The Frances Perkins Club of the Lincoln County Democratic Committee (LCDC) will honor Sen. Chris Johnson at an award dinner on May 17 at Waters Edge Banquet and Function Facility in Edgecomb.

The biennial Francis Perkins Award was established in 1996 to honor a Lincoln County Democrat who has demonstrated leadership on civil rights, women’s rights and the needs of everyday Maine working people in the same manner as the late Newcastle resident Frances Perkins, Secretary of Labor under President Roosevelt (1933 to 1945).

Sen. Johnson was selected as the 2014 recipient because of his lifelong achievements in public service and his dedication as a Maine state senator since 2012 in helping Maine's families do better for themselves and Maine's communities and businesses stay strong and sustainable.

Johnson got started in politics on the local level in Somerville more than 20 years ago.

Johnson's many achievements include coleading a bipartisan effort to require labeling of genetically engineered food. He introduced a "food hubs" bill to strengthen Maine's agricultural economy, create jobs, and provide better nutrition to students, a bill that had received broad bipartisan support in both houses of the State Legislature. As co-chair of the Joint Marine Resources Committee, he has championed successful efforts for sustainable fisheries, including helping opposing sides to reach agreement on elver fishing practices, restoring alewife passage on the St. Croix River, and preventing the landing of lobsters caught in drag nets.

Johnson also provides strong support to his constituents outside of the State House. As an example, he convinced the Departments of Environmental Protection, Marine Resources and Agriculture to work together with local entities on cleaning up the Medomak River to reduce closures of clam flats.

Johnson, who is running for re election in November 2014, lives in Somerville with his wife, Valarie. They have two married daughters and three grandchildren.

The award dinner will take place on Saturday, May 17, 6 p.m. at Waters Edge Banquet & Function Facility in Edgecomb. Please contact Betsy Wooster at 207-832-7764 for more information.