*Note: This is a reader-submitted opinion piece. Opinions and letters to the editor can be sent to news@crawfordcountynow.com

Timeline 2020 Election:

Democrats vs the Republicans Thus began division in the community of Bucyrus. The back and forth fighting, disrespect, bullying that took place during this time, carrying over into the election of new council members being voted in. Beginning with a councilman from the night of the election results, stating he “wasn’t going to like working with the new city council.” In time, it became obvious. A few disgruntled people were going to make it very difficult for the new city council to do their jobs. By the time the Bratwurst Festival issue came up, there was no respect for the current City Council and nothing they did would ever be right in the opinions of others, who ( by the way) lacked understanding of business, and not knowing or taking into account things going on in the background ( Councilwoman at large Carolyn Shireman reached out to the person in charge during business hours at the only contact telephone number he, himself, gave to contact him). City Council requesting records dating back 10 years because prior to that 10 years, the bratwurst festival paid the city. If the city was going to continue to pay like any other organization they wanted to know why it was needed for the city to continue paying for these services. Taking into consideration our city was facing a financial crisis. This began new fuel being added to the already blazing fire.

Watching, listening and reading, brought me to the understanding the new city council didn’t stand a chance from the downright disdainful and vindictive behaviors. This was the beginning of an unprecedented time for our City Council

Personal vendettas began to refuel. From both inside the city council, and the private sector. Specifically targeted, were two council members, President Kurt Fankhauser , and Republican Councilwoman at Large, Carolyn Flynn Shireman . The 2 most powerful.

The first most powerful being the president’s seat on the city council, taken by a controversial person (business owner I might add) not liked by a select few people in the community.

The second most powerful (not because of the seat) but knowing she was going to be a problem because of her outspoken, boisterous personality, and her courage to stand up for what is right, herself and the community. Not liked because of her politically and socially uneducated way of dealing with issues. Who by the way, has had her salary deducted, and what remains she is donating back to the city (all but $50) to compensate from her absence from the seat during Council sessions. She remains abreast of the issues and is seeing City Council from a private citizens point of view watching the videos taking notes and commenting once in a while in the comment section.

This new Council stood to bring about change in the Bucyrus community, and the business at hand. They stood to clean up what was left behind from the previous Council. Things swept under the rug, things the good old boys had going for each other and themselves.

The attack began. The mission: to remove them from office, just to prove a point, just so they could be laughed at and shamed publicly.

People who have absolutely nothing to do with this who do not know either person personally but they have friends going against these people so they jump on the bandwagon and add their own two cents worth. These people don’t even contribute to society let alone vote, yet their mouths are out there adding to it stirring it up and keeping it going. They thrive on drama.

What we are seeing from the City Council are people standing against psychological warfare. Tools/tactics such as bullying, defamation, degradation, slander, liable, invasion of privacy, and false accusations (just to name a few) to disrupt the general unity and focus of the current sitting City Council.

While all of this is going on, let’s take a look at what’s happening inside city council sessions. A complete restructuring of RULES AND PROCEDURES. This done via the ad hoc committee being led by chairperson Vicky Dishon, assisted by private citizens Clarissa Slater and Greg White from the podium.

Thanks to the unprecedented behaviors of Councilwoman at Large Carolyn Shireman, and the responses via public social media. Something that should be addressed for future references is at hand at the very present time. And the council is dealing with it in real time.

Kudos to our City Council President Kurt Fankhauser for taking action when it is clear what needs to be done, , and Councilwoman at large Carolyn Shireman for caring so much about the community and for being yourself.

Because of the controversial issues surrounding you both, City Council is learning how to handle anything that will come their way in the future. They are setting precedents, strengthening the rules and the laws, applying codes and structures to future proceedings in action. Kudos to Vicki Dishon and other council members who continue business as usual under the extraordinary circumstances and stress this Council has been faced with. Kudos to Clarissa Slater and Greg White for your time at the podium and your commitment to the Bucyrus community as a whole.

And thank you to those of BUCYRUS COMMUNITY PRIVATE SECTOR the very few of you who are disrespectful, rude, foul mouthed, troublemaking, instigating, aggravating, jealous, sore losing, drama kings and queens, do nothing citizens for being yourselves….. We have found a place in society for even you. You are helping City Council to restructure to deal even with the likes of you. (If the shoe fits)

To the remaining citizens of the Bucyrus community registered voters, we thank you for your patience and understanding and we hope that you will vote for this city council again. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.

Sincerely,

Robin L Michael

Registered Independent voter

3330 Andrew’s Rd.
Bucyrus, OH 44820