Phil Johnston: A Life of Political Passion and Service

Phil Johnston was a man who believed in the power of government to do good. He was a liberal through and through, always dreaming of a better world and a more just society. His political journey began with Robert F. Kennedy's 1968 presidential campaign, but his true inspiration came from Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal. Johnston saw the New Deal as a model for how government could help people in need. Johnston's political career spanned several decades. He served five terms as a state representative from 1975 to 1984. During this time, he stood up for what he believed in, even when it meant going against the grain. For instance, he opposed House speaker Thomas McGee's punishment of Senator Ed Markey for passing a judicial reform bill. Johnston believed that government should reflect the best of the people it served. After his time in the state legislature, Johnston went on to serve in various roles, including secretary of health and human services under Governor Michael Dukakis and New England administrator for Health and Human Services under President Clinton. He also ran for Congress in 1996, but lost in a close race that came down to a recount. Despite this setback, Johnston remained passionate about politics and continued to be involved in the Democratic Party. Johnston was known for his humor and his love of political gossip. He was a friend to many, especially those who needed help navigating the complexities of the health care system. He was also a realist, understanding that the political environment could change quickly. Even as some leading Massachusetts Democrats were walking away from the state's "right to shelter" law, Johnston remained steadfast in his beliefs. In the current political climate, Johnston's philosophy of government feels like it's dying. But his legacy lives on in the tens of thousands of people who continue to fight for the values and programs that he championed. Johnston's life was a testament to the power of belief and the importance of standing up for what you believe in, even in the face of adversity.