet and music from the Easy Idle Band for the first half hour of the event. Then, Johnsen kicked off the formal program. After introductions and an invocation, doctors in attendance were invited to share their concerns about how the government handled the pandemic response.
Johnsen told Lowell’s First Look that the doctors were expressing their own opinions, but she too has concerns. “I don’t think it was appropriate to shut down health care to provide health care,” she said, adding: “Doctors should be able to prescribe anything they want to.”
While the events of the past can’t be changed, Johnsen said her fundraiser was intended to take a look at what happened and “do better going forward.”
Community Service Spurs Candidacy
Johnsen is one of four candidates vying for the Republican nomination for the 78th District Michigan House seat. The other candidates are Christine Barnes, Ben Geiger and Jon Rocha. The primary winner will face Leah Groves, the lone Democratic candidate, in November.
“I grew up in a home [that taught] you are obligated to serve your fellow man,” Johnsen told Lowell’s First Look. “This is not a career for me. This is community service.”
As an insurance agent who owns her own business, Johnsen said she is the most experienced candidate in the field and will be able to work effectively in Lansing from day one.
As for her legislative priorities, Johnsen said she is a proponent of education choice and would like to help teachers “get back to basics” such as reading, writing and math. She also does not believe “immorality and morality teaching” belong in the classroom.
At the same time, Johnsen noted she is open to discussing issues with those who may not agree with her. “I want to hear from everyone,” she said. “There’s truth in everybody’s mouth.”
When asked what else she would like Lowell resident to know, Johnsen closed with this statement: “No one will work harder for them.”
The Michigan primary election will be held on August 2, 2022, followed by the general election on November 8, 2022.
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