Article:

Residents of Portage County, Ohio, are expressing concern and fear after the county sheriff, Bruce Zuchowski, wrote a controversial Facebook post that many have deemed intimidating and racist. In the post, Sheriff Zuchowski urged citizens to write down the addresses of Kamala Harris supporters, referring to them as "human locusts." The divisive language used by the law enforcement official has left many voters in the area hesitant to publicly show their support for political candidates.

The Facebook post was made late on September 13th on both Sheriff Zuchowski's personal and professional accounts. It read, "When people ask me... What's gonna happen if the Flip-Flopping, Laughing Hyena Wins?? I say... write down all the addresses of the people who had her signs in their yards!" This alarming statement has caused worry among community members, with some now refraining from displaying their Kamala Harris for president signs.

David Lendvay, a resident of Ravenna, expressed his skepticism regarding the sheriff's actions. "Why would I want to put something in my yard to be targeted for?" he said. Lendvay and others believe that Sheriff Zuchowski's intention is to intimidate them. Lendvay further emphasized, "I should be able to vote for who I want to vote for without my safety being violated."

Sheriff Zuchowski, who is running for reelection as a Republican, continued his viral post by suggesting that the addresses collected could be used to house "illegal human 'Locusts'." These remarks have deeply disturbed community members, including Sheila Longmire, a Black woman. Longmire expressed her fear, stating, "Do I have to be in fear of my life because I'm talking with you guys? It's crazy because I'm a different color."

Efforts to reach Sheriff Zuchowski and the sheriff's office for comment have been unsuccessful thus far. However, Amanda Suffecool, the County GOP Chairperson, defended the sheriff's perspective, citing the importance of addressing concerns about illegal immigration. Suffecool referenced a situation in Springfield, Ohio, where false claims about Haitian immigrants eating pets have caused chaos. She argued that controversial posts can draw attention to important issues.

Governor Mike DeWine and the mayor of Springfield have clarified that the individuals from Haiti are in the city legally. Despite this, the false allegations have led to unwarranted national scrutiny and at least 33 bomb threats in the city. Critics argue that such rhetoric perpetuates racist stereotypes and fuels fear and hatred towards immigrant communities.

Local officials from both parties have expressed their dissatisfaction with Sheriff Zuchowski's actions and with Suffecool's response. Tony Badalamenti, a Republican county commissioner, expressed his frustration with the lack of accountability for elected officials spreading fear throughout the county. However, Attorney General Dave Yost has the authority to take action in cases where a sheriff has violated the law.

In light of the controversy, Badalamenti has resigned from his position on the GOP Central Committee, citing Sheriff Zuchowski's Facebook post as the final straw. As a result, some residents, including Badalamenti, Lendvay, and Longmire, have pledged to vote for Jon Barber, the Democrat running against Zuchowski. Barber emphasizes the importance of respectful discourse and protection of residents' safety.

The incident has brought attention to the need for more civil and inclusive political conversations. Residents and officials alike emphasize that the safety and well-being of the community should be the main priority, rather than publicly attacking individuals based on their political affiliations or beliefs.