Utah House Democrats

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Emily Bingham Hollingshead
Utah House Democratic Caucus Communications Coordinator
Utah House of Representatives
Ph: 435.590.9961
emily.hollingshead@gmail.com
http://www.utahhousedemocrats.org

Representative Christine Johnson, D—Salt Lake City announces that she will not seek re-election to the Utah House of Representatives

SALT LAKE CITY, March 4, 2010 – Representative Christine Johnson, D—Salt Lake City, announced today that she will not seek re-election to the 25^th district in the Utah House of Representatives.  Representative Johnson has issued the following statement:

It is with deep gratitude and humility that I announce my intention not to seek re-election for the Utah House of Representatives. I make this announcement now in order to provide the Democratic Party and my community ample opportunity to organize to secure a candidate for the 2010 election.

It has been an honor to represent the diverse and progressive voices of House District 25 for the past four years.  In addition, it has been a uniquely humbling life-experience to represent members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgendered community.  For the past four years, I have stood with my colleagues each morning of session, placed my hand over my heart and pledged “liberty and justice for all” and yet, repeatedly witnessed blatant disregard of those so in need of equal protections in the name of “family values.”  Ironically, some of the most dedicated partners, parents and families within Utah fall under non-traditional definitions. There is no city nor county in which these families do not exist and it is reprehensible that we continue to ignore them.   Thankfully, Utah’s local government leaders are stepping forward to provide protections in housing and employment. Their bravery and willingness to understand the reality of shameful discrimination within Utah will demonstrate to State leaders that courageous leadership is admirable and that Utah is a better place when we suppress our entitled need to cast judgment on one another and instead respect the authenticity and free-agency of each person.

As I reflect on my service, I find gratifying moments in passing legislation to improve Utah’s air-quality  through school bus retro-fitting and water quality by minimizing phosphorus in household products, simplifying Utah’s election process and empowering youth to act responsibly while consuming alcohol.  Even more satisfying and important to me has been in more sponsoring edgy legislation I knew would not pass, but hoped would create dialog and awareness about Utah’s under-represented community members. 

I am grateful to my constituents for allowing me the opportunity to repeatedly stand and speak with raw honesty and truth. It has been a life-lesson in authenticity, consensus building and personal struggle for which I am immeasurably grateful.

I look forward to supporting the next fortunate individual who has the privilege of serving District 25 and encourage district residents to become actively engaged in the selection process.

- Representative Christine Johnson

For more information or for media requests, please contact House Communications Coordinator Emily Bingham Hollingshead at 435.590.9961 or emily.hollingshead@gmail.com.

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