Re-Elect Ray Schnell for Tustin City Council
Mayor Pro Tem · Tustin City Council
Proven, principled leadership for a safer, stronger Tustin.
Meet Ray
Ray Schnell was elected to Tustin City Council November 2022 and currently serves as Mayor Pro Tem. A longtime Tustin resident with deep roots in Orange County for over 20 years, Ray has delivered successful outcomes and positively impacted the Tustin community through highly ethical, strategic, competent, and professional leadership.
Ray is a business executive with experience at Fortune 500 companies and as an entrepreneur starting several small businesses. His expertise in due diligence, cost efficiency, risk mitigation, and M&A transactional risk has helped large corporations and private equity firms maximize enterprise value and drive operational excellence. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Rochester and a Master of Business Administration from Chapman University, graduating Beta Gamma Sigma.
Ray's public service includes representing Tustin on the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agencies (as Director and Member of the Finance & Investment Committee), serving as Trustee and Vice Chair of the Orange County Cemetery District, and acting as alternate for the Santa Ana River Flood Protection Agency and Senior Fund Board of Directors. Prior to his election, he served on boards such as the Tustin Public Schools Foundation, Tustin Schools Superintendent Advisory Council, Peter's Canyon Elementary School Site Council, El Dorado HOA, and as President of the Chapman University MBA Alumni Association.
Ray and his wife Cheryl are proud parents of two daughters who attended Tustin schools. He is dedicated to maintaining the historical small-town charm of Tustin, and ensuring the city thoughtfully plans for future growth while keeping the community vibrant, safe, and welcoming for all families.
Why I'm Running
I love Tustin and the wonderful life it has provided for my family. I am running for re-election because Tustin is my home – my wife Cheryl and I have raised our daughters here, watched them thrive in our schools, and built a life rooted in this beautiful town surrounded by incredible neighbors. After serving as a city Council Member since 2022, and now as Mayor Pro Tem, I have seen firsthand what strong, principled leadership can deliver for my fellow residents and businesses and I am more committed than ever to protecting and enhancing what makes Tustin special for families like mine. My top priorities remain clear and unchanged.
Accomplishments
Proven Accomplishments – Delivering Results for Tustin Residents
Year-over-Year Tustin Crime Stats (FY 21/22 to FY 25/26)
Priorities
Public Safety
Public safety is job #1. Safe cities flourish since people want to live, work and shop there, businesses invest and operate there, and parents prefer to send their children to schools in safe cities. That is why I wholeheartedly support our police and provide them with the necessary resources to keep Tustin safe. That approach also extends to Tustin schools where these investments in police staffing and modern equipment strengthen their ability to ensure our children are also safe at school.
Economic Vitality & Fiscal Responsibility
I have made good on this promise 1) Voting to ensure Tustin has had balanced budgets each of the past four years, 2) Prioritizing spending that aligns with the goals/values of Tustin residents 3) Focusing on smart residential & commercial development that increases revenues for the city 4) Supporting pro-business policies that keep fees and taxes low, and eliminating onerous regulations where possible. 5) Adequately funding critical city services to better serve Tustin residents and businesses, 6) Continued pension responsibility via accelerated pay down policy, and 7) Increased investments in city infrastructure, roads, community parks, and traffic relief to keep Tustin moving and prosperous.
Transparency
Ensuring honest, ethical government with frequent public disclosures of city financials and spending priorities, budget workshops where Tustin residents can provide their valuable input, as well as genuine engagement on major decisions affecting the community. I have delivered results on these fronts, and with your support, I will keep fighting to make Tustin safer, stronger, and more accountable for all of us.
Preserving the small-town charm that makes Tustin home.
Endorsements
Tustin Police Officers Association (TPOA)
Tustin Police Support Services Association (TPSSA)
Don Barnes
Orange County Sheriff
Young Kim
U.S. Congresswoman 40th District
Don Wagner
Orange County Supervisor 3rd District
Austin Lumbard
Current Tustin Mayor
Ryan Gallagher
Current Tustin Councilmember
John Nielsen
Current Tustin Councilmember
Al Murray
Former Tustin Mayor
Doug Davert
Former Tustin Mayor
Jerry Amante
Former Tustin Mayor
Chuck Puckett
Former Tustin Mayor
Tom Saltarelli
Former Tustin Mayor
Jim Palmer
Former Tustin Councilmember
Kathy Copeland
Board Member Tustin Unified School District
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