For the first time since being accused of harassing and intimidating Mayor Frank Whitfield and his children, Carl Spanos is speaking out. Spanos, 60, has worked for the City of Elyria for 18 years and is currently employed in the Wastewater Department. His coworkers describe him as having a strong work ethic with a no-nonsense … Continue reading Spanos speaks out for first time following mayor’s harassment allegations (Part 1)

The results of the 2023 Elyria Mayoral Election Poll are in. There were 264 participants. This is the 3rd poll I've run this election cycle and the first that focused only on the mayoral election. This is not a scientific poll. It is an internet poll. It is meant to stir discussion and, for political … Continue reading Results: 2023 Elyria Mayoral Election Poll

This past Friday, October 20, Elyria residents received the following email from Whitfield for Mayor of Elyria. The subject line read, "Elyria Voting is in Full Swing!" Greetings, I’m seeking your support for re-election as Elyra’s Mayor, and as you know, we're in the final stretch of election season. Our team has been busy knocking … Continue reading Questions raised in Elyria mayoral campaign’s email strategy

The word "coon" has been used as an epithet to attack African Americans since at least the mid 1800's. It was featured in blackface performances popularized during Andrew Jackson's administration. Jim Crow-era newspaper clippings are littered with the slur. Recently, the word was scrawled across the sidewalks outside a Kentucky university housing black students. There … Continue reading Coonville: A troubling name rich in history

Above is an image of the formal grievance. The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 277 has filed a formal grievance against the City of Elyria. The grievance is on behalf of City of Elyria employee, Carl Spanos. As I previously reported, Spanos was accused of "harassing and intimidating" Elyria Mayor … Continue reading Labor union files grievance against City of Elyria, alleges breach of contract in Spanos case

It was just after 3:00 a.m. at Elyria's Chronicle-Telegram. Staff had just finished printing thousands of newspapers and the day's distribution was ready. Their work complete, they clocked out for the night and headed to the parking lot. There they found a vehicle that appeared out of place with the driver's door open. Inside, an … Continue reading A disturbing response to another Elyria murder (opinion)

The image above is a capture of the Notice of Discipline. You can read the full Notice here. Elyria, Ohio - The investigation into the altercation between Elyria Mayor Frank Whitfield and City of Elyria employee Carl Spanos has concluded. The City has determined Spanos was dishonest in the disciplinary hearings following the incident, according … Continue reading 3-day suspension for City of Elyria employee accused of harassing and intimidating mayor

Pictured above: City of Elyria Mayor Frank Whitfield (left) and City of Elyria Safety Service Director Matt Lundy It's been nearly three week's since Elyria's mayor, Frank Whitfield, accused a city employee of "harassment and intimidation" at a local park. First reported by the Chronicle-Telegram last week, the story received little attention, and understandably so. … Continue reading Opinion: Whitfield administration misused power by involving police in employee dispute