THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, November 2, 1996 TAG: 9611020342
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
LENGTH: 41 lines
RICHARD JOHNSON
Republican
Age: 42
Home: Manteo
Occupation: Telephone technician
Membership: Manteo Baptist Church; Independent Telephone Pioneers; Outer Banks Gun Club.
Family: Wife, Cheryl. Two sons.
Like his opponent, Johnson was born and reared in Manteo. Between the Midgett blood on his mother's side, and the Johnson blood on the other (``as far as I know they've always been here``), the candidate's roots run deep.
As a technician for Carolina Telephone, Johnson said he is concerned that regular working people like himself will not be able to afford to live in Dare County if taxes keep rising.
Although services are important to locals, he believes there's only so much people can pay.
``I'm afraid of the tax increases involved in a lot of the stuff we're doing,'' Johnson said. ``I don't want it to be done at the sake of the retired people.''
Johnson also supports voting by district and opening up the process.
``I just think it's time for the county to open up government to the people,'' he said. ``Meetings should be held after 5. And if it was on television, the commission will be more accountable.
As a newcomer to politics, the GOP candidate said that the campaign has been tough.
``I'm not much of a public speaker, but I love Dare County,'' he said. ``I will do everything I can to serve Dare County with honor and integrity.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
KEYWORDS: PROFILE CANDIDATE ELECTION by CNB