Pike County native and local businessman Russell David Johnson has qualified as a Republican candidate for Pike County Commissioner representing District 6.

Johnson is the managing partner of Coastal Plain Land and Timber. He said he decided to seek the commissioner’s seat because he wants to give back to the county where he grew up, developed a business and is raising his family. Johnson, 35, and his wife Morgan McDuffie Johnson, have been married seven years and have a son, James Youngblood Johnson, who is 1.

“My family has lived in District 6 of Pike County for 179 years,” Johnson said. “I have a vested interest in our county and particularly in this district. My wife and I invested everything we had into a business based in the district as a way to build a life for our family. Since we started our business, and with the birth of our son a year ago, I have fully begun to appreciate how important good, local government is to the success of a business, a family and the future of our county.”

Johnson said his education, business success and family history helped prepare him for a position in public service. He said he carries a deep personal belief that government should represent the will of the people.

“I pledge to bring transparency, communication and fiscal responsibility to the people of my district and the entire county through the publication of budgets, meeting agendas and minutes of the commission meetings,” Johnson said. “I will communicate with voters in our district so citizens can have input into the county’s business. I will not over regulate, over tax nor dictate terms to the people I represent, and I pledge that any financial matters will be handled professionally and in a fiscally responsible manner. Above all, I promise to perform my duties with an attitude of service and respect and will equally represent all residents of District 6.”

Johnson is active in his church and community. He is a member of First United Methodist Church of Troy and is a board member on the Wiregrass Log-A-Load for Kids, a nonprofit organization that supports Children’s Hospital of Alabama. He is a 1998 graduate of Pike Liberal Arts School and received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s of arts degree in risk management and insurance from Troy State University. Additionally, he is a licensed real estate broker and graduate of the Texas Auctioneer Academy. He also holds the designation of Alabama Professional Logging Manager.

The Republican Primary election is March 1, 2016.