Two candidates running for Brunswick mayor in November

Ron Falconi, 56, incumbent Education: He received a law degree from the University of Akron School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from John Carroll University. He also graduated from Padua Franciscan High School. Family: He has been married to Dr. Genevive Falconi for over 27 years. They have two adult children. Job history: He has been the mayor of Brunswick since 2013. He also served as Brunswick Councilman-at-Large from 2008 to 2013 and was on the Brunswick Board of Zoning Appeals from 2004 to 2007. He has also been an attorney at law since 1995. He is admitted to practice in all state courts in Ohio, in the Federal District Court of Northern Ohio and in the Federal District Court Western Pennsylvania. Website: RonFalconi.com or Mayor Ron Falconi on Facebook at tinyurl.com/444uxp8u. Christopher Farrenholz, 44 Education: He received a Bachelor of Arts in international relations from Capital University in 2003 and a Master of Science in international and European politics from the University of Edinburgh in 2009. Family: His grandmother and mother both retired from Brunswick Schools. His grandmother was a high school librarian, and his mother was a school bus driver. Job history: He is a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel with over 20 years of military service. During his service, he acted as the mayor of Al Sha'ab and Subakswer, which are two neighborhoods in Baghdad with over 275,000 residents. He oversaw all city council meetings and was the approving official for civic projects. He was an information operations officer and logistics officer for units exceeding 2,000 soldiers and was responsible for millions of dollars' worth of supply and equipment. He is currently a supervisory veterans service representative with the Department of Veterans Affairs serving disabled veterans. Website: tinyurl.com/2xftyj7x BRUNSWICK — Incumbent Ron Falconi and Christopher Farrenholz are the two candidates running for Brunswick mayor in the upcoming general election. What makes you the best candidate for the position? Falconi: "I have the experience. About 20 years in municipal government and almost 30 years in practicing law. One of the most important jobs of being mayor is running the Brunswick Mayor's Court. I have to balance the rights of the accused and (make) sure the people of Brunswick are safe. My background in municipal government and law perfectly complements the person who needs to run Brunswick Mayor's Court. I am also proud to have represented Brunswick on the local, state, national and international events." Farrenholz: "I am a (Brunswick High School) graduate and inductee to the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame, 2024, who has always called Brunswick home, even though I have lived the world over. I have a diverse range of experiences, both at home and abroad, from which I bring differing perspectives. I am not a politician but just one of us that has a drive to serve and provide the best available experience for those I am privileged to represent. I am a combat-proven leader, having acted in the role of mayor for two suburbs of Baghdad, coming home to lead my hometown community." What is the biggest challenge facing the city, and how would you address it? Falconi: "The city will face all kinds of challenges over the next four years. However, one of the top priorities is that we work with our police to make sure the community is safe. We need to make sure that the laws are being followed and our rights are being protected. Running the Brunswick Mayor's Court is my favorite part of the job because it combines my legal background with the need to make sure that my community is safe." Farrenholz: "The biggest challenge facing our city within the scope of the mayor is public image. In recent years, Brunswick has flourished in terms of retail, parks and housing — all of which led to it being named one of Family Circle's '10 Best Towns for Families.' Neura Park's inclusive playground has made us a destination for families across Northeast Ohio. Yet members of neighboring communities are still quick to dismiss our town as inferior with unflattering nicknames and commentary. In my role as mayor, I would work to bolster our image among neighbors and draw further investment in our community." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.