scone.com.auJohnsen Will Run Again for Office
By Des Dugan
MICHAEL didn’t announce it but the NSW Nationals did.
It’s official, Michael Johnsen has been re-endorsed for the Upper Hunter for the March 2019 State Election.
NSW Nationals Chairman Bede Burke congratulated Mr Johnsen on the result and said he would continue to be a strong voice for the region in Parliament.
“Michael understands the opportunities and challenges facing the Upper Hunter,” Mr Burke said.
“The focus of The Nationals is first and foremost on the people of our communities and I know that Michael will continue to be the strong voice for them in Parliament.”
The announcement follows closely on the heels of a Sydney Morning Herald story suggesting the candidate was on the verge of bankruptcy. See related story: Michael Johnsen Faces Threat of Bankruptcy.
This has been strongly denied by Mr Johnsen claiming sections of the media were playing with the facts.
“This matter will be resolved fairly soon,” Michael said in interviews late last week.
Mr Johnsen has been active in NSW politics since 2015.
Prior to his election to the parliament he was a councillor and then mayor on the Upper Hunter Shire Council.
He will be contesting the seat against an old foe in both regimes, namely Lee Watts who challenged his mayor position on the Council and will now go against him representing the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party in the coming state elections.
The other opponent is Muswellbrook mayor Martin Rush who was confirmed as the Labor Party candidate for the Upper Hunter.
Related stories:
- Michael Johnsen Faces Threat of Bankruptcy – November 8, 2018.
- Lee Watts Running in State Election – October 8, 2018.