Our Home. Our Heritage. Our Future. Your Voice.
Ed Johnston for Worthington City Council
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Honoring Our Past
Preserving Worthington's historic character and small-town charm that generations have cherished.
Building Our Future
Strategic growth that strengthens our community without sacrificing what makes Worthington special.
Ed Johnston brings a balanced approach to city council, ensuring Worthington thrives while maintaining the quality of life that makes our community home to families across generations.
Our Future: Smart Strategic Growth
Stagnation Is Not a Strategy
For too long, Worthington has been stuck in debate and indecision. This inaction threatens to turn our vibrant community into a museum piece. We need strategic planning that embraces smart growth while preserving our historic character.
Opportunity, Not Overdevelopment
Assets like UMCH property offer once-in-a-generation opportunities. We can create walkable spaces, diverse housing for families and seniors, and support local businesses—all at appropriate Worthington scale.
Collaborative & Transparent Process
Past development debates divided our community. My commitment: residents are partners, not opponents. Everyone comes to the table to ensure what we build reflects our shared values.

I am not pro-development, I am pro-Worthington. There's a huge difference between smart, strategic growth and unchecked development elsewhere.
Our Heritage: Financial Strength
01
How Worthington Is Funded
City services—police, fire, roads, parks—are funded primarily by income tax from people working in Worthington. Commercial tax base directly supports essential services.
02
Smart Growth Protects Homeowners
Every new business and job diversifies our tax base, generating revenue that takes financial pressure directly off homeowners when funding services we all rely on.
Investment Pays for Itself
We must strategically attract and retain businesses, creating an environment where local shops and new employers succeed. A strong commercial sector isn't just "nice to have"—it's the financial engine funding our community's needs for decades.
"Strategic investments bring long-term income tax revenue that far exceeds initial investment, funding parks and police while keeping property taxes stable."
Our Home: Safety First
Safe by Design
People choose Worthington for incredible quality of life. At the heart is deep security—peace of mind for kids playing in yards and retirees feeling secure.
First-Class Services
Our safety results from commitment to highly-trained, dedicated Police and Fire departments integrated into our community with second-to-none response.
What City Income Tax Funds
Police Protection
Professional law enforcement keeping our neighborhoods safe and secure around the clock.
Fire & Emergency Services
Rapid response emergency medical and fire protection services for every resident.
Infrastructure & Parks
Well-maintained roads, sidewalks, and beautiful public spaces that define our community.
While excellent schools are funded by property taxes, City Income Tax from local jobs and businesses directly funds these critical public safety services.
Connecting It All
My vision for smart, strategic growth and secure financial future isn't just about numbers—it's about protecting the Worthington way of life.
Strategic Growth
Income tax revenue from healthy local economy
Stable Funding
Investments in top-tier Police and Fire services
Safe Community
Families protected in the place they call home
A vote for a strong local economy is a vote to keep Worthington safe.
Your Voice Matters
Join Me in Building Stronger Worthington
Your voice is essential to this plan. I want to hear from you directly with your ideas and concerns.
Paid for by Friends of Johnston for City Council, 867 High Street, Suite D, Worthington, OH 43085
Ed Johnston for Worthington City Council
Worthington Heritage - Same Streets. Same Values.
Growing up in Worthington
Worthington's History
Ed has "hands on" experience with landmarks and events that make up our story. Preserving Worthington's Legacy, One Landmark at a Time. The Iconic Caboose.
Family Heritage
The Rutherford's.
My mother worked for many years with the Rutherford Funeral Home. They honored our roots while building the foundation of Worthington.
Caboose Concert
Growing up in Worthington created an opportunity to experience the arts.
I cherish many shared memories of our historic caboose and concerts on the green.
Preserving home.
For Ed Johnston, every corner of this city tells a story, and many of them are his own. Growing up on North Street allowed his home to be the center of the neighborhood activities!
He remembers the nervous excitement of taking his prom photos right here, in front of the old high school, the same building where generations of families started their futures. This isn't just a place he governs; it's the bedrock of his life. It's where he and his wife decided to plant their roots, raise their children, and build a business from the ground up. He sees the city's heritage not as a collection of old buildings, but as the living foundation of the community. For Ed, preserving the historic streets and local landmarks is personal. It's about honoring the commitment of everyone who came before and ensuring that the same sense of place, opportunity, and shared history that shaped his life will be here for generations to come. That deep, personal connection is why he serves—to protect the heart of the home he's never left.
Growing Business
For Ed Johnston, the path of a local entrepreneur wasn't always easy. Growing a business in a Worthington meant pounding the pavement, where every handshake mattered and your reputation was your most valuable asset. There were lean years and moments of doubt, the kind of challenges every small business owner faces. But that struggle forged a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed here. It also taught him to recognize opportunity, even when it seemed out of reach.
That pivotal moment arrived when the now-famous "Arnold Classic" first came to Columbus. While major city firms competed for the security contract, it was Ed's homegrown company, built on trust and a relentless work ethic, that was chosen to be the primary security provider for Arnold Schwarzenegger himself. He knows firsthand the hurdles local businesses face, but more importantly, he knows the incredible potential that exists right here, waiting for its own opportunity to shine.
Invested in People, Not Politics
Real Impact, Right Here at Home
Supporting the youngest and most vulnerable with resources and care — because every child deserves a strong start.
Because Service Speaks Louder Than Promises
Donating time and services to create safe, supportive spaces where children can learn and thrive.
There’s nothing more important than keeping our children safe, because their security today shapes the strength of our community tomorrow
Serving Our Community in Action
Investing in mentorship and opportunity, helping young people build brighter futures.
Active Leadership in Action
Ed doesn’t just talk about serving Worthington — he shows up. As a regular participant in City Council meetings, Ed is engaged in the conversations that shape our community’s future. By listening, contributing, and asking the right questions, he ensures that the voices of Worthington residents are represented where decisions are made.
📌 Want to see Ed in action?
We’ve included a link to past City Council meeting recordings so you can see his commitment firsthand.

worthington.org

Live & Recorded Meetings | Worthington, OH - Official Website

City Council, Architectural Review Board/Municipal Planning Commission, and Board of Zoning Appeals meetings are live-streamed and available to view here. 

