BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Bucyrus City Council held it regular meeting Tuesday night in the council chambers.
In light of escalating tensions between members of the council, Mayor Truka read the following statement:
“This statement is long overdue. As Mayor, I want to make it clear that I do not support inappropriate behavior by Elected Officials. Nor, do I condone the public posting of personal opinions in ways that may damage public trust or confuse official positions.
Elected officials have a responsibility to act with professionalism and respect, both in their actions and in how they communicate with the public.
While everyone is entitled to personal views, we must be mindful of how those views are shared— especially when serving in a public role.
Therefore, I expect all members of city government to lead with integrity, speak thoughtfully, and remember that their actions reflect on the entire community.”
Mayor Truka’s words fell on some deaf ears as tensions continued to escalate throughout the three-hour meeting.”
In other business, when asked by Economic Development Pro Tem chairwoman Vicki Dishon if he had come to a decision on who would be appointed Chair of the Economic Development Committee, Fankhauser told her he was leaving the committee in place without a chair. In previous meetings, Fankhauser refused to appoint Clarissa Slater as the Chairperson even though she expressed her desire to serve in that position since the resignation of Zyan Hickman.
In response to Fankhauser’s stance, Vicki Dishon made a motion to suspend the rules and allow council to appoint the position. Councilman James Mee made the second and as a result, Slater was appointed as Chairwoman of the Economic Development Committee. Slater will also serve on boards including the Community Improvement Corporation, Tourism and Traveler’s Bureau, and the Tax Incentive Review Council.