Dear Friend,

Welcome to the official website of my campaign for Cleveland City Council. I am running to be elected to serve as Councilman for Ward 8 because I want to improve the community. I want to fight for the residents, organizations and businesses of the area.  I believe I can make a difference for the over 25,000 citizens living within the neighborhoods of Ward 8. I am committed to fight against the crime plaguing our streets, the empty and abandoned homes, lack of jobs and economic development, and our struggling educational system.

I have the experience to lead, with over 25 years of public service, serving in Cleveland City Council, the Ohio State Senate, as Director of Cleveland’s Department of Community Relations, and as a public affairs consultant.  I am ready to work with everyone in the Ward 8 neighborhoods in a partnership that will restore a more safe and enjoyable community for all of us, and our families.

The Ward 8 area is a diverse community with wonderful neighborhoods.  These neighborhoods are what make Ward 8 special and unique. It has a rich history of dedicated residents, past and present, who have made significant contributions to our city and across the nation. Glenville is a proud and hardworking neighborhood. It is a neighborhood of fine historic homes, beautiful parks and amazing people. The St. Clair-Superior neighborhoods within Ward 8, including Asia Town, are uncommon and culturally diverse. The residents of this area live each day proud of their heritage and determined to continue to improve their lives and the community.  I love experiencing its uniqueness, and proud of what it has achieved.

Ward 8 also has much of University Circle, with its cultural, health and educational institutions.  The residents of University Circle are committed and determined. They are second to none in their advocacy and love for their neighborhood. University Circle, Inc. has done very good work in overseeing the institutional and residential development of the area.  In addition to the residents living throughout the different neighborhoods, Ward 8 is also home to outstanding and influential institutions, businesses and historic areas, including Rockefeller Park Cultural Gardens, Art and History Museums, Cleveland State University, Asia Plaza, MidTown business district, V.A. Hospital, Lakefront State Park and much more.

I have personally been connected to the Ward 8 community all of my life. My late grandmother, Juanita Lewis, bought the home I now own, and live in, during the early 1950s. Over the years my family have own businesses, and raised families in the community. We also volunteered our time in an effort to keep the neighborhood strong. My roots are deep here. In addition, I am also blessed to have friends from throughout the Ward 8 area that live here, or who despite moving away, still care about the community and remain involved.

If you are a resident of Ward 8 I ask for your support and vote. Together we can make a difference and expand opportunities for our families and neighbors. If you do not live in Ward 8 but care enough to get involved I invite you to join our efforts. We need volunteers and financial donations to assist us as we campaign to deliver our message of positive change for Ward 8, and the City of Cleveland.  I am committed to working hard and creatively to make our community stronger and better.  Thank you.

Sincerely yours,
Jeffrey D. Johnson