Wilson names Columbiana's Johnson as top local aide
CANFIELD — U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson named Dennis Johnson, chairman of the Columbiana County Democratic Party and a former congressional aide to James A. Traficant Jr., as his chief liaison to the district.
Johnson, 66, of Salem is serving as Wilson’s regional field representative out of the congressman’s Canfield office on Boardman-Canfield Road. Johnson will earn about $60,000 annually.
Johnson said his primary responsibility is to serve as a liaison between Wilson of St. Clairsville, D-6th, and public officials in the 12-county congressional district that includes all of Columbiana County and a portion of Mahoning.
“I will do everything I can to help the congressman,” Johnson said. “It’s going to be enjoyable working for him. He wants to be involved in what’s happening in his district.”
Johnson was actively involved in Wilson’s campaign, sponsoring two Mahoning Valley fundraisers for the congressman last year.
As Columbiana County Democratic chairman, a position he’s held since 1991, Johnson delivered the county Democratic endorsement to Wilson during the congressman’s write-in campaign. It was the first county party endorsement for Wilson and a key one because Columbiana is the most-populated county in the 6th Congressional District.