Councilman Michael Besl
Glendale was fortunate to have five well qualified individuals put their name forward to fill the unexpired term of former Council member Brian Messmore, who resigned for personal reasons. An interview process was held at a Special Council Meeting the evening of May 23 and Mike Besl was unanimously selected by the five sitting Council members. Mr. Besl will be sworn into office at the beginning of the regular Council Meeting on June 3, and the appointment will last until the end of Mr. Messmore's term in December this year. Mike definitely plans to be a candidate on the Fall election ballot when four Council members will be elected.

Mike has made a career in private enterprise, first as the owner and operator of an engineering and manufacturing company, and currently as the owner and operator of a commercial real estate investment company. This has given him extensive experience in all areas of business, but with particular strength in budgets and financial projections. This will be invaluable given the financial challenges facing Glendale.

In addition Mike serves on the board of trustees of the Glendale Lyceum, St. Ursula Academy, the Friars Club, and is a member of the Xavier University President's Advisory Council. Mike has been very active in youth sports, serving both as a past president of Glendale Youth Sports, and currently a part of the Friars Club program of sports and enrichment activities for underprivileged children.

Recently, Mike unofficially attended his first Finance Committee meeting, and it is clear he will be a strong and influential voice on Council. Mike views himself as a steward of the community who will strive to nurture the Village for the next generation.

mbesl@glendaleohio.org