Josh Mandel osh Mandel graduated from Beachwood High School in 1996, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the Ohio State University and a Law Degree from Case Western Reserve University. Inspired by a strong sense of duty to country, Mandel enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves in 2000, where he graduated first in his class from Marine Corps Boot Camp and first in his class from Marine Corps Intelligence School. His Marine Corps career spanned eight years, including two tours in Anbar Province, Iraq. During both tours, Mandel was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for “superior performance of his duties.” Mandel went on to serve as a State Representative from Northeast Ohio. During his four years in the General Assembly, Mandel devoted a great deal of energy toward the issues of fiscal discipline, improving the state’s business climate and reversing the exodus of young people from Ohio. Due to his leadership on these and other issues, he was named legislative “Rookie of the Year” by the non-partisan Columbus Monthly Magazine and “Watchdog of the Treasury” by the United Conservatives of Ohio. Mandel was sworn in as the 48th Treasurer of the State of Ohio on January 10, 2011, was re-elected as treasurer in the November election, and will be sworn in for his new term on January 12. As treasurer, Mandel is committed to protecting and responsibly investing Ohioans' hard-earned tax dollars and working to protect Ohio’s jobs and tax base. Through the use of technology, Mandel is also committed to exploring new and innovative ways to make the Treasurer’s Office more streamlined and efficient. Here's some more information about Mandel: When did you decide to go into politics and/ or law? I was first elected to the Lyndhurst City Council in 2003. Why did you choose to run for office? Because I think we need strong leaders to help make our communities strong for the future. J Explain the responsibilities of state treasurer. The state treasurer is the chief financial officer of Ohio. What benefits does the office offer of which businesses or individuals are not aware? In addition to managing the state’s finances, our office has been a leader in government transparency. In fact, we just put the state’s checkbook online for the first time in state history at OhioCheckbook.com. How do you feel that your elected position will affect this region in 5 years? The stronger the state’s financial foundation, the more confident businesses will be to grow here in Ohio. What will you do to make our community a better place to live? I’m working hard every day to ensure that Ohio has strong finances. Tell us about your time served in the military. I was proud to do my small part as a Marine on two tours in Iraq. How has that affected your career? By no means does military service uniquely qualify someone for public office, but the Marine Corps definitely instilled in me many leadership traits and principles that I use as state treasurer. What are some interesting things about you that people don’t know? Two of my heroes while I was growing up were my grandfathers, Josef Friedman and Harold Mandel, both of whom instilled in me the principles of hard work, integrity, and strong family values. One more interesting fact? A third hero was Bernie Kosar. Tell us a little bit about your family. My parents, Bruce and Rita, still live in Beachwood; and my wife, Ilana, and I live in Beachwood with our two children Rosie and Judah. Tell me a favorite memory of growing up in Beachwood. High school football was definitely one of my favorites. I had average speed and a mediocre arm, but it was a lot of fun. How did your Beachwood education help you get to where you are today? I thought that our principal, Randy Boroff, not only educated students but also taught us to be people of character. That character and sense of integrity are very important in what I do as state treasurer. What’s your favorite BHS memory? Whether it was raining, snowing, or sleeting, it was great to look up in the stands and see my mom and dad there. Where do you want to go from here? I don’t know where life will take me. My main areas of concentration are continuing to be a good dad, husband and state treasurer. What really gives you peace of mind? My incredible wife, Ilana, gives me grounding and peace of mind. What’s your favorite thing to do in your spare time? Spend time with my family. What’s your favorite sports team? Ohio State Buckeyes. Is there anything specific you would like our readers to know? Beachwood is a great community and we’re happy living here. Continued from page 8 Anything else? I am deeply gratified with the election results. I enjoyed the campaign trail which allowed me to meet so many wonderful people from diverse backgrounds throughout Cuyahoga County. This campaign was successful because of the love and support of my dear family and friends. I want to thank the voters of Cuyahoga County for putting their faith in me. I promise to be an outstanding judge for all of the residents of Cuyahoga County. I hope to make a difference for our families. January 2015 n Beachwood Buzz 9