Rootstown Township Elected Officials

Joe Paulus, Trustee

3983 Marsh Creek Lane
Rootstown, OH 44272
330-474-1869

term expires 12/31/2027

Joe Paulus is in his third term as a Rootstown Township Trustee. Joe was born in Rootstown and graduated from the Rootstown Schools. He joined the U.S. Air Force for six years and then worked for defense contractors. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology and is employed at University Hospitals Portage Medical Center. He was a business owner in Rootstown for eight years. He was a member and a past-President of the Rootstown Area Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member and past-President of the Rootstown Lions Club. Actively involved in Rootstown community events, he also coached youth soccer and wrestling. Joe is married to Delia and has two sons.

Joe is determined to keep Rootstown a great community and plans to help keep it fiscally strong despite the federal and state financial cuts. He is the zoning liaison for the township and is diligently working with the Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Zoning Inspector in updating the Zoning Resolution. He initiated updating the 18 year old Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and modernizing the Zoning Office to better support the community. He is also the Township representative to the Portage County Regional Planning Commission and the Portage County Township Association. Joe is here for the residents of Rootstown and relies on their input to be the best representative he can be. He is lucky to have two other Trustees that are willing to be open and work together to make Rootstown the best that it can be.

Dave McIntyre, Trustee

4231 Clover Drive
Ravenna, OH 44266
330-714-1334

term expires 12/31/2029

Serving as Township Trustee is both an honor and a responsibility that I take seriously. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community and humbled by the trust residents have placed in me over three elected terms.

My commitment to public service comes from a genuine desire to give back to the community I care about. Throughout my time in office, I have worked to ensure that township government remains responsive, transparent, and fiscally responsible while focusing on the needs of our residents.

One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is helping secure grant funding and donations that has brought over $2,000,000 dollars’ worth of value to Rootstown Township. These grants and donations have allowed the township to invest in important projects and improvements while reducing the financial burden on local taxpayers. I believe in pursuing every opportunity to maximize resources and make smart investments that benefit our community today and for future generations.

I understand that every decision made at the township level affects the daily lives of our residents—from maintaining roads and public spaces to supporting emergency services and planning for future growth. That's why I approach every issue with fairness, common sense, and a commitment to finding practical solutions.

I believe the best results come from working together. I value open communication, respectful dialogue, and building strong partnerships with residents, local businesses, and community organizations. Whether you have a question, concern, or idea, I want you to know your voice matters.

As your Township Trustee, I remain committed to serving with integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic. I will continue to seek opportunities that strengthen Rootstown Township, protect taxpayer dollars, and preserve the qualities that make our community such a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Thank you for the confidence you have shown in me over the past three terms. I look forward to continuing to serve and working together to build an even stronger future for Rootstown Township.

Brett Housley, Trustee

216-789-1214

term expires 12/31/2025

I am a civil attorney and a passionate public administrator. I am diligent and devoted to the practice of law and committed to being a strong leader in public service. As an attorney, I have over eighteen years of experience with the focus of my practice in the areas of real property, contracts and litigation. I have always had a heart for public service and utilizing my public administration skills. As an administrator, I have stepped into leadership roles by serving as Chairman of the Board of Township Trustees twice during my term as Rootstown Township Trustee, along with volunteering for a decade as a board member on the Portage Industries Non Profit Board. Finally, serving as a president for the Portage County Building Board of Appeal.

In addition to being a lawyer, I was elected as Rootstown Township Trustee serving from 2010 through 2013. I was the liaison to the township zoning department for all four years because I wanted to utilize my education and experience to play a part in community planning. During this time it was my goal to place zoning in a positive light within the community. As a result of my leadership the zoning department expanded their hours, held a community open house to answer residents' questions, and placed a priority on updating the township zoning codes. I was also a frequent face and a constant voice at the township zoning commission and zoning board of appeals meetings.

I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Akron in 1994. I also earned my Master of Public Administration from the University of Akron in 1996 and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Akron in 1998. I have always valued education. As a member of the Rootstown Lions Club, I serve as a role model and encourage students by presenting the monthly Lions Club Good Award to students in the Rootstown School District. My goal is to make a difference in our township and I have no personal agenda other than to benefit the community.

Linda Hankins, Fiscal Officer

3053 Jay Street
Ravenna, OH 44266
330-714-2853

term expires 3/31/2028