The newest Harrison commissioner said he plans to focus on township revitalization.

Justin Johnson, 45, was appointed by the vacancy board to fill a 1st Ward position.

He takes the place of Chuck Dizard, who stepped down in July.

Johnson was chosen by the township vacancy board after the commissioners twice deadlocked 2-2 on Dizard’s replacement.

The vacancy board consists of those four commissioners and vacancy board chair George Conroy, himself a longtime former township commissioner. Commissioners Jamie Nee and Gary Meanor also voted for Johnson. Commissioners Jim Erb and Eric Bengel continued to favor Alan Fisher.

“I’ve always had an interest in local politics,” Johnson said. “I thought Chuck did a great job and I wanted to make sure the work he’s done continues.

“I also want to make an effort toward getting some of these vacant buildings filled with businesses.”

The Heights Plaza Shopping Center, for example, sits about 70% empty after the recent closures of Subway and Big Lots. Community Supermarket announced its plans to close on Oct. 31, leaving another anchor space available.

“We really need some revitalization, and the plaza is the main target,” Johnson said. “In credit to every candidate that applied for the vacancy, that was at the top the everyone’s concerns.”

Johnson will serve through the end of the year but said he plans to run on the ballot in November to secure a two-year term. He is working through the process of submitting a petition to Allegheny County.

While he has traditionally been registered as an independent, Johnson said he will run in the fall on the Democratic Party ticket.

An Army veteran, Johnson worked for the federal government for 12 years. He starts a new job with a Pittsburgh-area nonprofit in coming weeks.

Johnson has volunteered over the years with the township’s Earth Day cleanups.

“I look forward to working with the board to see what we can accomplish,” he said.

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