Kent United Church of Christ was hot, muggy and overflowing as over 150 concerned Portage County residents packed the building the evening of Sept. 19 to voice their opinions on Portage County Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski’s online remarks.
The Portage County NAACP called the “emergency meeting” after Zuchowski, a Republican, drew national attention from a Facebook post he made encouraging residents to write down the addresses of homeowners with signs supporting Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee. The post goes on to suggest sending illegal immigrants, whom Zuchowski referred to as “human locust,” to these addresses.
Zuchowski has since deleted the post on both his personal and sheriff’s Facebook page. In a follow-up post, he defended his comments saying they were misinterpreted and within his First Amendment rights. However, dozens of residents have openly said they believe the purpose of his posts were to intimidate voters.
“I am scared,” said Renee Concha Saastamoinen, an Indigenous Kent resident. “I have intentionally not put up signs in front of my house. I have not put it on my car.”
Other residents questioned how they could trust Zuchowski and their local law enforcement after seeing the support he received. One resident noted how the sheriff spoke out against half the county despite swearing to protect and serve all.
“What happens if I need intervention, and I’ve got a Harris Walz sign in my front yard?” a Portage County resident introduced as “Kelly” said. “Am I going to get the same kind of treatment?”
Some Portage County residents took the opportunity to encourage others to hold Zuchowski accountable for his actions and words by petitioning and voting him out of office.
“Where he should be bringing us together, where he should be allowing us to live together as one,” said one resident who did not introduce himself. “He is using fear and intimidation to tear us apart.”
Other concerns shared during the meeting were that residents found Zuchowski’s comments unprofessional, dehumanizing and an abuse of power.
Theresa Nielson, the Portage County Board of Elections deputy director, was also present at the NAACP meeting. Battling tears, she shared a message to voters encouraging them to cast their vote this November.
“Please don’t be afraid to vote,” Nielsen said. “Because if you are afraid to vote, and you do not vote, the bully wins.”
According to the Ohio Attorney General and Bureau of Criminal Investigation, there have been over 60 voter intimidation complaints filed against the Portage County Sheriff’s Office. Due to these concerns of voter intimidation, members of the Portage County Board of Elections voted to drop the sheriff’s office from providing election security.
“It’s our primary job to provide free, fair and transparent elections,” Nielsen said. “The board believes by having somebody other than the sheriff’s office provide security, that we are helping to alleviate any intimidation that voters may feel.”
Nielson said a combination of officers from the Ravenna City Police Department and private security employed by the county will provide security for the election. Nielsen added if the Board of Elections receives any reports of voter intimidation on Election Day, they will act accordingly.
Zuchowski could not be reached for comment.
John Engoglia is a beat reporter. Contact him at [email protected].
