About David Johnson

I have proudly lived on Cherokee Drive in Area 1 of Westminster for over 20 years. My wife, Holly, and I raised our two children here, and our family has always believed that being part of a community means giving back to it.

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Our involvement started with something simple: a neighbor and I created the first Indian Village Fourth of July Parade to bring our neighborhood together. From there, I volunteered as a crossing guard at Sequoia Elementary, served as a PTA dad, and remained active in our community in many ways.

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As challenges grew in Westminster, I stepped forward to help address them. I founded the Westminster Homeless Task Force, which helped create solutions that both protect our community and provide help to those who truly want it. As a result, Westminster now has a Navigation Center that connects people experiencing homelessness with services tailored to their needs. At the same time, our city now has stronger tools to address encampments and restore safety in our parks and neighborhoods.

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But this was only the beginning. There is much more work to do to address this growing challenge and keep Westminster safe and welcoming.

 

Serving Westminster

As a City Commissioner, I worked to improve the quality of life in our community. I helped launch the Adopt-A-Park program, which encourages residents and organizations to help maintain and beautify our parks. I also proposed the creation of a fully accessible park designed for residents with disabilities, ensuring that everyone in Westminster can enjoy our public spaces.

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Parks are the heart of a community, and there is still much work to do to keep them safe, clean, and welcoming for families.

 

Family and Community

My wife Holly is a public school teacher, and we both volunteer with our son’s Scouting America troop. Scouting has been a lifelong part of my life—I earned my Eagle Scout rank in 1985—and it continues to shape my commitment to service, leadership, and character.

 

Current Leadership Roles

I currently serve Westminster and Orange County in several leadership roles:

• President, Westminster School District Board of Trustees (elected in 2020)

• Vice Chairperson, Orange County Committee for School District Organization

• Membership Vice Chairperson, Orange County Scouting America

 

Proven Results

When I first became involved with the Westminster School District, the district faced serious governance challenges. Board meetings were contentious, morale was low, and leadership lacked a clear vision for the future.

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Parents and community members asked me to help bring change.

I worked with families to elect trustees who would put students first. Two years later, I ran for the board myself and was elected as your Area 1 Trustee.

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Together, we restored professionalism, collaboration, and accountability to the board. Today, the board works together to make thoughtful decisions that strengthen our schools.

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As Board President, I helped recruit and hire a two-time Orange County Superintendent of the Year. I also led the effort to develop the district’s first six-year strategic plan, which now guides every major decision we make.

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The results have been remarkable:

• Clear goals and measurable outcomes

• Statewide recognition for academic and operational success

• Higher staff morale and reduced turnover

• Strong leadership in HR, finance, and operations

• Strategic plans guiding every major department

 

Most importantly, the Orange County Department of Education recently recognized the Westminster School District as the safest school district in Orange County.

In just a few years, Westminster schools have become a model of effective leadership and collaboration.

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A Plan for Westminster

The same leadership and results-driven approach that helped transform our schools can also strengthen our city.

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Step 1: Restore Civility and Good Governance

City government works best when leaders treat each other—and the public—with respect. I will work to ensure that the City Council follows the Brown Act, ethical standards, and proper governance procedures. Most importantly, I will help restore a culture of professionalism and collaboration so the council can focus on solving problems rather than creating conflict.

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Step 2: Support Our City Staff

The City Council has one employee: the City Manager. Effective leadership means setting clear policy, supporting our staff, and allowing professionals to do their jobs. I will work to ensure our staff members are treated with respect and have the resources they need to serve our residents effectively.

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Step 3: Grow Revenue Without Raising Taxes

Westminster must strengthen its financial future without raising taxes or fees on residents.

We can do this through:

• Federal, state, and county grants

• Strategic partnerships

• Smart economic development

• Attracting new businesses to Westminster

• Revitalizing underused properties

By focusing on innovation and growth, we can expand city revenue while protecting taxpayers.

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Step 4: Reduce Blight and Improve Safety

A clean and well-maintained city attracts families, businesses, and investment.

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We must act quickly to address graffiti, illegal encampments, and property violations while supporting law enforcement and code enforcement. At the same time, Westminster should invest in beautification, infrastructure, and public spaces that residents can be proud of.

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Safe parks, clean streets, and vibrant businesses benefit everyone.

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Step 5: Invest in All of Westminster — Including Area 1

Area 1 and the west side of Westminster deserve focused attention and investment.

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Little Saigon is a cultural and economic asset for our city, but Westminster is home to many communities and cultures. Our city should celebrate and invest in all neighborhoods and residents.

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Every part of Westminster deserves safe streets, strong businesses, and vibrant public spaces.

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Moving Westminster Forward

In the Westminster School District, we brought people together, built a shared vision, and delivered real results in less than six years.

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Now it’s time to bring that same leadership and collaboration to our entire city.

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Together, we can build a Westminster that is safe, vibrant, financially strong, and proud of every neighborhood.

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Let’s move Westminster forward—together.

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I respectfully ask for your vote.