KENT, Ohio — There are a number of political signs in Patricia Ury’s front yard. 

Her biggest one shows her support for Vice President Kamala Harris and Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz's campaign.

“I was so excited to get such a big one because we want to support this campaign,” Ury said.

But a recent social media post by Portage County Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski left her wondering if she should display her support.

What You Need To Know

  • Portage County Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski put out a social media post mocking the Harris-Walz campaign

  • The social media post suggests taking addresses of those with Harris-Walz lawn signs so they know who will support immigrants when they come into the area

  • Portage County Republican Party stands in support of the sheriff's comments

 

(Facebook post by Bruce Zuchowski)

In the Facebook post, Zuchowski mocks Harris’ laugh and refers to immigrants as “locusts.” The post suggests people write down the addresses of homes with Harris-Walz signs in their yards, so when immigrants need a place to live, they’ll have the addresses of people who support their arrival.

Spectrum News 1 reached out to Zuchowski about his Facebook post, but he hasn't responded. 

The post isn’t sitting well with some Harris supporters in Portage County, including the head of the Portage County Democratic Party.

“Any elected official, especially in law enforcement, that makes statements that are intended to intimidate and bully voters, should be voted out of office and fired from their position,” said Denise Smith, chair of Portage County Democratic Party.

Zuchowski does have the support of the Portage County Republican Party. Their chairperson, Amanda Suffecool, put out the following statement:

“The Portage County Republican Party stands with our candidates, and specifically with Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski.”

It goes on to mention the situation in Springfield, Ohio, saying, “I believe the sheriff’s statement is a bit of artistic license getting toward the principal belief that elections have consequences. Springfield, Ohio, is an example of what can happen to each and every community when and if they are overrun with people who do not understand our laws, nor share our customs. The community suffers.”

As for Ury, she’s proud to make her voice heard and decided she has plans to take down her signs.

“We need to send up against this sheriff. Voter intimidation is illegal, and it has no place in our friendly little county,” Ury said.