Letter to Worthington City Council
October 6, 2025
Comprehensive Plan
Embracing Change and Pursuing Excellence
Good Evening, Ladies and Gentlemen,
PRESIDENT DOROTHY
CITY COUNCIL
CITY MANAGER STEWART
CITY LEADERS
RESIDENTS VIEWING THIS ONLINE
It is truly an honor to stand before you today. Whether you are gathered here in person or joining us virtually from across the globe, your presence signifies something powerful: a shared commitment to growth, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence.
LAST WEEK, ATTENDING JANE MINTONS FUNERAL, AS HARVEY AND HER LIVED THEIR LIVESS HERE, AFTER SEVERAL GENERATIONS, THEY COULDN’T STAY IN THEIR HOME, FORCED TO LIVE OUTSIDE OUR BOUNDARIES, AFTER SERVING OUR COMMUJNITY FOR MANY YEARS AS AMBASSARDORS OF OUR BELOVED CITY.
We are living in a world that is constantly evolving. Every day brings new challenges, opportunities, and unexpected turns. Change can be daunting, even overwhelming at times. But it is also the very force that propels us forward, urges us to discover new strengths, and reveals possibilities we never imagined.
AS IN THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IS AMOUNST US, IT WOULD BE NICE TO SEE ON OUR AGENDA UPDATES FROM CITY STAFF, HOW IT IS COMMENCING, ONE AREA IS WHERE DOES OUR SENIORS THROUGHTS, IN THEIR PLANS AFTER A CERTAIN TIME, WHEN THEY NEED TO DOWNSIZE?
IN THE SUNDAY COLUMBUS DISPATCH, IN AN ARTICLE CHASING THE DREAM, A SURVEY OF 1200 PERSONS SUGGESTS IT WILL TAKE UP TO 5,000.00 IN A LIFETIME TO LIVE UPON. IN OWNING HOME THERE WILL BE UP TO 900K ALONE.
THIS IS ONE REASON WE NEED TO FIND WAYS FOR MORE BUSINESS TO MOVE HERE, TO MAINTAIN REASONABLE TAXES ON PROPERTY.
Throughout history, progress has been made by those who dare to step out of their comfort zones, who embrace innovation, and who refuse to let fear dictate their path. Today, I encourage each of you to see change not as an obstacle, but as a doorway—one that leads to discovery, to learning, and to personal transformation.
I URGE COUNCIL TO BRING UP DIALOG, DISCUSS MORE IN THESE NEXT FEW MONTHS, SO THE NEW LEADERS WILL HAVE A BETTER FOUNDATION FROM THOSE THAT ARE SEATED TONIGHT IN FRONT OF US.
AS ONE DAY, YOU WILL BE FACED WITH THE SAME CHALLENGES AS THE MINTONS, WHEREBY YOU COULD HAVE MADE A DIFFERENT OUTCOME.
AS SEVERAL WEEKS AGO, CITY MANAGER STEWART SHARED THAT SOME STATE MONEYS TO APPLY FOR WOULD TAKE UP TO 6 MONTHS IN OBTAINING, ZONING DISCUSSIONS, CITY IDEALISMS, LETS MOVE FORWARD, MAKE THIS DIFFERENCE TOWARDS THE COMPRENSIVE PLAN.
Excellence is not a destination, but a continuous journey. It is built on the foundations of hard work, integrity, and a willingness to learn from both success and failure. Let us remember that every setback is an opportunity to grow, and every triumph is a milestone on the road to greater achievements.
Let us support one another, celebrate our differences, and unite in our shared goals. As we face the challenges ahead, let us do so with courage, kindness, and determination. Together, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.
LAST IS A SHARED MOMENT, I WAS DOWN ON THE FLATS YESTERDAY, WATCHING MY GRAND DAUGHTER ANDI, SHE IS 8 YEARS OLD, CHEERING A FLAG FOOTBALL GAME. A PARENT CAME UP TO ME, WHEREBY HER SONS CLOSE TO MINE HAD A GRANDSON PLAYING OUT ON THE FIELD. WE TALKED ABOUT THOSE EARLIER DAYS WHEREBY OUR CHILDREN WERE SO CLOSE TO ONE AND ANTHER.
ANDI CHEER TEAM WAS SHOUTING OUT THE WORTHINGT RUMBLE, AS ANDI IS BATTLING LEUKEMIA, HER SPIRIT WAS LOUD, WE SHOULD BE ALL SHOUTING THE WORTHINGTON RUMBLE, WE CAN GET THIS RIGHT FOR ALL OF US.
Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your commitment to making a positive difference. Let us move forward together—embracing change, striving for excellence, and shaping a brighter future for us all.
Thank you.
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