WALLA WALLA -- Jim Johnson is finishing his first full term as commissioner, representing Walla Walla County's District 1. He was appointed to the position in May, 2012, to finish out the final eight months of the previous term. He was elected, as a Republican, for the current term in November of that year.

Johnson is a CPA who owned his own firm for more than 30 years. He retired in 2012. He is a graduate of Seattle University and is married, with four children and seven grandchildren.

"I have been deeply involved in the community for 42 years, having served on many boards and committees," he...