Former Councilman Ryan Patrick Demro has announced that he is a candidate for one of the three at-large seats up for grabs on Lakewood City Council this fall.  Demro ran unsuccessfully for mayor last year, but stated he is getting into the race because “...the critical issues facing the City last year are still pressing needs today, and the loss of a seasoned councilman like Michael Dever during these difficult times creates a need for someone who has a demonstrated ability to lead.”  

Citing a record of results, Demro says he found great satisfaction in working with individuals and groups to improve the quality of life for all citizens.  “I spent four years working on issues big and small," Demro stated, "and because we achieved success Lakewood is a better place to call home.”  Demro was the sponsor of the Chronic Nuisance law that targets problem properties; the Sex Offender law, restricting residency near schools, libraries, and daycare centers; and the revised Curfew law which tightens times  juveniles can be on the streets.  He also voted to support economic development projects including Rosewood Place, Rockport Square, the Lakewood YMCA, the Lakewood Public Library, and first phases of the public schools reconstruction program.     

Well-known for standing up to City Council in order to build a long-desired skate park and prodding a former mayor to hold a Detroit Avenue skyscraper accountable for violating noise laws, Demro stated that he will not hesitate to fight City Hall when necessary. 

“Some criticize me for being a strong advocate, but my job is to represent the people and to produce results," he says. "The problem with many politicians is that they forget who they work for.  My job is not to make nice with politicians whose interests are not those of the people.” 

Following the expiration of his term on city council, Demro joined the U.S. Army Reserve and received his commission as a Second Lieutenant last July.  He currently serves as the Adjutant in the 983rd Engineer Battalion in Monclova, Ohio, overseeing the human resource and readiness needs of over 1,000 soldiers in the battalion. Demro, 29, is a lifelong Lakewood resident and graduate of the Lakewood City Schools.  He holds a B.A. in Political Science from Capital University and an M.A. in Education from Ursuline College.  Demro is also a licensed teacher in the state of Ohio.