DeKALB | DeKalb County Treasurer Christine Johnson will serve out the remaining two years of Senator Brad Burzynski’s term.

Burzynski, of the 35th Senate District, gave his letter of resignation on Jan. 24, in which he said he was leaving for a variety of reasons. Johnson was selected on Jan. 25 by a committee of the DeKalb County Republican chairmen to serve out the remainder of Burzynski’s term.

Burzynski said the main reason he was stepping down was so he could spend more time with his grandchildren. Also, a couple of his family members were dealing with illnesses, and he said he wanted to be more available to help take care of them.

“I’ve been doing this for 20 years,” Burzynski said. “Sometimes you just know when it’s time to step aside and let someone else have the opportunity to have this area.”

Johnson has been the DeKalb County treasurer for 17 years, and said she was very humbled and honored to be selected for this position. Her first priority is to deal with the state’s financial status.

“Right now my focus would be on the fiscal condition of the state,” Johnson said. “I think we need to get our fiscal house in order.”

Mary Simons, DeKalb County Republican chairwoman, said she thinks Johnson’s experience with working as the DeKalb County treasurer will help her to effectively represent her district.

“Personally, I think she’ll make a good candidate,” Simons said. “She’s going to represent the district very well.”

Johnson said currently the county board chairman is in the process of accepting applications and resumes to find her replacement as the DeKalb County treasurer. Once a recommendation has been established, the name will go to the DeKalb County Board for a vote.