Doug Dicharry announces bid for Medina City Council

Published 4:47 pm Thursday, May 28, 2009

Doug Dicharry on Thursday declared his candidacy for the 2009 Medina City Council election, stating that he plans to run for the position held by controversial councilmember Lucius Biglow.

Dicharry, a 57-year-old child and adolescent psychiatrist, serves as Chair of the Medina Emergency Preparedness Committee, is a former co-chair of Medina Days, and participated in the 2009 Citizen Ad Hoc Group for Strategic Planning.

He has lived in Medina for 18 years with his wife of 30 years, Kay Koelemay.

Dicharry pointed out that he initiated the Medina Matters newsgroup and co-founded the weekly Medina Public Service Radio Group in an effort to improve communication within the city.

“I am running to help restore a sense of balance, trust, and cooperation as we move into a constructive future,” Dicharry said, noting that the city has experienced controversy through the censure of Biglow and the resignation of former City Manager Mark Weinberg after just one year on the job.

Dicharry indicated in his announcement that he would focus on public safety, mitigating the environmental impacts of SR-520 and jet noise, preserving parks and open spaces, and fiscal restraint.

“Above all, I believe in government transparency,” he said. “In order to be effective, elected officials must adhere to the highest ethical standards.”

Four positions on the Medina City Council will be open during the 2009 election, including those currently held by councilmembers Biglow, Robert Rudolph, J. Drew Blazey, and Deputy Mayor Jim Lawrence.

Candidate filing begins June 1 and ends June 5.