Background
Minnis, John Martin was born on December 14, 1953 in Garden City, Kansas, United States. Son of Elbert William and Helen R. Logerwell) Minnis.
protective services official State Legislator
Minnis, John Martin was born on December 14, 1953 in Garden City, Kansas, United States. Son of Elbert William and Helen R. Logerwell) Minnis.
Minnis graduated Madison High School in Portland, Oregon. He studied at Portland State University, Portland Bible College, and Eastern Oregon State University. He was also a jet mechanic for the United States Air Force and the Oregon Air Guard.
They had three children. Karen held several jobs while raising the family, putting John through college. Minnis was appointed to fill a seat in the Oregon House of Representatives in 1985, after fellow Republican Pat Gillis was recalled from office.
He served there until 1999, co-chairing the Ways and Means Committee in 1993, and chairing the Judiciary Committee in 1997.
Minnish left his seat in 1999 due to a term limits law. He was chair of the House Judiciary Committee in 1997 and of the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2001 and 2003.
Minnis sponsored the controversial and unsuccessful Senate Bill 742, which sought to label certain acts of civil disobedience as terrorism, and impose stiff penalties. Minnis"s wife, Karen Minnis, was Speaker of the Oregon House for the two following sessions.
The two were called the "most powerful duo in the Oregon Legislature" in a 2003 profile in the Eugene Register-Guard.
He was appointed director of the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training program by Governor Ted Kulongoski in 2004. He resigned from that post amid allegations of inappropriate behavior toward a female subordinate. The Oregon Attorney General"s office stated it was unable to prove any illegal incidents took place in Oregon.
In December 2009, the alleged victim announced plans to file a criminal complaint against Minnis in California.
Sergeant United States Air Force and Oregon Air Guard, 1972-1978. Member American Legislation Exch. Council, National Conference State Legislatures (vice Chairman of Commission on federal budget and taxation), American Professional Society on Abuse of Children.
Married Karen Marie Bartrug, October 14, 1972. Children: Steven, Michael, Jennifer.