Michael C. Mentel, President

(Chair: Rules & Reference Committee)

Now entering his 12^th year on Columbus City Council, President Michael C. Mentel is at the forefront of the city’s efforts to protect public safety, focus on jobs and economic development, enact cost-saving reforms, and maintaining a high quality of life for Columbus residents.

Under President Mentel’s leadership, Columbus has begun implementing a series of government reform measures initially recommended by the Economic Advisory Committee, a group of community and business leaders Mentel helped appoint in 2008 to address the financial challenges facing the city.

Mentel also has worked with his colleagues and other city officials to establish Columbus as the only major city in the United States to maintain a Triple-A bond rating, which is the highest possible credit rating from Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & Poors, and Fitch Ratings. This distinction is independent verification that Columbus manages its finances in a fiscally responsible manner and allows the city to borrow money at lower interest rates, saving taxpayers millions of dollars on debt service used to fund capital projects such as improved roads, neighborhood policing centers, heavy rescue equipment for the Division of Fire, and an extensive bikepath system throughout the city.

A lifelong resident of Columbus, Mentel has demonstrated a great deal of compassion for the less fortunate. Funding the Community Shelter Board, a national model for homeless advocacy organizations, has always been one of his top priorities. Mentel also helped create the position of Director of Homeless and Social Service Advocacy in the Mayor’s administration to coordinate the city’s protocol for all human service operations. These steps help ensure that those in need will receive critical assistance as quickly as possible, helping transition homeless individuals and families from the land to stable housing situations.

President Mentel currently chairs the Rules and Reference Committee. In the past, he has chaired many other key committees on Council, including Zoning, Recreation and Parks, and Public Safety. During that time, Mentel pushed for the highly successful Summer Strike Force Initiative that targeted gang activity in Columbus and the construction of several new police and fire stations, as well as new police and fire academies to train recruits and make sure more experienced members of our safety forces receive the best continuing professional education possible.

His public service includes involvement with the boards of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, Charity Newsies, the Shamrock Club and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Mentel graduated from Bishop Ready High School, Capital University and Capital Law School and currently serves as General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer for a multi-state engineering company.

Council President Mentel Honors the Service of Columbus Firefighters:

Firefighters Honored at Memorial Service

Columbus and Muirfield Village to Host 2013 Presidents Cup

Presidents Cup Photo Gallery