Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

I have lived in North Carolina all of my life and most of it has been in my district. I went to Mount Airy High School and graduated from UNC Greensboro in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science. I worked for two years as a patient advocate for Winston-Salem Health Care. I then went to Campbell University School of Law and graduated in 1986 with a Juris Doctor degree. I returned home to Surry County to practice law. I have been engaged in the general practice of law since that time.

I have two children and three stepchildren. I am also privileged to have two step grandchildren. I have a wonderful husband Edwin Johnson who is incredibly supportive.

I have been involved in various community groups particularly dealing with the issues of homelessness and domestic violence. I was part of a group that provides support to cancer patients. I am a breast cancer survivor and have three other sisters who have had the disease. We are now part of a national study to see if there are additional genetic factors that have not previously been located.

I just finished my first term in the NC House and was a primary sponsor on two bills that became law: the Volunteer Firefighter's Act and the Safe Schools Act. I was also actively involved in refining and modifying many other bills which were ultimately passed.

I believe the maximum that government is best which governs least and that government is best when closest to the people.

I recognize that there is a need for state government and that its core functions are to maintain education, law enforcement and a judiciary system.

The average citizen is tightening his belt in this economic crisis and so should the state. The core functions should be the last thing tightened and not be used as a form of "emotional blackmail" to get the public to request additional taxes. There are still some "pet projects" that can be cut from the budget.

All of the other laws reviewed and passed should be thoroughly vetted and we should pass an easily readable and understandable law. The unintended consequences of each bill should be considered.

We each need to bring our common sense to Raleigh and leave behind our personal agendas. Every vote should be taken with the people at home in mind.