Poll choice Kristy clear
Will the real ‘Kristie Johnson’ please stand up?
VOTERS will need to be on their toes when they separate their Kristies from their Johnsons at coming council and state elections.
Liberal candidate Kristy Johnson will run in the electorate of Denison at the state poll due in March.
This follows months of speculation that suspended Glenorchy mayor Kristie Johnston could also have a tilt at Parliament.
The namesakes are unlikely to go head-to-head at an election, but suspended mayor Johnston said there was the potential for voter confusion.
“Imitation’s the greatest form of flattery,” she said.
“I’m hoping voters won’t get us confused — I’m Kristie Johnston with a T and really committed to being their mayor in the community.”
Mother of two Ms Johnson runs two successful gym businesses and is one of five candidates the Liberals will field in Denison, where departing Matthew Groom and Elise Archer hold seats.
“I have a real passion for people and seeing them succeed, hearing success stories,” Ms Johnson said.
“I also have a passion to hear their struggles as well, that’s really where my heart is.
“I am a successful businesswoman, I have a business in Glenorchy, so I really like to think I have my finger on the pulse of what’s actually happening in the community.”
Liberal candidates for Denison include Ms Archer, Hobart Lord Mayor Sue Hickey, businessman Simon Behrakis and newsagent Dean Young.
Premier Will Hodgman joked the endorsing of Ms Johnson — her married name — could be a new tactic.
“It’s an interesting quirk of fate,” Mr Hodgman said.
“But this Kristy Johnson has an extraordinary track record as a member of the local community, as a successful business operator, as a mum and somebody who’s got passion and commitment.”
Independent federal member for Denison Andrew Wilkie, a supporter of the suspended mayor, thought it less funny.
“It will be very confusing for some voters and it will certainly be very convenient for the Liberal Party to have a candidate with that name,” Mr Wilkie said.
Mrs Johnston hasn’t ruled out a tilt at state politics but that is becoming less likely with a fresh election for the dysfunctional Glenorchy council expected in January.
“I’m definitely running for mayor of Glenorchy City Council. If I’m elected mayor, I’m committed to do that job and see that term out. That’s my primary concern,” she said.