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AASP/MA Member William “Bill” Johnson Runs for Western Massachusetts Senate Seat
One of AASP/MA’s longtime members is seeking office in the state Senate.
William “Bill” Johnson (Pleasant Street Auto Body; South Hadley) has announced his candidacy for the Hampden/Hampshire/Worcester district in western Massachusetts.
He has owned his business for 41 years. Covered under the umbrella name – the Johnson Groups – the operations include the body shop, a towing and transport division known as Hampshire Towing, real estate holdings, credit card processing, a mechanical division and more.
Public service is nothing new to Johnson who has served in various positions from the municipal to state level for the past 35 years. He started out serving on the Conversation Commission in his hometown. He served as Granby selectman for 15 years and held positions on various municipal and state boards. He is president of the Statewide Towing Association, Inc. and served as president of the AICC, a selfinsurance workers comprehensive group. He has also given back in the area of education by serving on the Pathfinder Regional Vocational High School (Palmer) school committee for 13 years, and he was appointed by the governor to serve as a trustee to Springfield Technical Community College.
For the past seven years, Johnson has been serving on the Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board (ADALB), another position he was appointed to by the governor.
“My interest in running for public office has always been a part of me,” shares Johnson. “I’ve been very involved in different organizations over the years; this opportunity to run for Senate came up, and everything in life is timing. Both my boys are involved in the business, so I’m looking to take a bit of a step back from that, and this really seemed like perfect timing.
“It’s an open seat in a new district,” he continued. “I always try to give back and try to make improvements. I want to improve things for my children and granddaughter…and for everyone’s children and grandchildren.”
Johnson believes people are not happy with “the status quo.” He supports parental rights as it relates to children’s education, believing they should be engaged and have knowledge.
“You’ll never hear me say ‘defund the police.’ I think we need to fund public safety.”
Johnson doesn’t like to use the word “better” when it comes to bringing on positive change. Instead, he’d rather work toward balance.
“I believe we should be mindful of the tax dollar. That’s what I want to bring to Beacon Hill. I want to bring balance back to it and be the voice of reason to the people of the district.”
When it comes to the collision and towing industries which he knows inside and out from a business owner’s perspective, Johnson is committed to using his input to help streamline things any way he can.
“The current system in Massachusetts is crushing these industries, and there is no legislation or any support. Insurance companies are running over both industries. As an elected official, I can give input to help bring balance. We need to find some solutions on the state level.”
One of the things he’d like to see happen is for the ADALB to be moved from the control of the Division of Insurance to the Division of Occupational Licensing. AASP/MA has put its wholehearted support behind HB 4242 which sets out to accomplish exactly that.
The association has also put its support behind Johnson and is publicly endorsing his campaign.
“All the years that I’ve known Bill, he has always exemplified an obvious love for the industry, concern for consumers and doing what is right for both consumers and the collision repair industry,” comments AASP/MA Executive Director Lucky Papageorg. “Bill’s qualifications, knowledge and real-life experience make him an exceptional leader and candidate for the senatorial seat, and we are confident he will bring positive change to Beacon Hill. He is a no-nonsense, non-partisan business and community leader who will bring common sense to the Commonwealth.”
In support of Bill Johnson’s campaign, the association encourages collision repairers across the state to show their support by contributing to Committee to Elect William Johnson for State Senator, PO Box 95, Gramby, MA 01033.
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