5 min read
Jan 20, 2025
As Bucyrus faces a growing housing crisis, questions about Council President Kurt Fankhauser’s vacant property add urgency to concerns over residency accountability.
Back in 2010, Bucyrus was swept up in a political controversy when then-Mayor Dan Ross was compelled to step down over a residency dispute. The Crawford County Board of Elections determined that Ross no longer lived within the city limits — a decision later affirmed by the Ohio Supreme Court. Ross had moved out of his registered address but continued to claim it as his residence, a move that ultimately led to his resignation. The case underscored the critical importance of upholding electoral integrity.
Ross, who passed away in 2022, remains a respected figure in Bucyrus. A lifelong public servant, his legacy includes roles as firefighter, fire chief, mayor, and council member. Many in the community remember him not only for his dedication to the city but also for setting a precedent of accountability in local government. His 2010 resignation is often cited as an example of taking responsibility, a standard that residents argue should now apply to Kurt Fankhauser, who is facing a similar challenge.
While the two cases share comparable circumstances, there are notable differences. Ross had listed his former property for sale, and his claim of still living at the old residence after purchasing a new home was contradicted by testimony from his tenant. These details set Ross’s situation apart, though both cases highlight the significance of enforcing residency requirements in local politics.
Fankhauser’s residency at 616 Prospect Street has come under scrutiny after concerned citizens filed a complaint with the Crawford County Board of Elections. The complaint alleges that he does not genuinely live at the address but instead uses it to meet candidacy and voting requirements.
When reached for comment, Fankhauser dismissed the allegations, stating, “The Board of Elections already ruled on this exact issue in 2022 unanimously in my favor. This is just political rhetoric by the same group of people that are always trying to discredit me ahead of an election.”
This is not the first time Fankhauser has faced questions about his residency. During his 2022 campaign for a Republican Central Committee seat, his claim of living at the Prospect Street property was disputed. Critics argued that his purchase of the house aligned with his political ambitions to unseat long-serving Ward 2A representative Sis Love, leading to skepticism within the community.
The 2022 hearing, which lasted several hours, included witness testimonies and evidence like utility records and photographs. Former Councilman-at-Large Mark Makeever and ex-councilman Steve Pifer alleged that Fankhauser was misrepresenting his residence, with Makeever even admitting to trespassing on the property to capture photos of a water meter that he claimed proved it was uninhabited. Despite these allegations, the Board ruled in Fankhauser’s favor, citing insufficient evidence to disqualify him. For many, the decision felt like a missed chance to enforce the same standards applied to Dan Ross.
Adding another layer to this controversy is the ongoing housing crisis in Bucyrus and Crawford County, where affordable housing remains critically scarce. Many families have been displaced in recent years, forced to stay with relatives or find temporary shelter due to a lack of affordable rental options. Rising rent costs and limited housing availability have only worsened the issue, leaving residents struggling to find stable living arrangements.
Against this backdrop, several community members have approached Fankhauser over the past few years with offers to purchase or rent the property at 616 Prospect Street, which has appeared vacant for some time. Despite the interest, Fankhauser has reportedly declined these offers, prompting speculation that he is hesitant to rent or sell the home for fear of encountering the same legal challenges that led to Dan Ross’s resignation in 2010.
Critics argue that leaving the house vacant, rather than repairing it and making it available as an affordable rental, is a missed opportunity to address a pressing community need. “We’re in the middle of a housing crisis, and here’s a home that could provide shelter for a family, yet it’s just sitting there deteriorating,” one concerned citizen said.
As council president, Fankhauser’s handling of the property has drawn scrutiny, with some residents questioning whether his actions reflect the leadership the community expects. “For someone in his position, this doesn’t bode well,” another local remarked.
Adding further intrigue to the case is speculation about the role of Crawford County Prosecutor Matt Crall, who some believe may be positioning himself for a judicial run. While Crall has faced accusations from unrelated sources of avoiding cases involving registered Republicans — raising concerns about potential political motivations — he has firmly denied these allegations. Crall has reiterated his commitment to ensuring the fair and equal application of the law.
The hearing is set for Wednesday, January 22, at 9 AM at the Crawford County Administrative Building. It promises to be a pivotal moment in Bucyrus politics, with residents calling for consistent enforcement of residency requirements.
“This isn’t just about one person — it’s about protecting the integrity of our electoral process,” said one concerned citizen. “Residency rules exist for a reason, and they should be applied fairly to everyone.”
The public is encouraged to attend the hearing and engage in this vital discussion. As events unfold, the case serves as a reminder of the crucial role civic involvement plays in safeguarding the fairness and transparency of local governance.
