Council Shrugs at Fankhauser’s Claims, But Should They?
While public frustration over the million-dollar mistake continues to grow, the reaction from Bucyrus City Council has been strikingly different. Several members told FreeWire they hadn’t watched Fankhauser’s latest video and had no intention of doing so, dismissing it as just another spectacle.
One council member privately likened his approach to "superhero syndrome"—the idea that he’s not just exposing problems but creating them to later position himself as the city’s savior. Another jokingly referred to it as “main character syndrome,” a newer term for someone who always places themselves at the center of every major story.
Their consensus? They believe Fankhauser will be irrelevant after November.
City Law Director Brandon Gobrecht shared a similar sentiment, telling FreeWire:
“Of all the things on my growing list of things to be concerned about, people making YouTube videos is not on the list unless it directly, and adversely, affects the City of Bucyrus' interests.”
The underlying message from city leadership is clear: Fankhauser isn’t worth their attention.
But that assumption might be naive.
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Public Reaction: A Call for Accountability
The response on FreeWire’s Facebook post suggests that even those who don’t fully trust Fankhauser still believe he raises concerns that resonate with a frustrated citizenry.
🗣 Judy Snyder: “We need an outside investigation in everything going on.”
🗣 Ashley Young: “Once again, citizens of Bucyrus are getting punished for people not doing their job… think it may be time to sell!”
🗣 Holly Harris: “If you really think the water department is going to add $3 or $4 dollars to your water bill for a certain amount of time… I highly doubt that. We will have a charge added on for someone’s mistake and it won’t ever come off!”
While frustration over the million-dollar mistake is the dominant theme, some have taken issue with Fankhauser’s approach rather than the content of his message:
🗣 Minnie Ashburn: “Why is he sharing this on a video? As City Council President, why isn’t he bringing ideas and trying to work together? Everything he says isn’t bad… it’s just how he goes about it.”
🗣 Melissa Bloomfield: “Funny how a ‘citizen’ has so much information he wants to vlog about. It’s almost as if… he is using his position to get the information out first.”
This is the real conflict at play—not just over whether the water fund mistake was intentional or negligent, but over whether Fankhauser’s tactics are helping or hurting the city’s trust in government.
Ignoring Fankhauser: A Strategic Mistake?
Council may see Fankhauser’s exit from office as the end of his influence, but that might be wishful thinking. Even if he’s no longer sitting at the council table, he still has an audience.
He understands public sentiment. He knows how to work a crowd. And perhaps most importantly, he understands marketing. His strategy—whether intentional or instinctive—bears resemblance to one of the most influential political figures in modern history: Donald J. Trump.
Sometimes, the best way to win is to step back and watch the opposition implode. And when the next next election cycle comes around—the one after 2026—Fankhauser will be waiting.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see “Fankhauser ‘28” mayoral signs dotting Bucyrus in a few short years. Right now, he’s getting his independent journalist fix. But once that’s satiated, what’s next?
What Comes Next?
With Bucyrus residents still demanding answers, and council members brushing off Fankhauser’s latest accusations, who will be held accountable?
Will Bucyrus leadership address concerns head-on, or will they continue to underestimate the political force Fankhauser is building? If council members believe his influence will disappear, they may be setting themselves up for a rude awakening in the next election cycle.
One thing is certain: This story isn’t over.
