State Rep. Greta Johnson is leaving the Statehouse to return to local government.
Johnson, D-Akron, announced Thursday morning that she will step down as a state representative March 26 to become the deputy law director for Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro. The move will mean a significant pay increase without the need for back-and-forth travel to Columbus.
“The opportunity to actually help people directly is just incredible,” Johnson, a former prosecutor, said in a phone interview Thursday. “I didn’t realize how important that was when I was a prosecutor. I thought I was just in it for the fight.”
Johnson will replace John Kinsey, who is moving to another job in the county, and will be paid $78,208. She earned about $60,000 as a state representative.
“During her time as a state representative, Greta has demonstrated the tenacity, intelligence and courage that make her an ideal fit for the county,” County Executive Ilene Shapiro said in a prepared statement. “I am confident that she will serve the residents of Summit County well in her new position.”
Johnson, 39, was elected to represent the 35th District in 2014 and to another two-year term in 2016. Prior to that, she served as a prosecutor for Mahoning County, Summit County and the city of Akron.
State Rep. Emilia Sykes, D-Akron, who was elected at the same time as Johnson, said her colleague and friend will be missed.
“Her passion and commitment to her constituents and to ensuring the rights of women and victims of sexual assault has been nothing but admirable,” Sykes said in an email. “While I am sad to see that her leave the legislature, I wish her nothing but the best in her new role.”
The House Democratic Caucus will choose Johnson’s replacement for the 35th District, which includes much of South Akron and the city of Barberton. Johnson’s staff will remain until her replacement is chosen to address constituent concerns.
Johnson said she isn’t sure who is interested in the position, though she has been talking to a few people about it.
Asked if she has other political aspirations, such as running for judge, Johnson said she won’t pursue a judicial post this year but isn’t sure what opportunities she may pursue in the future.
For now, Johnson said she is excited to work for Shapiro, whom she said has been her mentor, and to learn about aspects of local government she isn’t as familiar with, such as economic development.
“It’s an extraordinary opportunity for me to grow and build on what I’ve already done,” she said.
Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at 330-996-3705, swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com and on Twitter: @swarsmithabj . Beacon Journal reporter Rick Armon contributed to this report.