ALAMOSA — Russell “Rusty” Johnson, who moved to Alamosa with his family at age 9, said he is running for Alamosa County Commissioner, District 1, as a member of the Republican Party.

Johnson attended Waverly School for two years, attended Ortega Middle School and graduated from Alamosa High School.

“I was raised on a small, family farm in the Waverly area with my seven siblings (3 brothers and 4 sisters),” said Johnson by email. “My parents still reside in Alamosa County.

Johnson said he is a single father of four daughters: Shereen Gonzales (Jason), Stephanie Golightly (Ken), Jordyn Brubacher (Clayton) and Mikyla Johnson and added that he is a “proud grandpa” of four granddaughters; Presley and Kenzie Gonzales, as well as Raven Golightly and Bentley Brubacher.

Johnson said he worked for Alamosa School District as a mechanic for 22 years and after early retirement, he is currently working for CDOT in Alamosa as a heavy equipment mechanic.

He has served as a coach and board member of the Alamosa Youth Wrestling Club for 36 years, and as a member of the San Luis Valley Youth Wrestling Association for over 20 years. He is currently in his first year as head wrestling coach at Alamosa High School after 27 years as an assistant coach under legendary coach Gary Ramstetter.

Johnson was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2015 and the Colorado Football Officials Association Hall of Fame in 2018.

“My goal is to work hard and excel at everything I do,” he added. “I will carry that with me to Alamosa County if I am elected.

“If elected, I plan to retire and dedicate my time to the county, but I do plan to continue my coaching career.”

He served on Alamosa City Council for six years, Johnson said. During his time with the city, the boards he served on included, Alamosa County Market and Tourism Board, Historic Preservation Board, Alamosa Tree Board, Alamosa Ranch Board, and he is currently serving on the Recreation Advisory Board.

He also has attended multiple training classes and seminars pertaining to local government, Johnson said. Those include Economic Development, Developing Strong Local Partnerships, Sunshine Law, Ethical Governing, Budget Training, along with many other training classes.

“I have often been referred to as a ‘common-sense’ leader during my time with the City of Alamosa,” he said. “I believe with my training, policy-decision making and leadership I would be a good fit as a County Commissioner.”