In an interview with QSanAntonio, District 20 Congressional primary candidate Ezra Johnson talks about strengthening Social Security, achieving marriage equality and why he's a better candidate than Joaquin Castro. (Photo by Lauryn Farris)

In run for congress, Johnson invokes memory of Henry B.
QSanAntonio.com, January 28, 2012

Democrat Ezra Johnson says he decided to run for the District 20 Congressional seat just days after Charlie Gonzalez announced he would not seek-election. Johnson, who in his teens served as a congressional page for Charlie's father, Henry B. Gonzalez, says he always felt that if the Gonzalez family ever vacated the post he would run for the office.

"This is something I've been wanting to do since I worked for Henry B. when I was a teenager," says Johnson who in 1992 was appointed by Henry B. Gonzalez to serve as a U.S. House page. "I always told myself that if, for whatever reason, the Gonzalez family opened up the opportunity to other people, I would throw my hat into the ring."

Johnson is a San Antonio native who grew up on West Rosewood Ave. near Blanco St. He graduated valedictorian from Edison High School and went on to get a music degree from the University of Texas at Austin. After college he worked for the SAISD from 1999 to 2005 as a band director at Whittier Middle School and Harris Middle School.

In 2008, Johnson graduated from St. Mary's University Law School at the top of his class and now works for Cox-Smith, the city's largest law firm, where he represents clients in oil and gas related matters. He is married and has two daughters. His wife, Debra, teaches at Robert E. Lee High School.

Johnson with Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez (Photo: EzraForCongress.com)

Maintaining the social contract

In invoking Henry B. Gonzalez, Johnson cites what he sees as an effort to dismantle some of the programs that were supported by the elder statesman. "This country was made great by the nature of its social contract," he says. "We became great because we looked out for one another through programs like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. That broad social contract is in danger from forces that would want to roll it back."

"I'm telling voters that we need someone in Washington who's going to advocate strongly for protecting and strengthening these programs without rolling back benefits." Johnson acknowledges that the national budget "is unsustainable on its current trajectory. However, we should not balance our budget on the backs of the people that can afford it least."

Johnson says the three most important issues of the 21st century are energy, health care and education. "I have direct experience in two of those three areas which I don't think any other candidate in this campaign can claim," he says.

The energy problem, Johnson says, should be approached like the moon shoot was in the 1960's. "We have to channel quite a bit of our focus toward solving this problem and the attendant issues that come with it. If we solve the energy problem, we solve climate change issues and national security issues."

Johnson wants to "find ways to bring educational opportunities to more people by investing more in education. I think that means extending the school day, increasing teacher's salaries, putting more teachers in the classroom, and offsetting state budget cuts."

LGBT issues: 'I think we'll get there'

On one page of Johnson's campaign web site he has a long listing of issues he wants to address -- a "to do" list if he's elected. One of those issues is to "insure the full equality of marriage."

"The reason why same sex marriage has gone from being a controversial issue to one that has lots of political cover now is because of the tireless efforts of the LGBT community to bring moral suasion to bear on it," says Johnson.

"I think its been immensely successful and as long as we continue down that path, and as long as we keep getting out and educating the public, then I think that DOMA's days are numbered. It's going to happen. We'll actually have to get out of the wagon and push. But I think we'll get there."

In discussing workplace equality and Employment Non-Discrimination Act, Johnson says that it is important that any such bill is fully inclusive of gender identity and expression. "In my discussions with folks in the community, they tell me that, unfortunately, transgender issues are getting left behind. We cannot leave anyone behind. Everybody has to be a part of this," he says.

Johnson believes that acceptance comes by changing perceptions. "It's fear of the unknown. The history of the civil rights movement in this country is the gradual shift that comes from being able to educate folks. And I think we need to continue to progress along the same line."

When Johnson was asked about religious organizations that ask to be exempt from offering adoption services to gay and lesbian couples he replied, "I think there's a clear division between what a religious organization does in its pastoral capacity and what it does in the public sphere. If you're going to offer a public service to the community, you cannot say that your only going to serve a particular group of people because they conform to your particular religious views. If you're accepting state contracts or any kind of public money, then I think your duty is clear -- that you cannot discriminate on a religious basis."

Photo by Lauryn Farris

An uphill climb

Johnson admits that the race is an uphill climb considering that his well-funded and well-connected rival in the primary is State Representative Joaquin Casto, twin brother of Julian Castro, the mayor of San Antonio.

Nonetheless, he is quick to point out why he thinks he is the better candidate.

"The primary difference between us is that I have the courage of my convictions and Joaquin has demonstrated over and over again that when confronted with a controversial issue, he will back down from taking a leadership role in trying to change public opinion," says Johnson. "That's the difference that I think I can bring to this race. I'm not interested in simply reflecting the opinion of the public, I'm also interested in trying to change it for the better."

Castro initially had planned to run in the newly-drawn District 35 where his opponent in the Democratic primary would have been Congressman Lloyd Doggett. After Charlie Gonzalez said he would not seek re-election, Castro changed districts and chose instead to run in District 20.

Johnson is critical of Castro on several counts. "My opponent has injured us as Democrats by first working directly with Republicans to draw Congressmen Charlie Gonzalez and Lloyd Doggett out of their congressional seats. Then, he added insult to that injury by taking considerable amounts of campaign contributions from Republican donors in order to try and run Lloyd Doggett out of office. Now he comes back to us to convince us that he's been a good Democrat all along while taking the 20th District for granted."

Johnson says his message to all Democrats who plan to vote in the primary is: "If you're looking for someone who is actually willing to go out and fight for these issues; if you're looking for a Democrat who's not afraid to go to Washington and be a Democrat, then I would hope you would give my candidacy a second look."

Joaquin Castro: Ready for his close-up
QSanAntonio, January 14, 2011
Now that State Representative Joaquin Castro is running for Congressman Charlie Gonzalez' seat, many in the LGBT community are wondering what type of ally he is going to be.