Kingfisher native Rob Johnson, a state representative who is running for corporation commissioner, hopes that when people look back over his political career, they will say it burned every bit as bright as a Coleman lantern.
After all, Kingfisher is the birthplace of W. C. Coleman, whose lanterns use mantles instead of wicks and are fueled by gasoline under pressure instead of coal oil.
Coleman lanterns are known all over the world and, before company headquarters were moved to Kansas, they made Kingfisher a beacon on the prairie.
Johnson wouldn’t mind being a beacon in Oklahoma’s political scene, which is why he is in the running for the corporation commission seat left vacant when Denise Bode left for a job in the private sector.
It all started when Johnson was in high school. “I had a little bit of interest in politics then, but that interest really kicked off when I got into college,” he said.
Did he love it immediately? “I did. I was an intern for Sen. Don Nickles and I saw the effects he had on the state of Oklahoma. He showed me that one person can make a difference. I felt like I could make a difference, and I wanted to be able to do that.”
Now 34 years old, Johnson was elected to the Oklahoma Legislature in November of 2004. After only two years he was selected by Speaker Lance Cargill to serve as Majority Whip.
Shortly afterward, the fifth generation Oklahoman married Michelle, another fifth generation Oklahoman. Next week they will celebrate their 11th anniversary.
Together they have two toddlers, Kensington and McKellyn. The couple decided to raise their children in Kingfisher, a town of slightly more than 4,000 people, which has been home to the Johnson family for several generations.
“I grew up in Kingfisher,” Johnson said. “My great-grandfather started a farm implement store there 75 years ago and it’s been in the family ever since, although it’s a car dealership now.
“Michelle and I knew we wanted to raise our children in rural Oklahoma, that’s why we chose Kingfisher. But I’ve been busy canvassing Oklahoma in my run to become corporation commissioner. I think I am the best for the position because I have the most overall experience and I’m the only one who’s done work on the federal side.
“I am the only one in the race with legislative experience. I have spent the last four years representing the people in my district.
“I believe the corporation commission and the Legislature should work hand in hand. I want to be very pro-active when it comes to working with the legislative about longterm solutions and energy plans.”
Johnson said he wants to see lower utility prices for all Oklahomans. “I want energy to be the most affordable it can be for the entire state. I think it’s imperative that we have more drilling in the U.S. and not be so dependent upon foreign oil. We should not be dependent upon foreign oil and no other country should be dictating the price of gas at our pumps. We need to do as much domestic drilling as we can.
“Also, I want to make sure we’re diversified, such as with wind and solar power. We need to have a plan, not wait for somebody to do it for us. That’s why I know you’ve got to go out and talk to the people and get their opinion, not just be a beaurocrat sitting at the commissioner’s office.
“I want to represent people, get their opinions, and do the best I can for them.
“Most of the readers of the McAlester News-Capital are just like me: I am a husband, a father, a family man. My values are what people in McAlester’s values are and they go with me everywhere I go, and in every decision I make.
“That’s why I think I would be the best candidate for the corporation commission.
“I want to represent the people of Oklahoma, get them lower utility prices, and do the best I can for them.”
Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of interviews with candidates for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission conducted by Features Editor Susan Brittingham designed to tell the story of the person, not just the story of the candidate.
Contact Susan Brittingham at 421-2029 or e-mail sbrittingham@mcalesternews.com.
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