Lars Johnson, an independent candidate for Congress, plans to be in Austin on on Sunday, May 23 at two locations: from 2 to 4 p.m. at Lafayette Park, 8th Avenue SE and South Main Street; and from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Godfather’s Pizza, 600 West Oakland Ave. Attendees will be invited to sign a petition to put Johnson’s name on the ballot this fall.

Johnson, who describes himself as an independent businessman dedicated to returning Washington and the U. S. Congress to the framework of the U. S. Constitution, is running as a “party free” candidate for Congress in Minnesota’s 1st District.

“I believe that the U.S. Constitution is a job description for the federal government and for the elected or appointed officials it describes,” Johnson said.

Johnson, who lives in Rochester, is a food safety certification trainer and consultant with clients throughout the 1st District.