By April Rodgers Content Coordinator
Following Tuesday’s Republican Primary in Bucyrus, City Council President Kurt Fankhauser shared his reaction to the results of the Council-At-Large race and offered insight on the direction of city politics as well as his own potential political future.
While the primary did not determine final officeholders, it set the stage for the November election, where James Mee, Ray Thitoff, and Robert Taylor are currently unopposed except for possible write-in challengers. Current Councilwoman Clarissa Slater, who had recently been appointed to council, was not among the top vote-getters.
“I think the voters took a firm stand and said they want certain people on council and not others,” Fankhauser said. “Clarissa was never voted in by the people in the first place—she was appointed by four people just weeks ago. The voters clearly rejected her. I think she should consider stepping down and allowing one of the other top vote-getters, like Ray or Robert, to take her seat now.”
Fankhauser, who will remain council president through December, offered advice to the new Republican nominees and potential future council members. “Do your homework, do your research, and talk with your constituents,” he said. “Don’t fall into the bureaucracy mindset that has plagued government—of continuing to do things the way they’ve always been done. You work for the people who voted you in, not other city employees.”
He expressed confidence in the two newcomers. “I think Ray and Robert will be a blessing on council. I respect them both.”
Fankhauser also addressed the results of Levy 3, a street levy that passed but with notably less support than in 2019. He sees the shift in voter sentiment as a warning sign. “The street levy lost support compared to its last renewal. That’s a sign something is happening in Bucyrus—voter frustration with the direction of the city.”
When asked whether he might seek office again after his current term ends, Fankhauser left the door open. “You never know,” he said. “All options are being left open for two years from now.”
