With the end of 2022 will also come the end of my term as a Washington County commissioner representing District 4.

I want to thank all the residents of the district, and the county, who have supported me during my term, and who have entrusted me with their concerns and requests. I have very much enjoyed my time as a county commissioner and am proud of the work that I and the other commissioners accomplished.

As the board’s representative on the county Library Board, I had a front row view of the wide range of services provided by the county’s libraries, as well as the stellar staff that serves residents. The county’s capital improvement program just approved by the County Board includes funding for the design and construction of an updated Park Grove Library.

I was pleased to lead the planning and construction of Ravine Landing, the new facility in Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park that is so much more than the shelter it replaced. Today, the community has an exceptional parks facility for community gatherings and an anchor for sporting events and outdoor recreation activities. It is a facility that will be used and treasured by the community for years to come.

Another parks project that I am so pleased to see completed is the rebuilding of the boat ramp at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park. As the only boat launch on the St. Croix River between Stillwater and the southern end of the county, it is a heavily-used facility, and one that was in dire need of reconstruction.

We are also very close to completing a joint project with the City of Cottage Grove to create a park that will provide residents river access on the Mississippi Dunes property.

During my term, the county invested in the transportation system in District 4, including a new roundabout at Hinton Avenue and 70th Street, a turn lane added on Keats Avenue at Indian Boulevard, and improvements on Grey Cloud Island Trail, just to name a few.

I am proud to have supported an increase in wages for our law enforcement and public safety personnel that will allow us to retain our employees and attract new individuals to keep our communities safe.

This year, I have had the honor to serve as board chair. During that time, we adopted new commissioner districts as part of redistricting, appointed a new County Attorney after Pete Orput’s sudden passing, made improvements in many county services, and allocated the federal pandemic funds to support our residents and businesses.

Serving the residents of Washington County’s District 4, and the entire county has been both a challenge and a pleasure. Know that we all do our utmost to fulfill the oath of our office to assure that the residents of the county may live their best lives possible in Washington County.

Thank you for your support. I wish you and the entire community of Washington County the best as I leave the county board.

Wayne A. Johnson, Washington County Commissioner, District 4