The newly-elected mayor of Westminster and council members are prioritizing public safety.

Councilmember Chi Charlie Nguyen came out ahead in the mayoral race, beating fellow council members Kimberly Ho and Tai Do as well as challenger Moses Castillo. He said public safety would be a top priority for him when he takes over the helm of the city.

“I want to make sure that it is safe in the city for those people who live in the city, for the people who work in the city, for the people who travel to the city,” Nguyen told the Register. “I want to make sure (there is) less crime.”

Nguyen suggested creating neighborhood watch patrols and increasing police presence on the streets as ways to ensure Westminster residents are safe.

Amy Phan West, a local businesswoman who beat John Gentile for the District 1 seat on the City Council, echoed those sentiments.

“My key priorities on the City Council are tackling the ongoing homeless problems and ensuring that our first responders are adequately funded to keep us safe,” West said.

In District 4, Namquan Nguyen, an engineer and business owner, beat Planning Commissioner Teri Vu Nguyen and attorney Jimmy Pham for a spot on the City Council.

Namquan Nguyen did not respond to a request for comment.

More than 70% of Westminster voters also approved a ballot measure to renew the 1% local sales tax.

Initially passed in 2016, the tax is set to expire at the end of the year, and Westminster’s finance director had warned Westminster could face bankruptcy if it was not renewed. It is expected to generate about $17 million annually.

“I am very thrilled to see that the voters pass the Measure Y, which will help the city in terms of the financial situation,” Chi Charlie Nguyen said.

The new mayor and council members will be sworn in at a ceremony at City Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 14.

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