Open Letter from the Ashtabula County Republican Party
The Ashtabula County Republican Party issues this statement with both gravity and urgency. In light of recent events, we are compelled to address the conduct of Geneva City Council member Dana Schenk. Her actions and words have crossed a line that cannot and must not be ignored.
Councilwoman Schenk’s public comments regarding the political assassination of Charlie Kirk were not only insensitive, they were disgraceful. At a time when our nation is mourning the loss of a husband, father, and patriot, she chose to make statements that trivialize the tragedy and dismiss the pain felt by millions of Americans. Her words reflect a callous disregard for human life, for civility, and for the basic decency we should expect from anyone in elected office.
Equally disturbing, on her own Facebook page, she resorted to profane and demeaning language toward a resident of Geneva, referring to them as a “mother f***er.” This is not the behavior of a private citizen speaking in the heat of a moment, this is the behavior of a public official who should be held to the highest standard of conduct. Such vulgarity directed at a constituent is shameful, unbecoming, and destructive to the trust and respect required to serve in public office.
The people of Geneva deserve better. They deserve leaders who uphold dignity, civility, and respect, even in disagreement. Elected officials should set the tone for the community, demonstrating leadership, restraint, and professionalism. When that trust is broken, when an official uses their platform to divide, demean, and disgrace, accountability must follow.
It is for these reasons that we, the Ashtabula County Republican Party, are demanding that Dana Schenk resign her seat on Geneva City Council immediately. Her conduct has undermined her credibility, disrespected the people she represents, and stained the honor of her office. To remain in her position would be to normalize behavior that is beneath the dignity of public service and destructive to the public’s trust.
This is not about politics, it is about principle. It is about protecting the integrity of our institutions and ensuring that those entrusted with public responsibility uphold the values of respect, honor, and service. Words matter. Actions matter. And when those words and actions cross into the realm of cruelty, vulgarity, and indecency, the only honorable path forward is resignation.
The people of Geneva deserve a council member who reflects their values, their hopes, and their respect for one another. They do not deserve to be spoken down to, insulted, or mocked by someone who was elected to represent them.
For the sake of our community, for the dignity of the office she holds, and for the example we set to our children and future leaders, we call on Dana Schenk to step down immediately.
Respectfully,
The Ashtabula County Republican Party Executive Committee
