Ward 4

Councilman Kenneth L. Johnson has had the honor of serving as Ward 4’s Cleveland City Council representative since 1980.  During his tenure, Councilman Johnson has established a significant track record of service to the Buckeye-Shaker neighborhood and the City of Cleveland. 

Councilman Johnson has focused his energies on recreation and development during his period in office.  Since being elected to City Council, he has instituted free overnight summer and winter camping for Cleveland’s youth through Camp George L. Forbes.  Councilman Johnson also started a holiday basketball tournament and worked to open a water park at the Kenneth L. Johnson Recreation Center.  Additional programs started by Councilman Johnson include a fishing clinic and a cross country skiing program.

Councilman Johnson believes quality recreational programming is important because it helps young people develop socially, learn leadership skills and stay healthy. His commitment to recreation in the city of Cleveland has earned him the honor of being the only Council Member in Cleveland history to have a building named in his honor while still holding office. The Kenneth L. Johnson Recreation Center was dedicated in October 2001.

In addition to recreation, Councilman Johnson has worked steadily to bring new development, new investment and new jobs to the Buckeye-Shaker community, including new development at Buckeye Plaza and Shaker Square. Intent on creating job opportunities, Councilman Johnson has instituted computer training programs citywide. He also initiated a volunteer street cleaning/tree cutting/lot cutting program for senior citizens and disabled residents in his Ward.

Councilman Johnson graduated from John Adams High School and attended Cuyahoga Community College and Cleveland State University.  Councilman Johnson is the single father of seven boys. He takes great pride in his sons' accomplishments: one is a medical student; one is a lawyer; one is a firefighter; and two are recreation directors.