PORT TOWNSEND — First-term Jefferson County Commissioner Phil Johnson has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The chronic, progressive disorder of the central nervous system affects 1.5 million Americans each year.
Johnson said Monday that he has every intention of remaining in office as long as he is physically able and might seek re-election in 2008.
“I don’t feel that it’s impaired my ability to do this job,” Johnson said Monday in a PDN interview at his Jefferson County Courthouse office.
“I have a very positive attitude.”
With his right hand trembling as he grasped his glasses, Johnson said he hopes for many more productive years in his life, like former Gov. Booth Gardner, who is also fighting the disease.
Others battling Parkinson’s are former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali and actor Michael J. Fox.
Already, the Port Townsend Democrat is walking a mile to work and home, and said he plans to continue hiking in the Olympic Mountains.
“Every mile counts,” he said Monday before walking home for lunch with his family.
