Mark Johnston

Mark Johnston earned an M.D. from Dalhousie University in 1980 and a graduate degree from the University of Western Ontario in 1986. Johnston also attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His career experience includes working as an ophthalmologist.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Retired Eye Surgeon

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Justice For AllRepresent all the voters in CD2Working together for a better future.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Respect and dignity for the individual.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My parents

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The Bill of Rights and the Constitution

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Hard worker. Enjoying being around people.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Working to improve the lives of all

What legacy would you like to leave?

To have made the lives of those around me better.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

John Kennedy being elected President.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Grew up working on our family farm.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Diversity of it’s membership.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Politicians should be highly qualified and experienced in their areas of expertise.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Continue to have a dynamic educational system.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Moderate restrictions

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

John Quincy Adams

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Long term residents afraid of being separated from their families.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Finding the best solutions is often hard work.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

Congress, like families and businesses, must be fiscally responsible.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

Yes

What committees interest you?

Health Care and Agriculture

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Fiscal responsibility.