CERRITOS – Gaining momentum as a surprise winner in her first attempt to run as member of the ABC School Board winning by only 24 votes from her closest rival two years ago, Lynda Johnson started early to re-launch her campaign for re-election.
Political bigwigs and supporters from the cities that comprise the ABC Unified School District were on hand to endorse her re-election bid for a second term recently in this city. She filled the unused two-year-term of Mark Pulido when he won as councilman of Cerritos City Council. The election will take place on Nov. 5 this year.
Among those who spoke and endorsed Lynda Johnson were Cerritos Mayor Bruce Barrows, Cerritos Mayor Pro Tem Mark Pulido, former Cerritos mayor and current Councilwoman Carol Chen, Hawaiian Gardens Mayor Pro Tem Mike Gomez, ABC Federation of Teachers President Ray Gaer, former California State Assemblymember Tony Mendoza, ABC Board Member Olympia Chen who is also running for re-election, current ABC Board Members Maynard Law and Sophia Tse as well as community leaders, commissioners and committee members of the City of Cerritos and ABC School Board.
Ms. Johnson who now serves as Board Clerk said in her brief speech, “I have built strong working relationship with the leaders of the cities served by ABC like Artesia, Cerritos, Hawaaian Gardens, Lakewood and Norwalk. And as you can see, many of these elected and appointed officials are here with us today. I thank you all for your support and endorsement. It is valued and respected.”
She emphasized, “I will continue our collaboration so that we can increase academic excellence for all students. I wish to personally thank Mayor Pro Tem Mike Gomez for taking the time to come with me to visit the schools in the Hawaiian Gardens community and for working with me in focusing on student success for all.”
Ms. Johnson, a 42-year Cerritos resident reported that since she was elected to the School Board, she has visited all 30 schools in ABC. “I have been in the classrooms of 19 elementary schools, five middle schools, five high schools and even the adult school water aerobics class. I enjoyed meeting with the principals, talking to staff and teachers, and seeing all the wonderful projects made by the students. I am so proud of the tremendous progress and achievements that our schools have accomplished.”
Lynda is a graduate of local ABC schools, past ABC parent and past president of the Cerritos High PTSA. She is also endorsed by her five colleagues in the Board, LA County Supervisor Don Knabe and Artesia former mayor and councilmember Victor Manalo.
This year, Lynda Johnson informed the nearly 100 supporters who gathered at the sprawling Sunshine Park for the kick off rally. She said that she worked very hard with her board colleagues to improve ABC’s finances. The 2013-2014 school year outlook she shares is “brighter as we restored furlough days to our school teachers/staff and the full school year for our students. I wish to personally thank ABCFT President Ray Gaer and all ABC teachers and staff that made personal sacrifices of taking those furlough days – keeping in mind student achievements.”
She pointed out, “I will continue to work hard to increase funding, close the achievement gap and keep our schools academically competitive. This will be my mission and my foremost priority.”
The Filipino-American candidate who is in her late 40s with a refreshing personality despite the summer heat, unleashed her battle cry: Remember, we are in it to WIN it.”
Lynda Johnson can be reached at (310) 650-6159 or email [email protected]. Visit herwebsite: www.lyndapjohnson.com.
(Dan E. Nino)
