Dennis Hanwell to run for fourth term as Medina mayor

MEDINA — Dennis Hanwell has decided to run for a fourth term as mayor of Medina, but said he's not sure how much longer he wants to remain mayor. "I'm committing at this time to the next term," he said Thursday. If successful in the general election in November, Hanwell would be the first person in the history of the city to be mayor for four terms. The Friends of Dennis Hanwell sent a news release Thursday saying he has pulled petitions at the Medina County Board of Elections to run for mayor. He has served 26 years in the Medina Police Department in every rank, including nearly 13 years as chief of police. Hanwell resigned in June 2009 to run for mayor and was elected in November 2009, and has served as the mayor and safety director from January 2010 to present. "I have been thinking strongly about this last year and early this year," Hanwell said. "I have decided to run again, as we have made real strides in creating a strong tax base with increases in our industrial sector after replacing nearly every industrial road in our community." He said the city's retail base has grown and claims to have had 100 percent occupancy for more than eight years on the square. During Hanwell's tenure as mayor, and in cooperation with Medina City Council, he said most of the city's industrial sector streets were reconstructed along with all the infrastructure underneath the streets. This has resulted in nearly full occupancy of the city's industrial buildings, some doubling in size and a dramatic increase in good-paying jobs with benefits. Additionally, the North Court Street widening project has been completed and has led to new buildings and renovations of existing buildings in Medina's commercial corridor. Because of these industrial and commercial improvements, Hanwell said the city has been able to keep the income tax rate at 1.25 percent with a partial credit. It is one of the lowest in the state. The state Route 18 widening project from Alber Drive to Nettleton Road will probably lead to similar development and improvements, he said. "My hope and prayer in the next four years is to make similar improvements of residential and collector streets as well as complete the Municipal Court relocation (to the courthouse on the square)," Hanwell said. "I am blessed to serve as mayor of this fine community and have a positive working relationship with (City) Council and administration." The mayor said he's not sure if he's achieved his "crowning achievement" yet. "I'm still working hard day in and out," Hanwell said. "I am very proud of my success with collaborating with the various school systems in our city, with our surrounding townships, with Medina County officials, as well as with businesses and medical providers in our community." As public safety director, Hanwell said he has collaborated with Medina Township to provide fire services at a much lower cost, in addition to having provided fire services to Montville Township for nearly 50 years. He also facilitated a partnership with Lafayette Township to provide policing services. The city of Medina Dispatch Center now provides 911 and dispatching services for fire and the Life Support team for the city, as well as Medina and Montville townships and policing dispatch for Lafayette Township. Hanwell has been married to his wife, Chris, for nearly 43 years. They have two adult children and two young grandchildren, all from Medina. They attend the Medina United Methodist Church, where both serve as ushers and communion stewards. Hanwell also serves on numerous boards and commissions. Contact reporter Bob Finnan at (330) 721-4049 or rfinnan@medina-gazette.com.