Newark deputy police chief says use of email was ‘inappropriate’
On the June 14 Newark Advocate Opinion Page, Dave Froelich wrote a Letter to the Editor that focused on an internal email I sent as Newark’s deputy chief of police to other city leaders [following the defeat of the Newark police and fire levy in the May primary]. He obtained the email through a public records request, had every legal right to do so, and I fully respect Ohio’s public records laws.
However, using my email to advance a personal agenda or further criticism of city leadership is inappropriate. I have never met Mr. Froelich, nor do I share or endorse his views.
I stand by the contents of my email. It was intended to encourage discussion and thoughtful dialogue among city leaders so we could address concerns, explore solutions, and move forward in a positive and productive manner.
The purpose of that communication was not to promote division, hostility, or negativity. Rather, it was an effort to foster open conversation and collaboration for the benefit of our organization and the community we serve.
My commitment remains unchanged: to serve the residents of Newark, support the members of our police department, and work constructively with city leadership to make our community stronger.
John Brnjic, Newark Deputy Police Chief
Questions raised about America First event at Bryn Du Mansion
On May 2, the group America First United hosted a conference at Bryn Du Mansion in Granville. AFU is an extension of America First, a nationally known hate group that espouses racism, antisemitism, and misogyny. The conference was billed as “bipartisan,” and issues such as foreign influence and transparency regarding the Epstein scandal were featured in the conference promotional materials.
However, the overriding agenda was not one of policy issues but one of hatred against Jews, Muslims, non-whites, immigrants, homosexuals, and others that America First insists have no rightful place in America.
According to the article, “A Far-Right Experiment in Political Unity” in The New York Times, “there was a slew of epithets for homosexuals, slurs for intellectual disabilities, and antisemitic comments.”
The conference slid under the local media radar, leaving many in Granville unaware that it took place. For those who read the NYT article with disbelief and shock, the conference’s occurrence has raised questions about how First Amendment considerations apply to Bryn Du Mansion and the public and private aspects of its programming.
If, as a public facility, Bryn Du Mansion may not deny groups access based on their belief systems, then presumably the public has a right to know what events take place there, both public and private, and to appropriately exercise their own First Amendment rights.
If Bryn Du is private, then it would have the latitude to restrict programming in its bylaws by, for example, excluding political events altogether. Many questions remain about the rights and responsibilities of our village facilities. We hope that ongoing dialogue between Bryn Du Mansion and the Village of Granville will result in practical, ethical public guidelines with which to navigate future such events.
Our elected and appointed officials also need to be more transparent and communicative about that process, and not just hope that this issue remains unnoticed and soon forgotten. Whatever the outcome, Granville residents need to know what took place in our community on May 2, and to voice their opinions with local leaders.
Laura Joseph, Granville
Great Granville Picnic to celebrate hometown spirit, public service
As July 4th approaches, we salute our veterans and all who serve. Thank you. Also, we wanted to let you know that as part of America’s 250th birthday celebration, the community is invited to gather in the heart of Granville on Aug. 15, 2026, for the Great Granville Picnic — a celebration of hometown spirit, public service, and community. The event will honor the many individuals who help make Granville such a special place to call home, including our veterans, firefighters, police officers, elected village and township officials, and the many public servants who work each day to keep our community safe, strong, and thriving.
Now is the time to sign up for the baking contest, plan your decorations, and save the date on your calendars. Since first publicized, reserved tables for the event have sold out. However, families, friends, neighbors, and visitors are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets to enjoy the festivities from the grassy lawn area near Denison University’s Eisner Center.
The evening promises to be a memorable celebration of everything that makes Granville uniquely Granville — strong community connections, service, and neighbors coming together. Attendees can arrive starting at 4 p.m. to enjoy live music, family and kids games and art projects, a historical display about the Revolutionary War soldiers from our area, an old-fashioned baking contest, and celebrate both our nation’s historic milestone and the dedicated individuals who continue to serve the Granville community every day. We proudly salute them all.
The 2026 Great Granville Picnic also marks the 55th anniversary of the Granville Community Foundation, one of the convenors and sponsors of the event alongside generous community Independence Sponsors, including the Kiwanis Club of Granville, Granville Investment Group, The Hinderer Motor Company, and Park National Bank.
Jill Young, director, Granville Community Foundation
U.S. Senate bill could force arbitration over first union contracts
The threat of forced first-contract arbitration is now just one U.S. Senate vote away, and Ohio’s merit shop contractors face a critical juncture.
This federal legislation strips business owners and employees of their right to negotiate freely, replacing mutual agreements with heavy-handed government mandates.
Under this proposal, strict timelines like Day 10, Day 90, and Day 120 force artificial negotiation timelines. If an agreement isn’t reached, an outside panel with little to no understanding of how local markets work or specific company dynamics will dictate the final contract terms.
For Ohio’s merit shops, this approach destroys competitive flexibility and throws into chaos the open-shop model that drives our local economy. Government bureaucrats should not have the authority to write binding contracts for private businesses.
This issue hits incredibly close to home. We must protect our state’s construction industry and the thousands of local jobs it supports. I urge fellow contractors and community members to call both of Ohio’s U.S. senators today and demand they vote against forced arbitration. It is time to get organizing ready, put a number on the economic impact, and stay plugged into the Merit Shop Alliance to protect our businesses.
Barton Hacker, president of Associated Builders & Contractors, Central Ohio Chapter
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Newark deputy chief responds to letter; Bryn Du program questioned| Letters
Reporting by Newark Advocate / Newark Advocate
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By Newark Advocate | USA TODAY Network
