After about 5 years of working to get the dog laws in Brown County Ohio enforced, it appears the local officials are tired of Mike bothering them. Mike has reported that County Commissioners have adjourned meetings rather than let him ask them to enforce the Ohio law(on dogs), which is clear. Many other examples could be listed. It is reported by very credible sources (former County employee) they (County officials)have tried to intimidate Michael in the past. One friend reports she was called at work and told Mike better be careful, someone might run over him while he was out cycling. Mike still has the email the friend sent after the threatening call.
Other local cyclists have experienced similar issues, but most have given up. This writer and others (Mike has often taken photos of dogs in the road) have presented photos of vicious dogs in the road to the various dog wardens and nothing was done. Cyclists have been inured. Dogs have been hit by cars, motorcycles and bikes. Mike kept after the officials and has paid the price.
Now after asking a County Commissioner about these issues, on Mike has been charged with “intimidation of a public official”. This a felony, with a five year prison term and $10,000 fine. This is also an abuse of power, and wrong. They are trying to destroy Mike’s business and shut him up. Are citizens prohibited from asking questions of local officials? Are citizens allowed to be upset at elected officials?
What Mike has consitantly done is ask local officials to enforce Ohio Law. Mike has hurt no one, Mike is a great asset to the community. We are starting a legal defense fund to assist him through the legal process. We also need to get the word out to Brown County, and the cycling World the injustice that is happening in their community. Please write Mike in jail, make a donation to his legal defense fund, and most of all tell others about this ugly abuse of power.