Columbus City Council President Michael Mentel fights for safe neighborhoods as chair of Council's Rules and Reference Committee. Mentel believes that “Keeping citizens safe and protecting their families is the surest measure of our quality of life and the City’s highest priority” To that end, he helped secure high-tech thermal imaging cameras for firefighters, funded increased police presence in “hot spot” crime areas, and championed the deployment of vehicle extrication equipment in high-accident areas for better emergency response.

Another focus for Mentel has been top-notch safety facilities, including fire station 34. Dedicated in the fall of 2003, it is the first new station in the City since 1994. Its firefighters serve the City’s far northwest side. Mentel also promoted a new police training academy, a $20 million state-of-the-art facility dedicated in 2005 to ensure police officers receive the best training and instruction on current crime-fighting techniques and procedures, including homeland security issues. He works to funnel federal grant dollars to the City for homeland security as a member of the Franklin County Criminal Justice Planning Board.

Mentel continued a long family history of public service when he became a member of Council in January 1999. His public service includes involvement with the boards of the 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. An attorney in private practice, Mentel concentrates in environmental law.