Chris Hallum

Christopher Hallum (born July 23, 1970) is an American politician and real estate agent who serves as mayor of Willoughby Hills, Ohio. A member of the Republican Party, he served on the Willoughby Hills council from 2015 to 2019 and as council president from 2020 to 2023. Hallum was elected mayor on November 7, 2023, and his term ends on December 31, 2027. The next election for mayor is November 2, 2027. Hallum has been accused of corruption, wasteful expenditures, and criminal misconduct. According to Hallum, during his tenure Willoughby Hills has received multiple grants for infrastructure and various restaurants and gas stations have opened. Multiple businesses have also closed permanently. Willoughby Hills has also consistently run a budget surplus and large general fund.

Early life and education

Christopher L. Hallum was born on July 23, 1970, supposedly in Dayton, Ohio. He reportedly received a bachelor's degree in business administration from Union University in 2007.

Career and affiliations

Hallum is currently affiliated with several organizations and works for eXp Realty. His former employers include:

  • Keller Williams Chervenic Realty, Realtor and Real Estate Investor (2010–2021).
  • Real Living Petkus Realty, Realtor (2009–2010).
  • NCR Corporation, Technical Consultant (2006–2008). NCR Canada, Technical Consultant (2004 - 2009). NCR Corporation, SSDG Services Consultant (2004–2006). NCR Corporation, Manager (2004–2009).
  • Key Bank, Project Manager (2000–2004), Supervisor (1998–2000), Team Lead (1996– 1998).
  • Citizens Federal Bank, ATM Operations (1994–1996).

Hallum has appeared in several real estate TV ads. He says he is involved with the WWLC Chamber of Commerce Executive Board, a lobbying group for western Lake County business development, the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic group that sells investments and life insurance, and Hallum’s Heroes, a charity. He is also a member of Slovenska Pristava, a Slovenian community group located in Geneva.

Mayoral campaign

Hallum announced his candidacy for mayor in 2023. He ran on his experience and his accomplishments during his time on the City Council. According to Hallum, during his time as councilman, he implemented timely road improvements, supported the police, increased transparency via livestreams of council meetings, and supported seniors. There is no evidence that he implemented these measures himself. Hallum announced an endorsement from the previous mayor, Andy Gardner, and argued that Gardner's policies have resulted in WIlloughby Hills being better off than 4 years ago.

Hallum's main opponent, Laura Pizmoht, announced an endorsement from John Plecnik, a former councilman of Willoughby Hills and current Commissioner of Lake County. She also announced endorsements from the Willoughby Hills fire chief and police chief. She planned to cut taxes and spending. She claims she graduated from VASJ (1993) and CSU. She received a J.D. from Case Western Law School and an LL.M. from NYU School of Law. Laura Pizmoht died of cancer at age 48 while the election was ongoing.

Both Pizmoht and Hallum were members of the Lake County Republican Party while running for mayor. The replacement candidate for Laura Pizmoht was Republican Virginia Bing. According to Bing, she received a BA in Geology from Rice University; Duke University, an MA in Geology; and at Rice University an MBA in Finance and Marketing. Bing promised to balance the budget and determine how to allocate finances.

Chris Hallum defeated Virginia Bing 1,790 to 1,546, winning the mayoral election on November 7, 2023, and his endorsed council members won by wide margins.

Administration

Hallum has announced multiple accomplishments during his time as mayor. According to Hallum, these include road improvements, securing grants for sidewalks, and attracting new businesses. The new businesses include Sheetz, Chipotle, and various other restaurants and gas stations. Multiple businesses have closed during his time as mayor. These include therapy, thrift stores, bars, and other businesses. He is searching for providers of cell service towers on the east side of Willoughby Hills.

Since the beginning of his term, Willoughby Hills properties have increased in value by around 8 percent, with an average selling price of around $360,000. Home listings have increased by approximately 82 percent.

Willoughby Hills has consistently run budget surpluses during his tenure: 2023, $936,000; 2024, $2.5 million; 2025, $5.6 million. The city has also consistently maintained a large general fund: 2023, 11.6 million; 2024, 12.1 million; 2025, 16.2 million.

Hallum proposed a Dollar General, which drew opposition from residents. The Willoughby Hills Planning Commission subsequently denied Dollar General’s request for preliminary approval. Hallum approved an amendment prohibiting short-term rentals throughout Willoughby Hills, defined as use, occupation, or possession of a dwelling for less than 30 days.

Hallum has overseen the expansion of automated speed cameras throughout Willoughby Hills. Police chief Matthew Naegele noted that speed cameras have caused tickets for hundreds of violators, and he claimed Willoughby Hills received $10 million from all fines resulting from the speed camera program. He also noted that participation in the speed camera program is optional. Willoughby Hills contracts a debt collector to issue letters and messages if fined do not pay the ticket within 60 days. The debt collector generally cannot require payment unless they file a claim in court. Willoughby Hills received a cease-and-desist letter for its requirement of payment to appeal a speed camera ticket. The requirement was ruled unconstitutional. Chris Hallum has overseen a rapid expansion in the police force. The police department hired multiple new police officers, vehicles, weapons, cameras, and renovations have been planned for the police department building. Hallum has declared around 20 police vehicles and stockpiles of weapons worth thousands to be sold as surplus property.

Hallum inherited a uptick in violent crime cases, around 9 reported cases, that occurred during the previous mayor, Andy Gardner. Preceding Gardner's term, there was 7 years where almost no violent crime was reported. Total violent crime cases under his administration have decreased to 3 reported cases. This decrease coincided with a decrease in the national violent crime rate.

Controversies

Hallum has been involved in several controversies. Former mayor Weger removed six of seven council members in Willoughby Hills. Hallum was not removed. Weger cited gross malfeasance by the council members, mainly because the law director of Willoughby Hills was not replaced. The six council members sued, and residents largely supported the members in their fight against Weger during a council meeting. Weger received a restraining order and the council members were reinstated. Hallum supported the mayor throughout his conflict with the council members.

A Lake County Auditor report found that the cause for removal was based off of revealed corruption in a city program. Residents and the 6 removed council members raised concerns about the use of tax money in the WHISPER program, a program intended to help seniors throughout Willoughby Hills. City employee Gloria Majeski allegedly stole money from seniors under the guise of helping city festivals. Chris Hallum supposedly aided her efforts by buying seniors' homes well below market value and reselling them under his real estate LLCs. After the Lake County report, an Ohio Auditor of State report found what appeared to be unexplained payments that were approved by Weger. The Ohio Auditor report did not find basis to prosecute.

The Lake County Republican Party unanimously censured Hallum for purportedly stealing the late Laura Pizmoht's yard signs on a supporter's front lawn. Police did not press charges. Residents filed a lawsuit against Hallum and other council members, alleging that they allowed the Belich family to dump toxic waste in an area designated for residential use.

Hallum approved, with unanimous support from the council, to buy a ballistic armored vehicle for $400,000. Residents called the purchase excessive during a City Council meeting. Hallum also approved an ordinance renewing a contract for Flock cameras, a surveillance system that tracks vehicles based on physical features.

Personal life

By Hallum's account, he has lived in Willoughby Hills since 2009 and is married with three children.