State Senator Chris Johnson, D - Somerville, held his final series of office hours on Saturday, Nov. 19, after losing the election to Dana Dow, R - Waldoboro, on Nov. 8.

Johnson said that several people showed up at the first couple of locations, in Waldoboro and Damariscotta. “Most wanted to wish me well, and wondered what was coming next,” he said. The same was true of the office hours in Wiscasset, at Treats on Main Street.

Johnson said that his plans include finding a job, first of all, but that he hoped to remain connected to the Lincoln County Recovery Collaborative, a signature initiative he championed during his last term in office.  The LCRC is a group of law enforcement personnel, medical personnel, and community members who will serve as “angels” to help people suffering from addiction, especially opiate addiction, find treatment options, hopefully locally.

Among the visitors in Wiscasset was Mike Loewe of Boothbay, who came to offer commiseration, not only for Johnson’s own loss, but also for the Democratic losses nationwide. “I’d say we all have work to do,” Loewe said, “and that includes you, Chris.”

Later, Loewe said that in what he called the unsettled times to come, people like Johnson would be essential.  “He is a very good man,” Loewe said. “He is determined and true, and knows the issues better than most.”

Johnson leaves office on the first of January. The Legislature may be called back into service one more time prior to the beginning of the next session.