John Coyne, president of Medina City Council, and Jim Shields, a longtime council member and human-resources director for Medina City Schools, faced questions at a town-hall forum hosted by Jared Fry of Medina TV and the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce. Coyne emphasized public-safety priorities; Shields emphasized continuity and protecting the city’s fiscal position.

Coyne said public safety would be central to his mayoralty, pointing to traffic congestion, crosswalk safety around Medina Square, sidewalk accessibility and rising deer–vehicle incidents. “I think we have a lot of safety challenges that we need to address in our city,” Coyne said, listing traffic signalization, crosswalk bump-outs and sidewalk repairs as priorities.

Shields said he would largely continue the city’s current direction after 16 years under outgoing Mayor Gregg Hanwell, focusing on retaining experienced staff and preserving the city’s strong fiscal position. “One thing I want to make sure I do is not change anything or goof things up or take us in a different direction because I feel like we've done a really great job here under his leadership,” Shields said, adding that Medina has increased revenues “by almost $10,000,000 without raising taxes.”

Both candidates described practical steps to maintain a responsive city government. Shields said City Hall should remain “open to a fault,” describing a visible, walk‑in administration. Coyne said he would pursue an “open door policy” and asked the city to expand its public information tools, including a redesigned website and possible use of artificial‑intelligence tools to provide quicker answers to resident questions.

The two exchanged examples of past accomplishments and civic involvement: Coyne cited initiatives including the Christmas lights on the square, ward meetings, and tax‑increment financing for a parking deck; Shields highlighted long service on public‑properties issues and work preserving recreational amenities such as the municipal pool. Both pledged to continue working with council and city staff if elected.

Each candidate closed by asking for votes in November. Coyne provided a campaign website for further information; Shields reiterated his record of collaboration and said he would “not let you down.”

The town hall ran about 45 minutes and was moderated by Jared Fry of Medina TV.